___ MACHINE BUILDING · PROCESS DEVELOPMENT
THE MACHINE BEHIND
THERMOPLASTIC COMPOSITES.
LASER-ASSISTED TAPE LAYUP — FULLY AUTOMATED, IN-SITU CONSOLIDATION
AFPT develops and manufactures tool heads and systems for the automated production of continuous-fiber-reinforced thermoplastic composites. Since 2003, we have been setting the standard for LATW/LATP process technology. From individual machines to integrated production lines.
20+
YEARS OF LATW-EXPERIENCE
5
END EFFECTORS
15+
EU REASEARCH PROJECTS
100%
PROCESS DATA TRACEABILITY
OUR COMPANY
More than a machine supplier.
AFPT offers process expertise that extends far beyond the equipment itself. We support our customers from the initial feasibility study through to the integrated production line—with a genuine understanding of the process, built on more than two decades of applied LATW development.
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Closed-Loop Control
Complete real-time control of temperature, pressure, and tension. All process data is automatically recorded for quality assurance purposes.
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Pionier Since 2003
Experience from initial development to research machines to industrial systems to large-scale series production.
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No Autoclave Need
In-situ consolidation during the ongoing process. No post-treatment, no expensive pressure vessels, no long cycle times.
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Made In germany
Development and manufacturing at the Dörth facility delivered worldwide. Short distances, direct points of contact, EU supply chain.
THE PROCESS
How the Technology Works.
Laser-assisted thermoplastic tape deposition (LATW/LATP) combines heating, deposition, and consolidation into a single, fully automated step.
Compatible with all commercial tapes
From glass-fiber-reinforced HDPE to carbon-fiber-reinforced PEEK. Widths ranging from 5 to 80 mm.
Complete Process Data Logging
Each parameter is recorded and archived for each component, ERP system interface upon request.
Prototype to Mass Production
The same core technology is used in R&D cells and in fully automated mass-production facilities.
1️⃣
Tape Feed
Unidirectional, thermoplastic tape is fed continuously from the reel system.
2️⃣
Laser Heating
A laser beam precisely heats the tape and substrate to the processing temperature
3️⃣
Consolidation
The pressure roller feeds the tape into place. The plastic bonds and sets within seconds.
4️⃣
Closed-Loop Control
Temperature and laser power are controlled in real time.
5️⃣
Finished
The part leaves the machine fully consolidated - no post processing necessary.
HARDWARE
OUR END EFFECTORS.
Five specialized head systems, each optimized for a specific component class.
Single Tape Winding Head [STWH]
VESSEL WINDING HEAD [VWH]
Multi-Tape Laying Head [MTLH]
RING WINDING HEAD [RWH]
High-TENSION WINDING HEAD [HBZ]
SOFTWARE
FROM PLANNING TO CONTROL AND MORE.
Essential to operating a LATW/LATP process is the software to control the equipment, as well as the process.
CONTROL CENTER
AFPT’s Control Center lets operators set and monitor key process parameters—including tape tension, consolidation pressure, and temperature—while displaying system feedback, infrared images, and temperature distribution for quality monitoring.
CLOSED-LOOP CONTROL
AFPT’s LATW/LATP process uses closed-loop infrared control to monitor tape and substrate temperatures and automatically adjust laser power and angle for target nip-point temperature and full matrix melt.
POST PROCESSOR
The adaptable post processor supports common robot, CNC, and gantry systems, converting part geometry into motion paths and control signals, including laser activation and tape cutting.
DATA LOGGER
The digital process stores high-frequency measurements in an SQL database for online/offline quality control, limit warnings, trend and batch analysis, and ply- or part-level production reports.
RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS
PROVEN TECHNOLOGY.
AFPT's process technology is not just theory—it is the result of more than 15 completed and ongoing public research projects conducted in collaboration with industry partners and research institutions.
HYDROGREN & ENERGY
LEIWACO
Development of a cost-effective, high-strength fiber-reinforced composite tank for liquid hydrogen for mobile and stationary logistics units.
HYBRID PROCESSING
WI-IN
Combining the technologies of laser-based thermoplastic tape winding with mobile injection molding, the project utilizes resource-efficient material combination based on PP for technically demanding applications.
MATERIAL & PROCESS QUALITY
TAPECHECKSIM
Avoid the occurrence of material-related defects during automated production by a quality analysis prior to tape laying to
detect faulty material sections.
AEROSPACE
SWING
In Situ
Consolidation thermoplastic process to outperform existing shielding flap on wings of large passenger aircraft in
terms of structural and economic performance.
MATERIAL EFFICIENCY
MAREMO
Near-net-shape fiber-reinforced composite preforms manufactured to exact specifications, with virtually no waste and made from recycled materials.
HYBRID Processing
ComMUNION
Highly productive, cost-effective manufacturing of 3D metal/CFRT multi-material components using automated laser patterning and tape layup.
OIL & GAS
FIBRECHAIN
Development of worldwide first automated turnkey manufacturing
systems for fiber-reinforced thermoplastic composites (FRTC) pipelines.
AEROSPACE
INSCAPE
Manufacturing of an in-situ consolidated
double-curved structure including in situ joining of stiffener and skin
laminate.
PRODUCTION
PROTOYPING AND PRODUCTION
Are you interesting in purchasing a machine and need prototypes? Or do you only want parts and need a contract manufacturer using AFPT's equipment?
Alformet GmbH is the manufacturing spin-off of AFPT for you manufacturing needs. From prototypes to large-scale production, directly from the factory in Dörth.
