Defects formation in automated fiber placement technology

Abstract

In the frame of this work, a robotic Automated fiber placement - AFP in situ process was applied to obtain high quality thermoplastic composite structures. Automated fiber placement (AFP) with laser assisted heating (LAFP) is an attractive manufacturing technology for the development of lightweight and high performance components, primarily for the aerospace, automotive, military and many other dominant industries worldwide. For the samples laminate plates produced with the AFP procedure, the flexural strength was investigated, and optical images were analyzed for irregularities such as pore content and weaker interlaminar bonding between the layers.