AFP Robotic Cells
We design, optimize and install integrated systems tailored to meet your needs, including:
Integrated Systems
- Small to large robots
- AFP/winding/3D print heads
- Rotary tables
- Linear rails
- Additional axes for tape/tow winding
- Safety enclosures.
Baseline System
- 6-axis Fanuc M710 or ABB IRB 4600 robot with 2m reach, 50-70 kg payload
- AFP-XS toolhead with 0.25 to 1-inch wide tape
- IR heating system
- 16 x 16-ft safety fenced cell
- Electric cabinet with controllers
Options
- Larger cells with extra fencing
- Laser scanning module
- Ultrasonic trimming
- Water-cooled roller for thermoplastic tape
- 4 x 4-ft layup tables on locking wheels
- Adjustable rotational axis (horizontal or vertical)
- Humm3 flash lamp heating system
- Light-blocking curtains
- Robot steel riser and base plate (includes tubing for forklift handling)
AFP-XS
Upgrades robots into advanced AFP systems for R&D and small batch production. Achieves precise, intricate layups using aerospace to industrial materials.
Upgrades robots into advanced AFP systems for R&D and small batch production. Achieves precise, intricate layups using aerospace to industrial materials.
High Quality, Repeatability
- Gaps < 2mm without overlaps
- Start/end of pass within ±2.5mm
- Speeds up to 1 m/s
Compact, Lightweight, Easy to Install
- 17 kg (excluding spool)
- Easy connect/disconnect
- Mounts to wide range of robots: ABB, FANUC, KUKA
Versatility
- Thermoset or thermoplastic prepreg
- Dry fiber (carbon, glass, natural)
- Heating options: IR, Humm3, laser, hot air
AFP-X Multi-Tow
Increased material capacity for high-volume production. Achieves continuous, precise operations with optimized throughput for complex aerospace and large components.
Increased material capacity for high-volume production. Achieves continuous, precise operations with optimized throughput for complex aerospace and large components.
Multitow Head
- 4 tows
- Gap accuracy -0/+2mm
- Start/end of pass within ±2.5mm
- Speeds up to 0.5 m/s
- 120 kg (excluding spool)
SCF3D
Structural Continuous Fiber 3D printing enables additive manufacturing of stronger functional parts with less material.
Structural Continuous Fiber 3D printing enables additive manufacturing of stronger functional parts with less material.
This system eliminates the need for molds with freeform printing of intricate shapes, adding continuous reinforcement as needed.
- Deposition speeds up to 9 kg/h
- Accuracy -0/+2mm
- PA, PEEK, PAEK thermoplastics
- Carbon, glass fiber
- Extrusion of pellets/granulates with or without continuous fiber reinforcement
Can also be used to print thermally stable molds for composites processes.
Filament Winding
The Addcomposite filament winding system enables the AFP-XS or AFP-X toolhead to be configured for winding thermoset or thermplastic prepreg and dry materials.
The Addcomposite filament winding system enables the AFP-XS or AFP-X toolhead to be configured for winding thermoset or thermplastic prepreg and dry materials.
This additional functionality optimizes speed and precision for pressure vessels, sleeves and tubes, inserts, and other axisymmetric shapes of revolution.
- High tension winding delivers superior mechanical properties even for complex shapes.
- Selective reinforcement allows for precise placement and design freedom, enabling lightweight, high-performance parts.
- Non-geodesic winding uses advanced steering capabilities to ensure optimal fiber orientation and composite properties.
- The AddPath software enables pattern planning, modification, and simulation to control and visualize the winding as well as generating the robot programs and estimating materials, time, and costs for filament wound parts.
- Plug-n-play system means fast installation with major robot brands.
AddPath Software
Streamlines the AFP process with path planning, simulation, and data streaming to optimize fiber placement and control.
Streamlines the AFP process with path planning, simulation, and data streaming to optimize fiber placement and control.
Easy to learn and use with AFP-XS, AFP-X, SCF3D and filament winding processes.
- Digital Twin enables accurate prediction of AFP path trajectory and material steering.
- FEA integration optimizes fiber placement paths, performs stress analysis, and evaluates material performance.
- Online defect detection continuously monitors for defects, automates quality control, and predicts equipment failures.
Tape Slitting System
Developed with Texonic (Quebec, Canada), this system slits UD carbon fiber or glass fiber fabric into dry fiber tapes that are easy to process in AFP.
Developed with Texonic (Quebec, Canada), this system slits UD carbon fiber or glass fiber fabric into dry fiber tapes that are easy to process in AFP.
The system is easy to use and allows companies to customize and trial new and innovative materials. It also enables use of enviro-spools made with cardboard that can be recycled.
- Slits materials up to 50 inches wide
CET Composites
Aug 2024
Coming Soon
Robot:
AFP-XS toolhead with Fanuc M710 robot (70 kg payload)
Heating:
IR lamp
Options:
7th rotational axis
Higher payload for flexibility to process thermoplastics in the future and additional axis for tape winding.
Purdue University
Nov 2023
Coming Soon
Robot:
AFP-XS toolhead with Fanuc R2000 robot (210 kg payload)
Heating:
Humm3 flash lamp
Options:
7th rotational axis
Higher payload for flexibility to use heavier end of arm tools, plus Humm3 to enable high-temp thermoplastics and additional axis for tape winding.
Quebec Composites Development Centre
Aug 2022
Coming Soon
Robot:
AFP-XS toolhead with Fanuc M710 robot (70 kg payload)
Heating:
IR lamp, hot air
High payload and additional hot air system to enable low-temp thermoplastics.
Polytechnique Montreal
Coming Soon
Robot:
AFP-XS toolhead with Fanuc M710 robot (50 kg payload)
Heating:
IR lamp
Flexible system for thermoset prepreg.
National Research Council Canada
Coming Soon
Robot:
AFP-XS toolhead with Fanuc M710 robot (70 kg payload)
Heating:
Humm3 flash lamp
Options:
7th rotational axis
Higher payload for flexibility to use heavier end of arm tools, Humm3 to enable high-temp thermoplastics and additional axis for tape winding.