Trends and Innovations of Automated Fiber Placement

Abstract

Automated fiber placement (AFP) is a composites manufacturing process that has become ubiquitous in the aerospace industry. Compared to conventional composites manufacturing methods, the AFP process can improve design flexibility of composite structures; increase part quality and reproducibility; and increase productivity, reducing labor intensity and minimizing material scrap rate. This paper discusses the current trends and innovations in AFP technology. The applications and challenges in the AFP process are described.