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Core manufacturing technology

Automated Fiber Placement for Engineered Composite Structures.

Automated Fiber Placement is a robotic composite-manufacturing process in which narrow composite material courses are placed along programmed paths over a defined tool surface.

AFP enables controlled material placement and the development of fibre architectures suited to selected component geometries and engineering requirements.

DANTA is building its manufacturing direction around robotic AFP and associated digital process-planning capabilities.

Discuss AFP FeasibilityExplore Engineering
What is AFP?

From Digital Geometry to Controlled Material Placement.

AFP combines robotic motion, material delivery, placement tooling and programmed manufacturing paths.

A typical process begins with a defined component geometry and manufacturing strategy. Suitable material courses are then planned and placed over the tool surface using a compatible AFP system.

The resulting laminate is processed in accordance with the selected material system's requirements, which may include consolidation, thermal processing or other specified operations. The exact process depends on the material form, equipment configuration and component design.

How AFP works

Five Stages From Definition to Record.

Stage 01

Engineering Definition

Define component geometry, performance requirements, material requirements and manufacturing constraints.

Stage 02

Toolpath Planning

Develop manufacturing paths that account for the tool geometry, material courses, placement strategy and equipment limitations.

Stage 03

Robotic Placement

Execute the programmed placement process using the qualified machine configuration and approved manufacturing instructions.

Stage 04

Material Processing

Complete the required downstream processing in accordance with the material system and manufacturing specification.

Stage 05

Inspection and Documentation

Evaluate the component using applicable inspection methods and record the required manufacturing and quality information.

AFP at DANTA

A Robotic Manufacturing Platform.

DANTA's planned and developing AFP capability is centred on robotic material placement and digitally defined manufacturing paths.

The intended manufacturing workflow connects component geometry, AFP toolpaths, robot motion, material handling and process documentation. Actual process capability depends on the installed equipment, tooling, material system and demonstrated manufacturing results.

Planned AFP cell configuration
ItemConfigurationStatus
AFP headAddComposites AFP-XS, single-towPlanned
Robotic systemKUKA industrial robotPlanned
Linear track4 m linear trackPlanned
Robot reach and working envelopePublished after verificationTo verify
Tooling and positioner arrangementPublished after verificationTo verify
Compatible material formsPublished after verificationTo verify
Digital manufacturing softwarePublished after verificationTo verify

Planned configuration. These details become installed capability only after commissioning and configuration verification.

Where AFP may be appropriate

Candidate Applications.

  • Selected aerospace structures
  • Selected UAV structural components
  • Selected cylindrical or shell-like composite structures, subject to feasibility
  • Selected space-related structures
  • Other geometries for which AFP offers a technically and commercially suitable manufacturing route
Engineering considerations

What AFP Feasibility Must Consider.

  • Tool geometry and accessibility
  • Material compatibility
  • Fibre orientation requirements
  • Course width and placement strategy
  • Minimum radii and geometric transitions
  • Defects and process limitations
  • Consolidation and curing requirements
  • Inspection and qualification
  • Production volume and cycle time
  • Tooling and downstream processing costs
Engineering boundary

The Right Process Begins With the Right Application.

AFP is particularly valuable for selected engineered composite structures, but it is not automatically the most economical process for every component.

Small axisymmetric pressure vessels, high-volume cylindrical products and geometries with specific manufacturing constraints require careful process evaluation.

DANTA assesses the component geometry, design requirements, material system and production economics before committing to an AFP manufacturing approach.

Evaluate Your Component for AFP.

Share your geometry, material requirements, expected production volume and performance objectives.

Submit an Engineering Enquiry