by fibers traversing across the boundaries as shown in fig5 fibers moving across the boundary 32 between the right l shape 6 and the triangular insert 14 and boundary 34 between the right l shape 6 and bottom plate 8 fibers traversing across occur anywhere in which this operation was performed the disclosed process may provide one or more of the following advantages 1 improved interlaminar tensile shear strength at preform discontinuities 2 fabrication of assemblies from multiple preforms that can be easier to manufacture 3 large component fabrication 4 improved sealing between interfaces e g vane to endwall sealing 5 reduction or removal of small inserts in areas in which 2d laminates will not occupy in normal forming operations 6 reduced cost when compared to the alternatives like 3d preforms and 7 local tailoring of properties as required by the design through variation in needle size or type punching density and depth needle punching with a polymer binder in the preform may also be advantageous because the final component fiber volume may be maintained needling dry fabric materials typically results in lower total fiber volume than would be typical in a laminate the polymer also stabilizes surrounding material and reduces eliminates distortion that can be a challenge in dry fabric needling further the polymer may act as a lubricant to reduce in plane fiber breakage during the needling process compared to a dry needling process this process may reduce the amount of fiber that is released into the air which is an ehs concern and an equipment durability challenge in some embodiments the region may not be needle punched as described herein alternatively the region of discontinuity 12 may be reduced by.