Automated Tape Laying (ATP) / Automated Fiber Placement (AFP)
Automated Tape Placement (ATP) and Automated Fiber Placement (AFP) are advanced manufacturing techniques revolutionizing the production of composite structures. These robotic technologies precisely lay down continuous fibers or tape onto molds or mandrels to create intricate, high-performance composite components. ATP involves the automated placement of composite tape, while AFP handles the precise laying of individual tows of fibers.
Latest ATL/AFP Articles
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Modular, upgradeable, automated composites manufacturing equipment
CAMX 2024: Mikrosam highlights its filament winding automation, AFP and ATL, modular prepreg slitting and rewinding machine, and towpreg production lines for productivity and reduced costs.
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Plug-n-play AFP/ATL equipment, adaptive mold and integration solutions eases adoption
CAMX 2024: Addcomp distributes its AFP-XS systems and now adaptive molds, works with customers to design and install custom systems and develops its capabilities with new partnerships.
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Plant tour: Aernnova Composites, Toledo and Illescas, Spain
RTM and ATL/AFP high-rate production sites feature this composites and engineering leader’s continued push for excellence and innovation for future airframes.
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RTS technology by iCOMAT ramps up with $22.5 million funding
Additional financing is being secured to service automated fiber steering demand, build first RTS production facility in Gloucester.
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MTorres launches BMI AFP head for F-35 program at SABCA
High-angle AFP head featuring MTorres’ latest upgrades advances fabrication of wing skins and covers for the F-35.
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Airbus video highlights RACER compound helicopter first flight
Launched as part of a Clean Sky 2 program, a compound design — rotor, split fixed-wing, propulsive propellers — uses composites to cut fuel consumption and emissions by 20%.
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Discover the types of sensors being used in composites, the physics on which they�re based, their installation, promised benefits and challenges, as well as the potential they offer for even further developments in smart structures.
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Explore the cutting-edge composites industry, as experts delve into the materials, tooling, and manufacturing hurdles of meeting the demands of the promising advanced air mobility (AAM) market. Join us at CW Tech Days to unlock the future of efficient composites fabrication operations.
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Latest ATL/AFP News And Updates
Electroimpact offers variable spot size laser AFP 4.0 technology
Patented process technology increases quality, reliability and machine utilization for composite laminate production.
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Advanced towpreg makes debut on IMOCA hydrofoil boat
JEC World 2024: Avel Robotics’ IMOCA hydrofoil, fresh off the water, is being highlighted at Toray Carbon Fiber Europe’s booth, showcasing a successful collaboration in using towpreg and AFP for efficient race boat development.
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Broetje-Automation demonstrates rCF placement via AFP
Through the ScrapSeRO project, the system integrator and machine builder successfully processed recycled composites, in addition to more traditional materials, via its highly flexible Staxx One system.
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Automated end-to-end composite solutions for tape laying, fiber placement
JEC World 2024: Fives invites attendees to learn more about its specialization in providing composites precision and performance, whether its through its Cincinnati, Forest-Liné and Lund lines or its ACE and COAST engineering suites.
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Coriolis introduces hybrid CPico AFP machine
This compact cell brings together 3D printing, AFP and milling aided by a comprehensive software program, further simplifying the manufacture of complex thermoplastic composite aerostructures in the future.
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Coriolis highlights C1.2 compact AFP system for multi-material applications
New developments regarding productivity, maintenance and ergonomics make this enhanced composite placement system well suited for the production of complex parts.
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Featured Posts
The next evolution in AFP
Automated fiber placement develops into more compact, flexible, modular and digitized systems with multi-material and process capabilities.
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Plant tour: BeSpline/Addcomp, Sherbrooke, QC, Canada
Composites automation specialist increases access to next-gen technologies, including novel AFP systems and unique 3D parts using adaptive molds.
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The potential for thermoplastic composite nacelles
Collins Aerospace draws on global team, decades of experience to demonstrate large, curved AFP and welded structures for the next generation of aircraft.
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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.
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Heat mapping simulation to improve AFP parts
An optical model developed for Coriolis Composites’ SimuReal AFP process simulation software enables verification of energy distributions during AFP to better define heating laws.
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Plant tour: Joby Aviation, Marina, Calif., U.S.
As the advanced air mobility market begins to take shape, market leader Joby Aviation works to industrialize composites manufacturing for its first-generation, composites-intensive, all-electric air taxi.
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FAQ: ATL/AFP
What is the difference between AFP and ATL?
AFP involves the precise placement of continuous fibers onto a mold surface in a predetermined pattern, often in complex shapes, while ATL uses preimpregnated tape to lay down fiber strips onto a surface, typically in straight or curvilinear paths.
What materials can be used in AFP/ATL?
Both AFP and ATL commonly work with materials like carbon fibers, fiberglass, aramid, and thermoplastic or thermoset matrices tailored to specific application requirements.
What are the advantages of AFP/ATL over traditional manufacturing methods?
These technologies offer enhanced precision, reduced material waste, improved structural integrity, and the ability to create complex parts with optimized fiber orientations, resulting in lighter and stronger components.
Are there limitations to AFP/ATL?
Challenges can include high initial equipment costs, complexities in programming intricate designs, and the need for skilled operators to ensure precise placement and quality control.
