Apparatus and methods for processing ceramic fiber

A method of processing ceramic fiber for the manufacture of a ceramic matrix composite (CMC) article, comprising:

• providing at least one frame including at least one planar array of unidirectional coated ceramic fibers extending across a void thereof, wherein providing the at least one frame comprises:
• winding one or more ceramic fibers a plurality of times over first and second fiber support members of a pair of overlapping or stacked lower frame portions to form two planar arrays of unidirectional fibers;
• coupling a corresponding upper frame portion to each of the overlapping or stacked lower frame portions such that the one or more ceramic fibers are coupled between the upper frame portions and the lower frame portions, thereby forming a pair of overlapping or stacked frames;
• and
• separating the pair of overlapping or stacked frames to form the at least one frame;
• and
• impregnating the at least one planar array of unidirectional coated ceramic fibers with a slurry including a ceramic matrix precursor composition to form at least one CMC prepreg.