What are Braided Fibers Braiding consists of three or more yarns mechanically intertwined. The braids are continuous, which enables the load to be evenly distributed throughout the structure. These fibers are coiled into a helix, similar to wire in a spring. Tubular braid features continuous seamless fibers from end to end of a part. The braided fibers are manufactured in the form of sleeves, wide fabrics or flat tapes. The sleeves have the 'Chinese finger-trap'-effect so that it conforms to the shape it is reinforcing.
Braids are used in many industrial applications. Some of the common applications are listed below:
As fan blade containment in commercial aircrafts
For energy-absorbing crash structures in Formula One racing cars
As reinforcement for aircraft propellers and stator vanes in jet engines
For building light weight frames and structures such as trusses
For use in precise manufacture of composite parts
Ideal reinforcement for drive shafts and torque transfer components, such as flanged hubs
For products with changing geometries like prosthetics and hockey sticks.