Device and method for producing fiber preforms

A device for producing fiber preforms, the device comprising:

• a plurality of unwind stations for providing a plurality of threads or rovings;
• a plurality of grippers configured to grip an origin of one of a single of said threads or rovings and a plurality of said threads or rovings, each of said grippers being movable on a path between a maximum position and a pick-up position, each of said plurality of grippers capable of retaining the origins of its respective threads or rovings at a unique position on its path with respect to the remaining grippers, said pick-up position being provided at a thread transfer point and being closer to one of said plurality of unwind stations than said maximum position;
• at least one first molding tool having a draping position, the draping position being in a region of said plurality of threads or rovings between said maximum position and said thread transfer points, said first molding tool having a starting position outside said threads or rovings;
• and
• a thread tension control for said plurality of threads or rovings.