Two dimensional textile reinforcements, e.g. non-crimp-fabrics (NCF), are preformed into complex three-dimensional shapes to be used in fibre reinforced parts for medium to high volume composite applications. The structural performance of NCF reinforced composite parts is significantly influenced by the local fibre architecture of the NCF preform which is formed during the draping process. The resulting local imperfections, their size and their impact on mechanical properties of the composite material has not been fully addressed by present research. To solve this problem, a generic mold for investigations on the draping behaviour of NCF on structural level as well as specific tools for reproducing fibre waviness, fibre gapping and transverse compression due to shear on coupon level, were developed and tested. Major draping effects observed on structural level for 0/90° stacks were shearing and fibre gapping while ±45° layups also showed fibre waviness. With this set of tools, it is possible to investigate the formation of draping effects on structural level and to reproduce selected individual effects on coupon level for mechanical testing of CFRP specimen.