National Center for Advanced Manufacturing - Louisiana Partnership

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 #2

 
   

Machine Type

  • Ingersoll, 7 axis, 24 tow, bi-directional

Capacity

  • 8 ft. diameter x 20 ft.long
  • 40,000 lb max. mandrel weight

Features

  • Used in the manufacture of small to medium-scale, complex-shaped structures
  • 600°F head maximum lay down temp
  • "Domes on" capability (placement over a complete dome surface)
  • Advanced dexterity, streamlined head
  • Capable of complex shapes and female tools
  • New advanced CPS offline programming software

 

page updated 11/16/06