Enhance your product with pinpoint accuracy.
✓ with textile preforms and Tailored Fiber Placement (TFP)
✓ precisely where loads occur and stability is needed
✓ with fiber orientation along their force paths.
Fiber preforms with Tailored Fiber Placement (TFP)
Textile dry preforms for stable, durable fiber composite products
If you Plastic or SMC components As a manufacturer, you are familiar with your customers' typical requirements: high stiffness and load-bearing capacity, long service life, while maintaining the lowest possible weight and stable unit costs in series production. For this, you need reinforcements that can be precisely positioned where forces actually act.
Textile preforms are designed precisely for this purpose. dry-finished fiber semi-finished products, in which continuous fibers are already present before forming or laminating component-oriented and near-net-shape They are arranged. We manufacture these preforms with Tailored Fiber Placement (TFP)This is achieved through precise fiber placement along defined load paths instead of using flat weaves. This allows you to implement even complex reinforcement zones economically and reproducibly. Because the fibers are laid close to the final contour, there is hardly any waste, saving material and reducing your costs per component.
Let's work together to determine which preform geometry and fiber placement will make your components more stable while simultaneously reducing material and costs.
NDA possible before data exchange.
Brief profile: Fiber preforms made from Tailored Fiber Placement (TFP)
- Output: Textile dry preforms (fiber semi-finished products) for defined reinforcement zones
- Goal: Increased stiffness and load-bearing capacity with minimal weight and stable unit costs
- Procedure: CNC-assisted fiber placement along defined load paths (TFP)
- Further processing: Thermosetting (e.g., SMC, RTM) and thermoplastic (e.g., thermoforming, injection molding)
- Materials: Carbon, glass, aramid, hybrid structures; thermoplastic also possible as commingling.
- handling: Preforms with support or as a pure reinforcement structure (removable supports depending on the design)
- Quality: Reproducible fiber placement, defined positioning, coordination of testing and documentation scope
- Confidentiality: NDA prior to data exchange possible upon request
Fewer work steps, more process reliability in your manufacturing
You can integrate the reinforcement using textile preforms. in one clear work step into your production. Shape, fiber arrangement and layer structure are already defined in the semi-finished product. This saves you time when cutting fabrics, reduces manual intermediate steps and lowers typical sources of error that lead to scrap or rework.
Less waste, lower material costs
We manufacture preforms by Tailored Fiber Placement (TFP) with CNC-assisted fiber placement onto flexible carrier materials. Through the Near-net-shape storage Significantly less waste is produced compared to pre-cut fabrics. Depending on the layout and fiber type, the amount of fiber waste can vary. very small fail (in suitable cases) by approximately 3%).
Advantages of textile dry preforms made from Tailored Fiber Placement (TFP)
Economically
Cost-effective production of complex reinforcements, even in series production
Complex structures
Defined patterns, layers, and fiber paths for pinpoint reinforcement
Light & stable
High stiffness due to load-path-oriented fiber alignment at low weight
Hybrid
Combination of lightweight fibers (carbon, glass, aramid, basalt, etc.) and metals possible
Multifunctional
Optional integration of heating wires or sensor threads into the preform
Reproducible
High repeatability for small and large production runs
Typical applications for textile preforms made from Tailored Fiber Placement (TFP)
You don't want to reinforce the entire surface, but rather precisely where forces actually act on your component? Textile preforms are ideal if you... Plastic or SMC components They want to stabilize the product in a targeted manner, reduce weight, and at the same time produce it reproducibly in series.
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Local reinforcement zones instead of full-surface layup Reinforce specific areas such as edges, radii, ribs, openings or screw points without making the entire component unnecessarily heavy.
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Greater stiffness at the same weight By using load-path-oriented fiber placement, you increase component stiffness where it is needed and save material in less stressed areas.
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Economical implementation of complex reinforcement geometries When woven fabrics and non-woven fabrics reach their limits, preforms enable near-net-shape, defined fiber paths even with challenging contours.
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Stabilize series quality and reduce variation Preforms ensure reproducible reinforcement, so that the properties and performance of your components remain constant across batches.
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Reduce material costs through minimal waste Near-net-shape fiber placement means: less waste, less rejects, better material utilization, especially with high-quality fibers.
