Method of inserting z-axis reinforcing fibers into a composite laminate

A method of inserting an unstable reinforcing fiber into a composite laminate for z-axis reinforcement of the laminate comprising:

• providing at least one layer of material made up of x-axis fibers and y-axis fibers prior to incorporation of a z-axis fiber into said layer of material;
• said layer having a top surface, a bottom surface and a predetermined thickness;
• providing an elongated solid rod having a tapered front tip, a shank portion, a rear end and a z-axis and positioning said front tip of said rod in close proximity to one of said top or bottom surfaces of said at least one layer of material;
• providing an elongated moveable first hollow tube having a front end, a rear end, an inner wall surface and a z-axis;
• positioning said front end of said moveable first hollow tube in close proximity to said other of said top or bottom surfaces of said at least one layer of material;
• providing a z-axis fiber bundle having a front end and inserting said front end of said fiber bundle into said rear end of said moveable first hollow tube until it travels substantially to said front end of said moveable first tube;
• inserting said solid rod into and through said layer of material a predetermined distance;
• temporarily securing said z-axis fiber bundle to said inner wall of said first hollow tube so that said fiber bundle will move with said first hollow tube;
• moving said first hollow tube in the z-axis direction until said front end of said first hollow tube makes contact with the outside surface of said solid rod;
• and
• moving said first hollow tube and said z-axis fiber bundle secured thereto through the entire thickness of said layer of material while at the same time withdrawing said solid rod from said layer of material.