Automation in Composites
Plant tour: FACC AG, Jakovlje, Croatia
Part of its long-term global strategy, Plant 6 is not just a single facility, but FACC’s Aircraft Interiors Center of Excellence, key for increased production, new composite technology for interiors flexibility and future growth.
Ginger Gardiner
Senior Technical Editor, CompositesWorld
Airborne enters project with Lockheed Martin on next-gen composites automation
Building on Airborne KBL and APP systems, partners will develop an automated laminating and kitting system to package complicated material types and shapes with more rapid aero production in mind.
Read MoreAirbus Helicopters France aims to adopt Airborne composites automation
Automated ply placement (APP) and Kit by Light (KBL) will be applied to ramp up productivity of the factory’s composite helicopter blades and hub structures for Airbus helicopter models.
Read MoreModular, hybrid machining centers with intelligence for complex composites
Machine Tool Camp’s purpose-built systems combine CNC machine centers and robots with specialized machining tools, clamping and configuration, automating steps before and after, including data integration, to empower manufacturers for the future.
Read MoreAirborne, FIDAMC join forces to progress composites manufacturing automation strategies
The MOU will target challenges in automating the production of small- to medium-sized composite parts, particularly for commercial and defense markets.
Read MoreEpisode 53: Michael Novak, AIJ Search
Michael Novak, president of AIJ Search, dives into the evolving role of AI in the advanced materials and composites manufacturing industries, and how it is being used to navigate workforce development.
Read More3D Fiber Tethering for rapid fabrication of continuous fiber composites
CarbonForm’s 3DFit technology combines robotic, continuous fiber 3D printing and winding to produce small, high-strength, complex parts — like drone frames — in as little as 10 minutes.
Read MoreAES explores robot vs. gantry for large-format additive manufacturing
Additive Engineering Solutions, specialist at 3D printing very large parts and tools on gantry machines, now also uses a robot for large-format AM. Here is how the robot compares.
Peter Zelinski
Former Editor-in-Chief, Additive Manufacturing
Siemens adds AI to Simcenter Testlab, reinventing modal testing and analysis
Simcenter Testlab, already used with composites, now uses intelligent test automation and AI assistance to execute physical testing workflows faster, smarter and earlier in structural design programs.
Read MoreIndustrial robot install strengthens Loop Technology composites automation delivery
The robotic and automation specialist adds the FANUC M-2000iA 2300 to its facility, capable of lifting bulky castings, large-scale dies and molds and more.
Read MoreAnybrid Rav·In system enables inline injection molding functionalization
Rav·In has been developed specifically for functionalization in linear processes such as extrusion, pultrusion or roll-to-roll applications.
Read MoreHoly Technologies secures €4.3 million to build autonomous factory for composite components
Its Hamburg facility, combining digital control and closed-loop recycling, is the company’s first step toward scaling its IFP autonomous systems.
Read MoreFIDAMC inaugurates CFA facility in Cádiz for composites innovation
FIDAMC’s Centro de Fabricación Avanzada (CFA), backed by over €18 million and 20 years of composites expertise, will drive multi-sector industrialization in 3D printing, robotics and sustainable materials.
Read MoreInside the hub powering the next generation of robotics startups
CW sister platform Manufacturing Connected discusses Mass Robotics, an independent robotics hub dedicated to helping new manufacturing startups build their business and products around automation.
Read MoreIncreased molding productivity via additive manufacturing
Companies in multiple segments turn to 3D printing for end-of-arm tools, fixtures for increased safety and functionality, lower cost and faster turnaround times.
Peggy Malnati
MMT, Contributing Writer, MoldMaking Technology
Holy Technologies selects Plataine to scale up smart composites production
Plataine’s AI agents for scheduling and traceability will enable Holy Technologies to optimize serial production plans, reduce manual effort and build a scalable foundation for future growth.
Read MorePlyable secures Automated Molding feature patent
First EU and U.K. patent builds in a new level of protection for customers using the company’s AI-powered mold design software.
Read MoreMFTECH makes improvements to MF3 automated filament winder
Compact robotic winder supports optimized filament winding operations and machine use with fixed material feeding for process stability.
Read MoreXitadel XIPA imparts more intelligent CAE simulation workflows
Automated preprocessing, FE model building and postprocessing are powered through machine learning and Gen AI tools, supporting enhanced speed, accuracy and efficiency.
Read MoreScalable automation technologies drive composites efficiency, consistency
CAMX 2025: Learn how Magnum Venus Products’ equipment portfolio is evolving, with a focus on MVP Motion line, INV3, IPD, Nitrotherm spray and Flex Molding technologies.
Read MoreAutomated RTM, SQRTM enhance aerospace composites serial production transition
CAMX 2025: Coexpair, in partnership with Radius Engineering, combines equipment development and fabrication with engineering of composite parts, demonstrated in its European customer support, deliveries.
Read MoreModular, robotic cells enable high-rate RTM using any material format
Airborne’s automated ply placement systems at Airbus, GKN Aerospace and Teijin Automotive Technologies aim to maximize flexibility and intelligent automation.
Stewart Mitchell
Contributing Writer
Novel robotic layup features expand FPP automation toolkit
CAMX 2025: The Cevotec team is presenting latest advances in fiber patch placement through the SAMBA Series through physical displays, lab video footage and an educational session.
Read MoreSmart composites equipment advances aerocomposites innovation
CAMX 2025: From fiber to flight, Broetje-Automation innovates composites manufacturing with integrated AFP, drilling and sealing technologies.
Read MoreDurability, precision and intelligent automation in composites processing
CAMX 2025: Precision and power is part of Langzauner’s engineering-driven philosophy, characterized through its high-performance press systems and turnkey automation solutions for aerospace and automotive.
Read MoreSoftware platform improves composites manufacturing automation
CAMX 2025: Radius Engineering introduces Insights, integrated software that automates critical functions in RTM and SQRTM processes, boosting efficiency and reducing human error and training needs.
Read MoreLayup molds, vacuum fixtures address aerospace tooling trends
CAMX 2025: Technical Tooling is integrating advanced materials, digital process compatibilities and automation into its low-CTE Ravin layup molds and Vacu-Grip fixture offerings to meet evolving needs.
Read MoreAutomated preforming system produces next-gen composite aerostructures at high rates
CAMX 2025: Loop Technology’s flagship FibreLine system, recently combined with Zünd’s Aero Q-Line, leverages a variety of automated tools to lay up very large, wide-format, multilayer plies into a mold with millimeter precision.
Read More