Fraunhofer Institute for Production Technology IPT
Fraunhofer Institute for Production Technology IPT
Scientist works on a tape laying head
© Fraunhofer IPT

Efficient tape laying

The Fraunhofer IPT has developed a system technology that can be used to produce semi-finished products from unidirectional tape that are optimized for load and waste. In this manufacturing process, the laser is used directly in the process (in-situ) to consolidate the thermoplastic material.

© Fraunhofer IPT

Automated tape laying for unidirectional semi-finished products made of fiber-reinforced plastics

The multifunctional tape laying systems "PrePro 2D" and "PrePro 3D", which was developed at Fraunhofer IPT, can be used to process thermoplastic tapes and thermoset prepregs as well as spread and bindered dry fiber rovings. Processing these semi-finished products with just a single system reduces the amount of machinery required and increases flexibility in the production of lightweight components. Thanks to its modular design, the system can be quickly and flexibly adapted to different semi-finished products depending on requirements and individually retooled for the respective applications.

Developments of the tape laying head for fiber composites from 1987 to today

2018

A special controllable VCSEL laser is used additionally to the diode laser system. The new head is optimized for local reinforcement.

2016

The PrePro® 2D stand-alone-system produces tailored thermoplastic composite blanks without the need for post consolidation.

2014

The Multi-Material-Head is a compact system for processing of thermoplastic tapes, thermoset prepregs and dry-fiber tows. (JEC Paris Innovation Award winner)

2013

Transparent tapes can be processed with the special winding head with far infrared CO2 laser radiation. The head allows local reinforcement of different materials. (JEC Paris Innovation Award winner)

2010

The multi-tow processing head allows to process up to six thermoplastic tapes at the same time with in-situ consolidation.

2008

A diode laser with zoom homogenizer optics enables a homogenous energy distribution and a controlled beam shape makes laser assisted tape placement with in-situ consolidation commercially available. (JEC Paris Innovation Award winner)

2005

Continuous tape winding for on-ship production of thermoplastic composite pipes with infrared emitters as heat source.

1999

A diode laser is integrated into the AFP head for economic processing of thermoplastic tows. The smaller and cheaper laser opens up new design possibilities for laser integration.

1997

Development of a laser-assisted AFP head with a laser scanner system and IR-camera.

1994

Development of a laser-assisted tape placement head using a laser optic for beam shaping. Adaption of spot size and focus is possible.

1992

Development of the first thermoplastic AFP head with a YAG laser and CCD camera. Use of a raw laser beam instead of the conventional use of hot gas nozzle.

1987

Kick-off of the special research field “Production technology for parts made of non-metallic fiber composites“ (DFG, SFB 332, 1987-2000).