Braiding technology is attracting attention as a forming method for fiber-reinforced composite preforms. The square braider called the multi-braider can produce braiding preforms with various cross-sectional shapes. In the multi-braider, as the number of carriers increases and the carrier paths become more complex, it becomes more difficult to think about how to prevent carriers from colliding with each other. Therefore, the purpose of this paper is to develop simulation software for efficiently designing the carrier paths on the multi-braider when manufacturing a braiding preform with complex structure. We developed a simulator for the behavior of carriers when horn gears rotate continuously, using the carrier’s initial position and path or track as input values. The collisions can be identified in advance because the simulator indicates an error if the input values are not suitable. By introducing the carrier track simulation for the multi-braider, the work time to devise carrier paths and arrangements could be reduced to 1/3 for simple carrier paths and to less than 1/4 for complex carrier paths, making it possible to perform initial carrier placement efficiently. The results of this research will also improve the efficiency of design on the carrier’s initial placement and track and the safety of multi-braider operation.
