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Layway Lab AFP

LabAFP is a laser-assisted thermoplastic Automated Fiber Placement (AFP) system developed for research, development, and education.It provides full access to process parameters, enabling controlled experimentation, material development, and validation of AFP processes at laboratory scale — with a direct pathway to industrial production.

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● University laboratories and research institutes
● Corporate R&D centers for composites and materials
● Education and training centers
● Aerospace and automotive research programs
● UAV, eVTOL, and advanced mobility prototyping
● Energy, hydrogen storage, and cryogenic research

Laser-assisted thermoplastic automated fiber placement (AFP) systems

Advantages

Laser Heating

Precision heating to exact processing temperatures
High-Precision Positioning

The placement head positions the prepreg tow onto the tool or mandrel. Integrated compaction and roller technology ensure dense, void-free lamination
In-situ Curing

Fast in-situ consolidation via material properties, plus vacuum bagging for higher efficiency and guaranteed quality
Control System

Precision multi-axis control with synchronized tow delivery ensures consistent temperature, pressure, and tension for high-quality AFP on complex surfaces

Main System Parameters

Tape format
Single-tow, 1/4" UD tape
Laser power
2 kW (NIR laser, 1080 nm)
Laser spot size
15 × 40 mm
Maximum layup speed
up to 300 mm/s
Compaction force
50–150 N
Tow-to-tow placement tolerance:
±0.1 mm
Cut repeatability
±2 mm
Minimum tow cut & feed spacing
10 mm
Minimum tow length
135 mm
Robotic system
KUKA KR16 (KR C5)
Working envelope
600 × 600 mm
Temperature measurement
IR pyrometer
Temperature control
PID, open architecture (user-adjustable)
Water cooling
laser, optics, and compaction roller
force control
Pneumatic compaction force control

Laser-Assisted Thermoplastic Automated Fiber Placement (LATP) technology

Research & Development Capabilities

Development and optimization of AFP process parameters

Prototyping of thermoplastic composite components

Testing and characterization of new composite materials

Manufacturing of small-scale preforms for thermoforming

Quality evaluation of thermoplastic UD tapes

Development of new processes such as overprinting

Research on post-processing (VBO, autoclave, hybrid routes)

Key Advantages

Open-architecture AFP platform for research and education

Full access to process and temperature control parameters

High repeatability and stable process conditions

Broad compatibility with thermoplastic UD tapes

Compact, lab-friendly Plug & Play design

Ideal for education, training, and academic research

Scalable architecture aligned with industrial AFP systems

Clean thermoplastic process with recyclable materials

Laser-Assisted Thermoplastic Automated Fiber Placement (LATP) technology

Supported Materials

Thermoplastic UD tapes and self-developed materials

Fiber types: Carbon, glass, aramid

Thermoplastic matrices: PA, PPS, LM-PAEK, PEEK, PEKK, PEI

支持材料

Output Products

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Contact our experts for more information

Suzhou Layway Intelligent Manufacturing Co., Ltd.

136-5663-6101

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