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
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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 MoreKnowledge Centers
CW’s editors are tracking the latest trends and developments in tooling, from the basics to new developments. This collection, presented by Composites One, features four recent CW stories that detail a range of tooling technologies, processes and materials.
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Latest ATL/AFP News And Updates
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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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CompoTech highlights fiber laying technologies to achieve CFRP preform, component versatility
Automated fiber laying (AFL) placement and winding machine technologies enhance OEM capabilities to produce reliable, commercially viable custom composite products.
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Carbon Axis releases the AFP head XPlace mk3
This standalone version enables the user to easily integrate AFP technology into existing robots or gantry systems.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Plant tour: Aernnova Composites, Toledo and Illescas, Spain
RTM and ATL/AFP high-rate production sites feature this composites and engineering leader’s continued push for excellence and innovation for future airframes.
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The next evolution in AFP
Automated fiber placement develops into more compact, flexible, modular and digitized systems with multi-material and process capabilities.
Read MoreFAQ: 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.