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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MT Aerospace CFRP upper stage tank for Ariane 6 passes preliminary design review
Part of its ongoing work in the COSTELAS project, MT Aerospace’s segmented sandwich panel architecture reports significant mass reduction.
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AFP with very-thin plies of carbon fiber/LMPAEK prepreg for sustainable helicopter structures
DLR, Airbus Helicopters, Fraunhofer and TU Dresden work in the NATURE project for environmentally friendly aviation
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Metyx Metybond self-adhesive reinforcement achieves clean, efficient composite layup
Directly integrated adhesive on carbon, glass or hybrid multiaxial fabrics enables clean repositioning, uniform adhesive distribution and improved edge stability.
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PHOEBUS project makes progress on CFRP liquid oxygen, hydrogen upper stage tanks
The ESA project has proven that linerless CFRP tanks for Ariane 6 rocket can handle the extreme temperatures of liquid H2 and O2, and are moving on to testing campaign for 2-meter and 3.5-meter tanks in 2026.
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Hybrid system by Taniq combines filament winding, AFP
The solution combines two key composites manufacturing processes in a single system, increasing design capabilities and manufacturing efficiency.
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Cygnet Texkimp relaunches customer slitting trials at UK Innovation Centre
A production-scale prepreg tape slitting system featuring SAHM winding technology is available for thermoset, thermoplastic and ceramic tape trialing following an Asia contract win.
Read MoreKnowledge Centers
This CW Tech Days event will explore the technologies, materials, and strategies that can help composites manufacturers become more sustainable.
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During CW Tech Days: Thermoplastics for Large Structures, experts explored the materials and processing technologies that are enabling the transition to large-part manufacturing.
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Latest ATL/AFP News And Updates
Clean Aviation's regional aircraft technology testbed #2 demonstrates advances with composites
European project advances OOA outer wing box using resin infusion and thermoplastic composite technologies.
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Smart composites equipment advances aerocomposites innovation
CAMX 2025: From fiber to flight, Broetje-Automation innovates composites manufacturing with integrated AFP, drilling and sealing technologies.
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DLR study considers cast PA6 molds for in situ AFP composites
3D printed thermoplastic mold was analyzed as alternative to expensive, time-consuming metallic molds and for suitability in aerospace-grade composite structure fabrication.
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Sensory consolidation roller for laser-based AFP enables innovative temperature measurement
Within the InSiTe project, IFW has demonstrated embedded fiber optic sensors for continuous measurement of temperature in the area of compaction with high spatial resolution up to 0.65 millimeter.
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Coriolis Composites heightens U.S. presence to empower AFP
With innovation, expertise and a deep commitment to its partners’ success, France-based Coriolis Composites is actively strengthening its strategic footprint across North American composites manufacturing.
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Automated composites processing systems facilitate customization, productivity
CAMX 2025: Mikrosam’s filament winding, prepreg slitting and rewinding, towpreg, AFP/ATL and flexible double-belt press prepreg equipment meet precision and quality demands.
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Featured Posts
Inside the MFFD — CW's coverage of the Clean Aviation multifunctional fuselage demonstrator
CompositesWorld rounds up coverage of the MFFD project over the past decade. Now complete, the MFFD illustrates numerous processes and technologies for manufacturing primary aerospace structures using thermoplastic composites.
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ASCEND program completion: Transforming the U.K.'s high-rate composites manufacturing capability
GKN Aerospace, McLaren Automotive and U.K. partners chart the final chapter of the 4-year, £39.6 million ASCEND program, which accomplished significant progress in high-rate production, Industry 4.0 and sustainable composites manufacturing.
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VIDEO: Flexible molding and machining for composites
Addcomp and bespline are sister companies that offer innovative solutions for composites. This video from CAMX 2024 offers an overview of Addcomp’s AFP solutions.
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Composites end markets: New space (2025)
Composite materials — with their unmatched strength-to-weight ratio, durability in extreme environments and design versatility — are at the heart of innovations in satellites, propulsion systems and lunar exploration vehicles, propelling the space economy toward a $1.8 trillion future.
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Design for manufacturing, assembly and automation enables complex CFRP telescope supports
Airborne delivered two mirror support structures for the FYST and SOLAT telescopes, assembling 26,300 components while maintaining near-zero CTE, strict tolerances on 6.5 × 6.5 × 1.8-meter assemblies.
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Proving thermoplastic composites match carbon fiber/epoxy performance in road bikes
CDCQ, LxSim, Addcomp and Argon 18 collaborate to optimize a carbon fiber/PA6 bike seat post, democratizing AFP and demonstrating materials and process for future designs and production.
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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.