System and method for producing preforms

The present invention provides a system (1) for producing a composite preform (P), especially for continuous preforming of reinforcing material for a composite component. The system (1) comprises: a feeding device (6) for feeding one or more layers of preform material from a material supply (2) along a process path (5); a heating device (14, 20) arranged in the process path (5) for heating the one or more layers (wn) of the preform material fed along the process path (5) to soften or activate a resin or binder in the one or more layers (wn); and a forming device (22) arranged in the process path (5) downstream of the heating device and configured to shape or mould a cross-sectional profile of the one or more layers of preform material as the one or more layers (wn) are fed along the process path (5). The present invention also provides a corresponding method.