Air Force Research Laboratories
Working under a research contract with the United States Air Force, our Advanced Products Group developed quasi-isotropic technology to keep pace with the evolution of military and commercial aircraft.
Bally Ribbon Mills had to first develop the weaving technology. Out of this effort, our patented 3-D Bias Loom was born and has placed Bally Ribbon Mills on the leading edge of weaving science. The computerized machine automatically weaves 3-D quasi-isotropical (0°, 90°, ±45°) near-net-shape preforms significantly reducing labor costs.
Composed of optimally oriented discrete plies that incorporate a bias ply, these 3-D woven preforms aim to:
- Improve structural damage tolerance
- Increase pull-off and interlaminar shear properties
- Reduce the costs of composite parts fabrication