Abstract:
The invention relates to a method of manufacturing an elongated article (10) having a shaft (20) and a functional head section (30). The method comprises the steps of providing a dimensionally stable core mandrel (1); overlaying first reinforcing fibers onto the core mandrel to form one or more first wall parts (31); providing at least one shaping element (2a) to the overlaid core mandrel (1); overlaying second reinforcing fibers onto the core mandrel (1) and the at least one shaping element (2a) to form one or more second wall parts (41); providing a matrix material and consolidating the matrix material; wherein the core mandrel (1) is provided to form an elongated article (10) having a well defined inner cavity. Overlaying fibers is preferably performed by in-situ braiding. The cross-section of the elongated article (10) comprises fiber reinforced wall parts that impart stiffness to the article. The inner cavity may be filled with weight distributing element(s) (90).
Abstract:
The invention relates to a device for braiding fibers into a braided structure, the device comprising a braiding machine, comprising a continuous track plate, a forming device, comprising a forming ring, a braiding mandrel about which the braiding machine braids at least one layer of the braided structure, and positioning means to effectuate relative movement of the mandrel and the braiding machine during braiding. The continuous track plate and/or the forming ring are build up of at least two parts that may be separated and reattached to each other, the parts being arranged such as to allow the track plate and/or the forming ring to enclose the mandrel. The invention further relates to a method for braiding fibers into a braided structure.