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.

Plant tour: Airbus, Illescas, Spain
Plant Tours

Plant tour: Airbus, Illescas, Spain

Airbus’ Illescas facility, featuring highly automated composites processes for the A350 lower wing cover and one-piece Section 19 fuselage barrels, works toward production ramp-ups and next-generation aircraft.

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Latest ATL/AFP Articles

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ATL/AFP

Addcomposites announces AFP-XS global install base milestone

More than 50 of the production-ready AFP solution for small- to medium-scale composite part manufacturing have been installed and is rapidly growing thanks to its affordability and versatility.

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ATL/AFP

Mikrosam robotic filament winding cell to aid Cidetec composites projects

Delivery of the single-spindle robotic setup with an ATP head will advance the R&D organization’s work in CUBIC, GENEX and Carbo4power initiatives targeting sustainable composites development.

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Pressure Vessels

Mikrosam equips BTU Germany with single-tape AFP head for Type 5 pressure vessels

Delivery of upgraded placement head provides additional automated layup flexibility, quality control for the university’s latest projects advancing Type 4 and 5 hydrogen storage.

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ATL/AFP

CompoTech highlights fiber laying technologies to achieve CFRP preform, component versatility

Automated fiber laying (AFL) placement and winding machine technologies enhance OEM capabilities to produce reliable, commercially viable custom composite products.

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ATL/AFP

Carbon Axis releases the AFP head XPlace mk3

This standalone version enables the user to easily integrate AFP technology into existing robots or gantry systems.

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Carbon Fibers

CompoTech uses integrated loop technology to create high-performance mountain bike

CompoTech features its CDuro Epona mountain bike fitted with custom suspension forks, manufactured using its AFL winding and integrated loop technologies. 

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Knowledge Centers

Composites in Advanced Air Mobility
Composites in Advanced Air Mobility

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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Composites in Infrastructure and Construction
Composites in Infrastructure and Construction

CompositesWorld’s CW Tech Days: Infrastructure event offers a series of expert presentations on composite materials, processes and applications that should and will be considered for use in the infrastructure and construction markets.

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CW Tech Days: Sustainability
CW Tech Days: Sustainability

This CW Tech Days event will explore the technologies, materials, and strategies that can help composites manufacturers become more sustainable.

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Smart Tooling
HyperX Software for Composite Structural Analysis
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Latest ATL/AFP News And Updates

ATL/AFP

Rocket Lab begins installation of large AFP machine for rocket production

The 99-ton AFP machine, custom-designed and built by Electroimpact, is claimed to be the largest of its kind, expecting to save around 150,000 manufacturing hours in the Neutron rocket’s production process.

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ATL/AFP

Modular AFP automation family supports adaptable production handling

CAMX 2024: Broetje-Automation’s Staxx family of AFP solutions create an ecosystem of functionality, versatility and scalable automation.

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ATL/AFP

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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CAMX

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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ATL/AFP

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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ATL/AFP

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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Alpha’s Premier ESR®
Release agents and process chemical specialties
Visual of lab with a yellow line
Airtech
CompositesWorld

Featured Posts

ATL/AFP

Combining multifunctional thermoplastic composites, additive manufacturing for next-gen airframe structures

The DOMMINIO project combines AFP with 3D printed gyroid cores, embedded SHM sensors and smart materials for induction-driven disassembly of parts at end of life.

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RTM

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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Feature

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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Construction

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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Aerospace

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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Bonding

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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Large Scale Additive Manufacturing
Keyland Polymer Webinar Coatings on Composite & AM
CIJECT machines and monitoring systems
HEATCON Composite Systems
Release agents and process chemical specialties

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.

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Airtech International Inc.