Automated Fiber Placement
Automated Fiber Placement (AFP) is a manufacturing technology used to precisely lay down composite materials, such as carbon fiber or fiberglass, onto molds or surfaces to create lightweight, high-strength structures. It involves robotic systems that automate the placement of pre-impregnated fiber tapes or tows, enabling complex geometries and reducing manual labor in industries like aerospace and automotive. This process enhances consistency, reduces waste, and improves production efficiency compared to traditional hand lay-up methods.
Developers should learn about AFP when working in advanced manufacturing, robotics, or composite material applications, as it is critical for producing high-performance components in aerospace (e.g., aircraft wings), automotive (e.g., car bodies), and renewable energy (e.g., wind turbine blades). It is used to achieve precise material placement, optimize structural integrity, and scale up production in automated environments, making it valuable for roles involving CAD/CAM integration, process control, or industrial automation.