Automated Fiber Placement (AFP)
Automated Fiber Placement (AFP) is an advanced composite manufacturing process that enables the precise deposition of multiple narrow fiber tows, typically pre-impregnated with thermoset or thermoplastic resins, onto a contoured tool surface. By controlling each tow individually, AFP machines can steer fibers along optimized paths, achieve variable thickness build-ups, and minimize waste, while maintaining high repeatability and production efficiency. This capability makes AFP indispensable in aerospace, where it is widely applied in fuselage skins, wing spars, control surfaces, and pressure vessels, offering significant reductions in structural weight and improved performance compared to traditional metallic or hand-laid composite structures.
Where AFP Technology Takes Flight
Wing skins
AFP technology
AFP technology plays a crucial role in manufacturing the massive carbon fiber wing skins of the Boeing 777X. With unmatched precision and repeatability, AFP ensures consistent fiber alignment across large surface areas, enabling lighter yet stronger wings. The result is improved aerodynamic efficiency, reduced fuel burn, and long-term durability—key factors in next-generation widebody performance.
Fuselage barrels
AFP technology
Airbus relies on AFP technology to produce the full carbon fiber fuselage barrels of the A350 XWB. Automated placement of narrow prepreg tows allows seamless, defect-free layups with fewer joints, enhancing structural integrity while reducing weight. This innovation has redefined fuselage manufacturing by enabling one-piece barrel sections that improve both passenger comfort and aircraft efficiency.
Fan Blade
AFP technology
The composite fan blades of the Boeing 787 and 777X are also made possible by AFP. The process achieves optimal fiber orientation, balancing high stiffness with impact resistance to withstand extreme operating conditions. These lightweight yet robust blades contribute to quieter engines, lower fuel consumption, and sustainable aviation goals.
Complete AFP Solutions
01
Thermoset AFP Solution
Thermoset AFP machine delivers high-precision fiber placement for aerospace-grade structures. With advanced tow steering, tension control, and compaction technology, it ensures consistent layup quality and superior laminate integrity. Optimized for carbon and glass fiber prepregs, the system supports large component production such as wings, fuselage panels, and spars, guaranteeing reliability and repeatability for demanding industries.
02
Thermoplastic AFP Solution
Designed for next-generation manufacturing, our thermoplastic AFP machine offers in-situ consolidation using laser or infrared heating. This eliminates autoclave curing, significantly reducing cycle times while enhancing production efficiency. The system provides excellent bonding, recyclability, and high toughness, making it the ideal solution for aerospace, automotive, and hydrogen energy applications where speed, performance, and sustainability are essential.
Narrow prepreg tape for AFP
Automated Fiber Placement (AFP) systems are designed with multi-axis motion to handle the complex geometries of modern aerospace structures. Depending on the application, AFP heads typically operate on 8 to 16 axes, providing the flexibility to steer fiber tows precisely along curved surfaces while maintaining optimal consolidation pressure. Equally important is the choice of prepreg tape size: industry standards range from 1/8 inch (3.175 mm) for highly contoured features, 1/4 inch (6.35 mm) as the most common balance between productivity and lay-up accuracy, and 1/2 inch (12.7 mm) for larger, flatter sections requiring higher deposition rates. This combination of advanced axis control and tailored tape widths enables AFP technology to achieve superior part quality, minimal defects, and efficient production of critical structures such as fuselage barrels, wing skins, and fan blades.
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Company Email: jotamachinery@gmail.com