Drape

The ability of a reinforcement fabric or prepreg to conform to a curved or double-curved mould surface without wrinkling or bridging. Weave style, fibre type and binder all affect drape, which is assessed when selecting materials for complex geometry.

Also known as: drapability, formability

Related terms

Crimp

The waviness introduced into fibres where yarns pass over and under each other in a woven fabric. Crimp reduces the stiffness and compressive strength the fibres can deliver, which is why non-crimp fabrics and unidirectional tapes are preferred for highly loaded laminates.

Composites & laminatesReinforcements & fibresAerospaceAutomotiveConstructionMarineGreen energyIndustrial

Non-crimp fabric

NCF

A family of reinforcements in which straight, uncrimped layers of fibre are held together by stitching or bonding rather than by weaving. Avoiding crimp improves stiffness, strength and fatigue performance compared with equivalent woven fabrics, and the format suits automated handling and the infusion of large parts.

Reinforcements & fibresComposites & laminatesAerospaceAutomotiveMarineGreen energyIndustrial

Layup

The process of placing reinforcement plies into or onto a mould in the specified sequence and orientation, by hand or by machine; also used as a noun for the resulting stack or its design. Hand layup with wet resin remains the basic process for GRP boat building and GRP roofing.

Composites & laminatesManufacturing processesAerospaceAutomotiveConstructionMarineGreen energyIndustrial

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