AFPT GmbH Suppliers Showroom

Composites end markets: Pressure vessels (2024)

The market for pressure vessels used to store zero-emission fuels is rapidly growing, with ongoing developments and commercialization of Type 3, 4 and 5 tanks.

Digital Composites Factory joint venture to grow thermoplastics manufacturing

Together, AFPT, Alformet and New Frontier Technologies are fostering a productive environment for development of well-designed thermoplastic composites via automation, innovative design and advanced 3D expertise.

Update: THOR project for industrialized, recyclable thermoplastic composite tanks for hydrogen storage

A look into the tape/liner materials, LATW/recycling processes, design software and new equipment toward commercialization of Type 4.5 tanks.

Composites end markets: Industrial (2024)

The use of composites in industrial applications is increasing, driven by the need for higher performance and longer life, whether its parts for industrial machinery, EOAT components, corrosion-resistant equipment and more.

The next evolution in AFP

Automated fiber placement develops into more compact, flexible, modular and digitized systems with multi-material and process capabilities.

AFPT combines tape winding, placement into one tool

Typically separate processes, the company’s new vessel winding head (VWH), merged with a multiple tape laying head (MTLH) progresses composite pressure vessel development.

AFPT, Alformet advance bending of thermoplastic composite tubes

Specialists in AFP and LATW discuss process and lessons learned for new applications in CFRTP parts.

Manufacturing the MFFD thermoplastic composite fuselage

Demonstrator’s upper, lower shells and assembly prove materials and new processes for lighter, cheaper and more sustainable high-rate future aircraft.

THOR project develops mass-producible CFRTP hydrogen tanks

The three-year project, concluded in 2022 and aided by partners spanning the entire hydrogen storage supply chain, tested and produced 15 thermoplastic tanks, with the goal of achieving broader market introduction.

AFPT participates in LeiWaCo project for economic production of thermoplastic composite hydrogen tanks

Laser winding/welding will help 3-year project develop cross-industry container-based transport/supply unit for cryogenic liquid hydrogen, aiming for TRL 5 via demonstrator manufacture and testing.

AFPT GmbH acquires Alformet BV, celebrates 20 years

Combined know-how and company visions, and the founding of Alformet GmbH, aim to enhance the availability and delivery of high-quality fiber-reinforced thermoplastic composite solutions to customers.

JEC Composites presents 2023 Innovation Award finalists

This year’s 30 Innovation Award finalists representing 11 categories portray excellence in composites innovation and fruitful collaboration.

DLR completes MFFD upper shell skin layup

Eight-meter-long CFRTP fuselage skin was achieved via laser-heated in-situ consolidation, with stringers, frames and cleats to be welded.

CFRTP upper stage propellant tank

PROCOMP uses in-situ consolidation AFP and ultrasonic welding to demonstrate lightweight, novel tank design.

AFPT GmbH expects to acquire composite tube manufacturer

Netherlands-based Alformet BV will enable AFPT to expand the use of tubular, fiber-reinforced thermoplastic structures across a wide range of end markets.

DLR Institute of Structures and Design increases maturity of thermoplastic composite fuselage structures

Project with Airbus demonstrates OOA co-consolidated stringer-stiffened skin with resistance welded frame and cleats.

Future composite manufacturing - AFP and Additive Manufacturing

TU Munich symposium explores how these technologies are merging and reviews R&D that is creating a path forward.

3D printing CFRP molds for RTM flaperon, exoskeletons and more

The Chair of Carbon Composites at TU Munich is advancing composite additive manufacturing via large-scale extrusion, continuous fiber printing, integrating heating into tools and more.

Rocket module manufactured with in-situ consolidation survives first flight test

A carbon fiber-reinforced thermoplastic (CFRP) module developed at the Technical University of Munich survived its first launch — and a “hard landing” — in March.

CFRP module saves weight on rocket design

Taking advantage of carbon fiber/PEEK mechanical and thermal performance, the Technical University of Munich replaces an aluminum rocket module with a 40+% lighter composite alternative.

INOMETA invests in new laser-assisted tape winding technology

Using the new automated manufacturing process, the company aims to expand its current thermoplastics product range with an eye toward mass production.

Thermoplastic composite demonstrators — EU roadmap for future airframes

There is a TPC development roadmap in Europe, supported by Airbus and a variety of aerospace consortia, and involving almost every major aerostructures supplier in Europe.

Thermoplastic composites technology: A view from Europe

For this Dutch consortium, bringing the manufacturability of thermoplastic materials to maturity is the goal in concert with OEMs, materials and equipment supplier members.

JEC COMPOSITES 2009 Product Showcase

Despite the doleful state of the global economy, the turnout in Paris — exhibitors and visitors — proved surprisingly strong.

JEC Composites 2009 showcase