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SMC molded parts are specifically reinforced Use preforms as defined reinforcement elements to, for example, stabilize local load points or to selectively build up functional areas in the molded part.
Our textile preforms are particularly suitable as reinforcement for plastic and SMC components when you need to combine defined stiffness, reproducible series quality, and cost-effective manufacturing. For selected applications, preforms are also available as reinforcement in concrete components usable. Depending on the requirements, we will agree. Fiber type, fiber placement and preform geometry so that your reinforcement takes effect exactly where it is constructively required.
Let's talk briefly about your component.
Textile preforms for further processing in thermosetting and thermoplastic processes
To ensure that your reinforcement in the component achieves precisely the desired effect, we adjust Carrier material, fiber or fiber mix, fiber orientation and contour of the preform We tailor our approach specifically to your process. From the very beginning, we take the following into account: economical production Your textile semi-finished products, from small series to scalable production.
Thermosetting processes
- SMC Hot Pressing (Sheet Molding Compound)
- RTM (Resin Transfer Molding)
- Vacuum injection process
- Vacuum expansion process
Thermoplastic processes
- Thermoform
- Injection molding
- Laminating and hot pressing
Choose the appropriate fiber or fiber combination
To ensure that your textile preform delivers precisely the desired properties in the component, we will work with you to select the appropriate one. Fiber structureYour requirements are crucial in this regard. Stiffness, impact strength, temperature resistance, weight and costDepending on the application, we combine individual fiber types or develop new ones. hybrid structures, for example, made of lightweight fibers among themselves or in combination with metal fibers.
Tell us what properties your component should achieve, and we will translate that into a suitable material and preform design.
Fiber preforms for thermoset processing methods
✓ Carbon fibers
✓ Aramid fibers / Kevlar
✓ Fiber optics
✓ Natural fibers
✓ High-performance fibers
More about thermoset fiber preforms
Fiber preforms for thermoplastic processing methods
Comingling with thermoplastic matrix materials, e.g.:
✓ Polypropylene (PP)
✓ Polyamide 6 (PA6)
✓ Polyetheretherketone (PEEK)
More about thermoplastic fiber preforms
Reinforcement structures on substrate materials
Clarify carrier material and handling
Fiber preforms for thermoset processing methods
✓ Carbon fibers
✓ Aramid fibers / Kevlar
✓ Fiber optics
✓ Natural fibers
✓ High-performance fibers
More about thermoset fiber preforms
Fiber preforms for thermoplastic processing methods
Comingling with thermoplastic matrix materials, e.g.:
✓ Polypropylene (PP)
✓ Polyamide 6 (PA6)
✓ Polyetheretherketone (PEEK)
More about thermoplastic fiber preforms
Reinforcement structures on substrate materials
Clarify carrier material and handling
Textile preforms from the manufacturer TFP Technology
You want your plastic or SMC component Do you want to make your project more stable, lighter, and more efficient? Then we will develop a textile preform with you that... Specifically reinforced where loads are applied, tailored to geometry, quantity and your further processing process.
Confidentiality is standard: We will close upon request An NDA is required before exchanging data. .
Send us a sketch or CAD data and briefly describe your process (e.g., SMC, RTM, thermoforming, or injection molding). We will get back to you with an initial assessment.
This is how your dry preforms are created.
- Clarify feasibility: Coordinate requirements, installation space, load points, process and quantities
- Design the reinforcement concept: Define layout for targeted amplification
- Define material composition: Select fiber, fiber mix and carrier material
- Creating CAD data and finalize preform geometry
- Make samples
- Test in your further processing and results feedback
- Optimization or release for production
- Series production in small or large series
Quality that works in your series
To ensure that your components consistently achieve the same properties during manufacturing, we place particular emphasis on the following in our textile preforms: reproducible fiber deposition and a clean process management. You receive a reinforcement structure that Process and position securely and reliably allows, tailored to your process and quality requirements.
Typical topics we will discuss with you:
- Dimensional accuracy and positioning of the preform in the component
- Reproducibility across batches and serial production runs
- Handling and carrier material (including releasable carrier, if required)
- Scope of testing and documentation according to your specifications
- Scaling from sample to small and large series
Tell us your quality criteria and quantities, and we'll show you how we can secure sample approval and series production.
