Bally Ribbon Mills presents 3D woven composites expertise

Bally Ribbon Mills (BRM, Bally, Pa., U.S.) is highlighting its 3D weaving capabilities, including film infusion for 3D woven joints, woven thermal protection systems (TPS) and advanced woven composite 3D structures, including 3D near-net shapes.

In BRM’s film infusion process, a frozen sheet or film of resin is infused onto the custom 3D woven joint. Film-infused 3D woven joints ship as pre-made assemblies, ensuring consistent quality control. BRM says it has perfected the science and art of 3D continuous weaving to fabricate such structures as “Pi – π,” double “T,” “H” and other complex shapes. Offering an optimal blend of strength, durability and structural integrity, these complex woven structures are used primarily in aerospace applications — often in airframe structural components — and subassemblies including stiffeners and joints.

Attendees can see 3D woven fabrics on display and learn about BRM’s multifunctional TPS designed for atmospheric re-entry applications. BRM has implemented weaving technologies to develop advanced woven TPS materials, including the 3D orthogonally woven 3DMAT quartz material developed in partnership with NASA for the Orion Multi-Purpose Crew Vehicle (MPCV). This material is used in critical heat shield components and compression pads that help protect the spacecraft from extreme re-entry temperatures. 3DMAT was named the 2023 NASA Government Invention of the Year.

Also on display are woven 2D and 3D composite structures. Via a multi-dimensional continuous weaving method, BRM produces textiles that can be fabricated into near net-shape structures, providing customers with solutions that reduce weight and cost by automatically weaving complex shapes and eliminating many costly, time-consuming and labor-intensive manufacturing processes.

Visit Bally Ribbon Mills at Booth K104 in Hall 6.