Abstract: A device for shaping a semi-finished fiber product for manufacturing a C-shaped or I-shaped former, and including clamping mechanisms and a forming tool. Each clamping mechanism has a first and a second clamping element and together they hold a semi-finished fiber product along two longitudinal and opposite edges. The clamping elements and forming tool move in a coupled manner between starting and end positions. During this movement, the longitudinal edges of the semi-finished fiber product are transformed into a curved shape, wherein a length of one of the longitudinal edges of the semi-finished fiber product does not change and a length of the other longitudinal edge becomes greater. During the movement, the forming tool is transformed into a curved shape and guided relative to the clamping elements against the semi-finished fiber product such that the semi-finished fiber product is deep drawn over the forming tool.

Abstract: A device for shaping a semi-finished fiber product for manufacturing a C-shaped or I-shaped former, and including clamping mechanisms and a forming tool. Each clamping mechanism has a first and a second clamping element and together they hold a semi-finished fiber product along two longitudinal and opposite edges. The clamping elements and forming tool move in a coupled manner between starting and end positions. During this movement, the longitudinal edges of the semi-finished fiber product are transformed into a curved shape, wherein a length of one of the longitudinal edges of the semi-finished fiber product does not change and a length of the other longitudinal edge becomes greater. During the movement, the forming tool is transformed into a curved shape and guided relative to the clamping elements against the semi-finished fiber product such that the semi-finished fiber product is deep drawn over the forming tool.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of forming a curved prepreg strip or sheet, especially for use in fabricating a composite component. The method includes providing a strip or sheet of prepreg material having reinforcing fibers and drawing or conveying the prepreg material in a travel direction, wherein the material is drawn or conveyed in the travel direction at a speed which differs across a width of the strip or sheet transverse to the travel direction. Similarly, the invention relates to an apparatus for forming a curved prepreg strip or sheet, having: a mechanism for drawing or conveying a strip or sheet of prepreg material in a travel direction, wherein the mechanism is configured to draw or convey the strip or sheet of prepreg material in the travel direction at a speed which differs across a width of the strip or sheet transverse to the travel direction.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of forming a curved prepreg strip or sheet, especially for use in fabricating a composite component. The method includes providing a strip or sheet of prepreg material having reinforcing fibres and drawing or conveying the prepreg material in a travel direction, wherein the material is drawn or conveyed in the travel direction at a speed which differs across a width of the strip or sheet transverse to the travel direction. Similarly, the invention relates to an apparatus for forming a curved prepreg strip or sheet, having: a mechanism for drawing or conveying a strip or sheet of prepreg material in a travel direction, wherein the mechanism is configured to draw or convey the strip or sheet of prepreg material in the travel direction at a speed which differs across a width of the strip or sheet transverse to the travel direction.