NDA possible before data exchange.
Integrate function: Preforms with heating or sensors
Tailored Fiber Placement (TFP) allows you to not only reinforce textile structures, but also functional elements Integrate components such as heating elements or sensor filaments. This reduces the number of separate components and simplifies integration into your series production.
Electric heating elements
Integrate a heating function close to the material within your component or surface. Ideal for thermal management, de-icing, or heated systems.
Sensor mats and textile sensors
Add functions such as condition monitoring, pressure or temperature sensing directly into the textile structure, without additional wiring steps.
Applications for textile preforms
Textile preforms are used wherever components specifically reinforcedThe goal is to reduce weight and stabilize series production quality.
Typical areas of application include:
Automotive & Motorsport
✓ Rims
✓ Rear wing
✓ Reinforcement structures for bodywork and attachments
✓ Components for your product
Aviation
✓ Components for flap and mechanical areas, e.g. landing flaps, lifters
✓ Ribs and reinforcing elements
✓ Components for your product
Sports & Freetime
✓ Bicycle components
✓ Protective equipment and helmets
✓ Components for your product
Medicine
✓ Components for couches, support structures and equipment
✓ Components with high requirements for weight and stiffness
✓ Components for your product
Automotive & Motorsport
✓ Rims
✓ Rear wing
✓ Reinforcement structures for bodywork and attachments
✓ Components for your product
Sports & Freetime
✓ Bicycle components
✓ Protective equipment and helmets
✓ Components for your product
Aviation
✓ Components for flap and mechanical areas, e.g. landing flaps, lifters
✓ Ribs and reinforcing elements
✓ Components for your product
Medicine
✓ Components for couches, support structures and equipment
✓ Components with high requirements for weight and stiffness
✓ Components for your product
Complex reinforcements instead of standard fabrics: Preforms as an alternative
If you are still working with braided, woven or knitted reinforcement textiles today, you know the limitations: cutting, overlaps, wrinkling and unnecessary material areas cost time, weight and money. Textile preforms made from tailored fiber placement (TFP) replace classic fabrics where you targeted reinforcement, Reduce waste and reproducible for series production. The fibers are laid down in a load-path-oriented manner and close to the final contour, instead of being cut flat.
Light & stable:
Carbon fiber fabric / Carbon fabric
When stiffness at low weight is crucial, offer Fiber preforms clear advantages over carbon fabrics, carbon weaves, grids or mats:
- Defined fiber paths for targeted stiffness instead of planar layers.
- Near-net-shape storage for less waste and lower material costs
- Better adaptation to complex geometries, without folds and overlaps
- Stable repeatability for small and large production runs
Heat-resistant and abrasion-resistant:
Aramid fabric / Kevlar fabric
When impact resistance, abrasion or temperature play a role, can be Fiber preforms More precise and component-oriented construction than classic aramid fabric:
- Reinforcement precisely at the stressed zones instead of across the entire component
- Improved contour adaptation in complex reinforcement areas
- Reproducible properties through defined fiber placement
- fewer manual intermediate steps in manufacturing
Affordable & available:
Fiberglass fabric / glass fleece
When efficiency and availability count, combine Fiber preforms combining the cost advantages of fiber optics with the process advantages of TFP:
- precise fiber placement and defined reinforcement zones
- more complex shapes without unnecessary material surfaces
- better material utilization compared to mats, fleece and drapes
- Reproducibility suitable for series production with constant component properties
If you would like to replace fabric or create more targeted reinforcement zones, we will gladly review your geometry and process.
Secure your initial feasibility assessment
Send us a sketch or CAD data and briefly describe your process and quantities. If desired, we will sign a non-disclosure agreement (NDA) before exchanging data. You will receive an initial assessment of the preform design, feasibility, and the next logical step (sample or series production).
NDA possible before data exchange.
Use cases: Textile preforms made from tailored fiber placement (TFP) in practice
Specific application examples, design approaches and guidance on process integration, NDA-compliant and without customer details.
Carbon composites in mechanical engineering
Lightweight reinforcements for machine builders and OEMs: load path-oriented carbon preforms, manufactured close to the final shape and integrable with reliable processes.
