Automated Fiber Placement

Automated Dynamics' proprietary, industry proven technologies for the fabrication of thermoset and thermoplastic composite structures are integrated into every machine sold. Our knowledge and experience with composite structure manufacturing assures the correct process parameters to meet each application's cost and performance requirements.

It's a Matter of Geometry

Automated Fiber Placement (AFP) is traditionally used on very complex surfaces and smaller structures and utilizes single or multiple narrow, slit tapes or tows to make up a given total prepreg band width.  This is typically the case within Automated Dynamics as well, but we have taken some liberties with the definition when it improves the Customer's automation solution. The Automated Fiber Placement Process is depicted to the left. In both thermoset and thermoplastic processing, incoming tape is electrically heated using nitrogen. Prepreg material application and consolidation or debulk is always achieved through a compaction roller medium that may be heated or cooled.

The need for individual tows or a single wide band should always be a compromise between part surface geometry and manufacturing throughput. Complex geometries that demand complex fiber placement are typically approached by the industry with multiple 0.125 inch – 0.250 inch (3.18 mm – 6.35 mm) tows. While this solution usually conquers the geometry challenge, it adds to machine complexity and cost and increases manufacturing time. A compromising approach, geometry dependent, may be to utilize multiple 0.500 inch (12.77 mm) tapes to improve throughput, while still maintaining good laminate quality on the complex surface. Automated Dynamics’ Fiber Placement Heads are designed with a given total bandwidth in mind that allows internal material handling components to be tailored to individual tape widths that can sensibly be placed against the part surface as efficiently as possible.

Our Proprietary Thermoplastic Process

Our in-situ and preform thermoplastic processes often utilize only one slit tape, but we still refer to this technology as Fiber Placement. The single tape may be as wide as 2.000 inches (50.80 mm), but we consider this to be narrow for the traditional Tape Laying nomenclature. Typical for thermosetting systems, but unavailable elsewhere for thermoplastic processing, Automated Dynamics builds mutli- 0.250 inch (6.35 mm) tape head systems for both in-situ consolidation and preforming applications. We have both single cut and individual tow control capabilities. Further explanation of the specific material matrix processes and advantages can be viewed by clicking thermoset or thermoplastic.

All head technologies are modular, have modular subassemblies for convenience of cleaning and change-out, and are supported by our easy-to-use software.

Advantages of Our Equipment:

• Reduced labor costs
• Reduced material scrap
• Right-sized to fit your specific application(s)
• Automation means acceptable ROI
• Reduced manufacturing space
• Reduced manufacturing time
• Automatic debulking of thermoset prepreg
• In-situ consolidation of thermoplastic prepreg
• Increased material throughput
• Improved composite structure quality
• Precise, repeatable, tension-independent process enables placement at any angle
• User-friendly proprietary off-line and on-line software
• Training and support packages tailored to fit Customers' needs

View our Photo Gallery & Video Library for customer examples.