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Advanced Fiber Placement
Definition
NCAM has two Advanced Fiber Placement machines which are used for the manufacture of complex-shaped structures of varying sizes that are composed of composite materials. These materials, which offer lighter weight with equivalent or greater strength than metals, are increasingly used in airframes and other industrial products. Both AFP machines are housed in a temperature-controlled enclosure. The autoclave at NCAM cures parts made from the fiber placement machines and other composite manufacturing processes.
Advanced Fiber Placement Machine #1
Machine Type
- Ingersoll, 7 axis, 24 tow, bi-directional
Capacity
- 5 meters (16.4 ft.) diameter x 12 meters (40 ft.) long
- 80,000 lb max. mandrel weight
Features
- Used in the manufacture of large-scale, complex-shaped structures
- Advanced offline programming and simulation software
- 450°F head maximum lay down temp
- Cantilevered tool and "Domes on" capability (placement over
a complete dome surface)
- Double material redirect system at the head
- Closed loop programmable systems:
- nitrogen heating
- compaction force
- tow tensioning
- Can add and drop tows "on the fly" (min. 250 in./min.)
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