Fiber preforms for carbon concrete and carbon reinforcement
Individual carbon reinforcement as an alternative to steel: Preforms tailored to the component geometry for carbon concrete applications.
Fiber preforms for wing foils: High-strength, lightweight and precisely manufactured with TFP
High strength and lightweight: Carbon preforms made from TFP for foils, boards and components with high load and low weight.
Preforms with ceramic fibers for high-temperature applications
Preforms for extreme temperatures and demanding geometries: ceramic fiber-based reinforcements precisely manufactured with TFP.
Carbon fiber preforms for ship propellers
Economical implementation of complex geometries: near-net-shape preforms for corrosion-resistant carbon propellers.
Fiber preforms with carbon for UAVs and drones for industry
Reduce weight and selectively reinforce structural components: Carbon preforms made from TFP for robust, reproducible UAV components.
Questions and answers about Tailored Fiber Placement (TFP) and textile preforms
Here you will find answers to frequently asked questions about textile preforms and fiber preforms made from Tailored Fiber Placement (TFP)The FAQs will help you quickly assess whether preforms are suitable for your component, your process (e.g., SMC, RTM, thermoforming, or injection molding), and your series production quality requirements. If you already have CAD data or a sketch, we can also check the feasibility together directly.
What are textile preforms made from Tailored Fiber Placement (TFP)?
Textile preforms made from Tailored Fiber Placement (TFP) are dry-manufactured fiber semi-finished products in which continuous fibers are laid close to the final shape and in a load-path-oriented manner. The preform is then further processed in your manufacturing process and forms the defined reinforcement in the component, e.g., in plastic or SMC applications.
When are fiber preforms a better alternative to carbon fabric, fiberglass fabric or non-woven fabrics?
Fiber preforms are particularly useful when you need reinforcement not across the entire surface, but specifically at load points, such as edges, radii, ribs, openings, or screw points. Compared to carbon fiber fabrics, fiberglass fabrics, or non-woven fabrics, preforms often reduce waste and manual cutting steps, and facilitate reproducible component properties.
Which further processing methods are suitable for textile preforms (SMC, RTM, thermoforming, injection molding)?
Textile preforms can be designed for thermoset and thermoplastic processes. Typical thermoset processes include SMC hot pressing and RTM, while thermoplastic processes often involve thermoforming or injection molding. Crucially, the preform structure, substrate material, and handling must be tailored to your specific process.
Which fibers are suitable for preforms in plastic and SMC components?
Depending on the target requirements, carbon fibers, glass fibers, or aramid fibers are used, and hybrid structures are also employed if necessary. The appropriate fiber mix depends on the stiffness, impact strength, temperature requirements, weight, and cost of your component.
What is commingling and when is it useful for thermoplastic preforms?
Commingling describes the combination of reinforcing fibers with thermoplastic matrix materials in a single structure. This is useful when you want to design a preform for thermoplastic processes such as thermoforming or injection molding and aim for reliable further processing, depending on the material and component requirements.
What carrier materials are available for textile preforms and when are removable carriers needed?
Carrier materials facilitate handling, positioning, and process stability, especially in automated processing. If you require pure reinforcement structures without a carrier, removable nonwovens or films can be used, which, depending on the design, can be removed by water, heat, or mechanical peeling.
What CAD data and technical specifications do you need for a feasibility study of preforms?
For a feasibility study, CAD data or a sketch, the installation situation and available space, target requirements (e.g., stiffness/weight), the downstream processing method (e.g., SMC, RTM, thermoforming, injection molding), and production quantities are helpful. This allows for concrete proposals regarding fiber placement, material structure, and preform geometry.
How do you ensure serial production capability and reproducibility for Tailored Fiber Placement Preforms?
Series production capability is ensured through defined fiber placement, coordinated handling, and appropriate testing and documentation. Typical aspects include dimensional accuracy and positioning of the preform within the component, reproducibility across batches, and scaling from prototypes through approval to small or large production runs.
Can I sign an NDA for tailored fiber placement projects?
Yes, upon request, we will conclude an NDA before exchanging data to ensure that CAD data, component requirements and process information remain confidential.
