Automated Fiber Placement (AFP) is traditionally used on very complex surfaces and smaller structures and utilizes single or multiple narrow, slit tapes or tows to make up a given total prepreg band width. This is typically the case within Automated Dynamics as well, but we have taken some liberties with the definition when it improves the Customer's automation solution. The Automated Fiber Placement Process is depicted to the left. In both thermoset and thermoplastic processing, incoming tape is electrically heated using nitrogen. Prepreg material application and consolidation or debulk is always achieved through a compaction roller medium that may be heated or cooled.
