Automated Fiber and Tape Placement Machines

Mikrosam manufactures world class automated fiber placement and automated tape placement machines for the manufacture of highly contoured composite parts. The machines are capable of high throughputs and high fidelity. Mikrosam is unique as a supplier in that it also provides its machines with MikroPlace and MikroAutomate software. MikroPlace software is a full CAD based part design software in which it is possible to create the part design from scratch or import a CAD model from another application such as SolidWorks or CATIA. The programmer can then make any adjustments ply by ply so as to improve the manufacturability of the part. The design can be exported to any FEA analysis application to ensure that it meets the required load requirements. In the subsequent step, MikroPlace takes the CAD information and creates the necessary motion code to operate the machine. This includes simulation, post processing and stress analysis. This reduces the risk for the customer substantially as well as the overall initial cost and the long term cost of ownership. This module allows the importation of CATIA files into the Mikrosam design software as well.

Mikrosam produces three different designs of these machines, enabling a precise match to the series of parts being produced.

TAURUS – Highest Productivity/Throughput

Up to 16 tows.
Fast exchangeable heads.
Part geometries up to 6 meters in diameter and 30 meters in length.
Integral laser projection system to visualize OML and ply boundaries.
Advanced integral vision system for full manufacturing historization.
Latest version of MikroPlace with three years of free upgrades.
Full SPC/QC software application with custom reporting.
Two year system warranty.

LIBRA – Versatility and Flexability

Up to 8 tows
Fast exchangeable heads.
Part geometries up to 2.5 meters in diameter and 12 meters in length.
Integral laser projection system to visualize OML and ply boundaries.
Optional integral vision system for full manufacturing historization.
Latest version of MikroPlace with three years of free upgrades.
Full SPC/QC software application with custom reporting.
Two year system warranty.

DISCOVERY – Ideal for Research and Development Labs and Academia

Up to four tows.
AFP or ATL head(manually interchangeable).
Thermoset, Thermoplastic or dry fiber.
Part geometries up to one(1) meter in diameter and two(2) meters in length.
Latest version of MikroPlace with three years of free upgrades.
Basic SPC/QC software application with custom reporting.
Two year system warranty.

These systems are the most cost effective in the industry with the lowest total cost of ownership of any automated fiber or tape placement machine available on the market.

Mikrosam Automated Tape Placement Machine

Advanced Features

• Multi-material head capable of processing thermoset, dry fiber and thermoplastics.

• Cut and add on the fly and Bi-Directional Layup

• In process inspection system available as an option to detect lap, gap and FOD

• Only company to develop Tool-less AFP machine to fabricate thermoplastic structures.

Many complex composite structures that are currently being laid up and fabricated by hand are excellent candidates for Mikrosam‘s AFP/ATL machine. The incorporation of this technology replacing manual fabrication will result in lower cost and higher quality parts. All of the parts produced on our machines will have a full part history record of the process enabling any required tracking after it is produced.