Manufacturing Processes
Automated fibre placement (AFP)
A robot or gantry places multiple narrow slit tows independently. Typical widths are 1/8, 1/4 or 1/2 in (3.2, 6.4 or 12.7 mm), enabling steering around curvature and tailored fibre paths.
In simple terms
A robot or gantry places multiple narrow slit tows independently. Typical widths are 1/8, 1/4 or 1/2 in (3.2, 6.4 or 12.7 mm), enabling steering around curvature and tailored fibre paths.
Best for
Complex large structures, variable-angle laminates and automated defect tracking.
Watch out for
Gaps, overlaps, tow drops, steering wrinkles, machine programming and high investment.
Typical applications
Fuselages, wing skins, domes, pressure vessels and complex aerostructures.
Related tools
Use the calculators to turn these concepts into preliminary engineering estimates.