Device and method for braiding fibers into a braided structure

A method of braiding fibers around a mandrel into a braided structure, the method comprising the steps of:

• providing a braiding machine, comprising a continuous track plate, and a forming device, comprising a forming ring, wherein the continuous track plate and/or the forming ring are build up of at least two parts that may be separated and reattached to each other,
• separating the at least two parts and bringing the mandrel within the perimeter of the continuous track plate and/or forming ring;
• reattaching the at least two parts of the continuous track plate and/or the forming ring thereby enclosing the mandrel;
• braiding the braided structure in a number of layers onto the mandrel by moving the mandrel relative to the braiding machine;
• removing the braided structure by separating the at least two parts and bringing the structure out of the perimeter of the continuous track plate and/or forming ring.