Automated Tape Laying

Automated Tape Laying (ATL) involves placing typically a single end of fiber tape or fabric either binder infused or resin impregnated, onto a flat to moderately curved surface.  ATL is often used rather than AFP when part curvature is mild, ply width is relatively constant, and/or ply starts or stops have similar cut angles.  ATL typically uses tape or fabric in 3, 6, 12, or 24 inch (76, 152, 305, or 610 mm) widths.

Accudyne tends to use gantry-style systems rather than robotic systems for delivering the fiber to the part.  The very rigid, overhead structure when combined with linear motors enables the tape laying head to respond to machine commands very quickly while providing very tight machine positioning.  Accudyne has built ATL machines for processing both thermosets and thermoplastic resin systems.