Automated processes for composite aircraft structure

Purpose This paper provides a general review of automated processing methods currently being used to fabricate aircraft composite structure. Design/methodology/approach Presents a description of the Automated Tape Layer (ATL) process and the Fiber Placement (FP) process. These processes are the most “automated” of all processes being used to fabricate composite aircraft structure. Fiber Placement machines and Automated Tape Layers are composites machine tools and they are the closest comparison the composites industry has to metals machining equipment. Findings There is a need for more variety of composites automation and more affordable machines in the aerospace composites industry. The limited variety of automation and the cost of equipment tend to limit the spread of automation throughout the aerospace composites industry. ATL and FP are composites laminating technologies that could be adapted to a wide range of machine sizes, configurations, and price ranges. Originality/value More widespread use of automated processes in composites would tend to lower the cost of composite aircraft structure on a global basis.