Abstract: A method for forming a preform for a hollow turbomachine component is provided. The method includes positioning a sheet made of woven fibers on a base equipped with a longitudinal impression; positioning a mandrel in the longitudinal impression to clamp the sheet between the base and the mandrel, the mandrel having a thickness that increases between a proximal end and a distal end; locking the distal end of the mandrel into position; placing a proximal block resting on the base; forming two flaps of the sheet around the flanks of the mandrel; resting two lateral blocks on the base on either side of the mandrel; locking the lateral blocks into position to form an assembly; drying the assembly to form a preform including a flat base, from which two flaps extend perpendicularly; and adjusting the flaps to the dimensions of the mandrel by trimming excess material.

Abstract: The invention relates to an appliance (8) for compacting, drying and cutting a preform of a hollow component of a turbomachine, said appliance comprising: a base (2, 2a) acting as a support for a sheet of material (1, 7) and comprising a long impression (22, 22a); a mandrel (3, 3a) which can be positioned in said long impression, clamping the sheet of material against the base, thus defining two flaps (12, 13, 72, 73) of said sheet (1, 7) arranged either side of the mandrel (3, 3a); and two side blocks (5, 6, 5a, 6a) which can be positioned such that they are supported on the base, either side of the mandrel, clamping the flaps of the sheet against the mandrel, said side blocks and/or the mandrel co-operating with means for cutting said flaps in such a way that they are adjusted to the dimensions of the mandrel or said side blocks.