Automated Tape Laying (ATP) / Automated Fiber Placement (AFP)
Automated Tape Placement (ATP) and Automated Fiber Placement (AFP) are advanced manufacturing techniques revolutionizing the production of composite structures. These robotic technologies precisely lay down continuous fibers or tape onto molds or mandrels to create intricate, high-performance composite components. ATP involves the automated placement of composite tape, while AFP handles the precise laying of individual tows of fibers.
Latest ATL/AFP Articles
VIEW ALL
Coriolis Composites heightens U.S. presence to empower AFP
With innovation, expertise and a deep commitment to its partners’ success, France-based Coriolis Composites is actively strengthening its strategic footprint across North American composites manufacturing.
Read More
Automated composites processing systems facilitate customization, productivity
CAMX 2025: Mikrosam’s filament winding, prepreg slitting and rewinding, towpreg, AFP/ATL and flexible double-belt press prepreg equipment meet precision and quality demands.
Read More
Coriolis Composites introduces the C3 dockable AFP head
AFP solution for gantry and robot systems offers manufacturers enhanced flexibility, performance and ease of use for a wide range of composite parts.
Watch
Mikrosam AFP work cell to enhance Qarbon's TPC part development
Commission of a Libra-series robotic AFP system, paired with Toray’s Cetex thermoplastic composite materials, will accelerate Qarbon Aerospace’s development timelines and reduce risk in future aerospace qualification efforts.
Watch
TPRC develops continuous optical reflection characterization setup for AFP
As part of the NXTGEN Hightech program, developer Joran Geschiere achieved a setup that can characterize entire spool lengths of UD tape meant for the AFP process.
Watch
ASCEND program completion: Transforming the U.K.'s high-rate composites manufacturing capability
GKN Aerospace, McLaren Automotive and U.K. partners chart the final chapter of the 4-year, £39.6 million ASCEND program, which accomplished significant progress in high-rate production, Industry 4.0 and sustainable composites manufacturing.
Read MoreKnowledge Centers
Explore the cutting-edge composites industry, as experts delve into the materials, tooling, and manufacturing hurdles of meeting the demands of the promising advanced air mobility (AAM) market. Join us at CW Tech Days to unlock the future of efficient composites fabrication operations.
LEARN MORE
Latest ATL/AFP News And Updates
McLaren develops aerospace-inspired ART method for volume composite super car engineering
Automated rapid tape (ART) technique, already deployed at the MCTC and to be used for future McLaren models, is capable of producing lighter, stiffer and stronger carbon fiber structures with less waste.
Watch
Conbility thermoplastics system installation supports TITK R&D
LATW and tape winding machine enhances TITK Rudolstadt’s ability to conduct advanced thermoplastic R&D projects, particularly for aerospace.
Read More
MiniLab consortium produces first full-scale thermoplastic composite hydrofoils
Project advances toward first recyclable foils for ocean racing, part of “Infinite Foil” finalist for JEC Innovation Award 2025.
Read More
Addcomposites announces AFP-XS global install base milestone
More than 50 of the production-ready AFP solution for small- to medium-scale composite part manufacturing have been installed and is rapidly growing thanks to its affordability and versatility.
Read More
Mikrosam robotic filament winding cell to aid Cidetec composites projects
Delivery of the single-spindle robotic setup with an ATP head will advance the R&D organization’s work in CUBIC, GENEX and Carbo4power initiatives targeting sustainable composites development.
Read More
Mikrosam equips BTU Germany with single-tape AFP head for Type 5 pressure vessels
Delivery of upgraded placement head provides additional automated layup flexibility, quality control for the university’s latest projects advancing Type 4 and 5 hydrogen storage.
Read More
Featured Posts
VIDEO: Flexible molding and machining for composites
Addcomp and bespline are sister companies that offer innovative solutions for composites. This video from CAMX 2024 offers an overview of Addcomp’s AFP solutions.
Watch
Composites end markets: New space (2025)
Composite materials — with their unmatched strength-to-weight ratio, durability in extreme environments and design versatility — are at the heart of innovations in satellites, propulsion systems and lunar exploration vehicles, propelling the space economy toward a $1.8 trillion future.
Read More
Design for manufacturing, assembly and automation enables complex CFRP telescope supports
Airborne delivered two mirror support structures for the FYST and SOLAT telescopes, assembling 26,300 components while maintaining near-zero CTE, strict tolerances on 6.5 × 6.5 × 1.8-meter assemblies.
Watch
Proving thermoplastic composites match carbon fiber/epoxy performance in road bikes
CDCQ, LxSim, Addcomp and Argon 18 collaborate to optimize a carbon fiber/PA6 bike seat post, democratizing AFP and demonstrating materials and process for future designs and production.
Read More
Plant tour: Airbus, Illescas, Spain
Airbus’ Illescas facility, featuring highly automated composites processes for the A350 lower wing cover and one-piece Section 19 fuselage barrels, works toward production ramp-ups and next-generation aircraft.
Read More
Combining multifunctional thermoplastic composites, additive manufacturing for next-gen airframe structures
The DOMMINIO project combines AFP with 3D printed gyroid cores, embedded SHM sensors and smart materials for induction-driven disassembly of parts at end of life.
WatchFAQ: ATL/AFP
What is the difference between AFP and ATL?
AFP involves the precise placement of continuous fibers onto a mold surface in a predetermined pattern, often in complex shapes, while ATL uses preimpregnated tape to lay down fiber strips onto a surface, typically in straight or curvilinear paths.
What materials can be used in AFP/ATL?
Both AFP and ATL commonly work with materials like carbon fibers, fiberglass, aramid, and thermoplastic or thermoset matrices tailored to specific application requirements.
What are the advantages of AFP/ATL over traditional manufacturing methods?
These technologies offer enhanced precision, reduced material waste, improved structural integrity, and the ability to create complex parts with optimized fiber orientations, resulting in lighter and stronger components.
Are there limitations to AFP/ATL?
Challenges can include high initial equipment costs, complexities in programming intricate designs, and the need for skilled operators to ensure precise placement and quality control.