Overview
Addcomposites team has been working hard to bring the latest innovations to the AFP-XS ecosystem, while achieving our mission of making composites manufacturing automation accessible. The major concern is that 65- 95% of thermoset composites manufacturing is still done by manual labor, let alone meeting the growing demand for automated thermoplastic composite manufacturing. With the growing demand for composites from various industries, the time for manufacturers to start planning for the future is now. At Addcomposites, we believe the future of composites manufacturing is automated.
Listed below are the advancements coming to the AFP-XS ecosystem in the next couple of months.
Multi tow fiber placement with AFP-XS
Up to this point, the AFP-XS supported single tapes with widths ranging from 1/4" to 1". However for doing more complex shapes and steeper steering, narrower tapes are required. To keep the material deposition rates up, multiple tows are necessary. Starting in 2022, AFP-XS will be available in a 2-tow configuration, where the material source will be standard 1/4" bobbin material and will support both thermoset and thermoplastic materials.
AFP-XS hardware is available in various colors
In the visual world of social media, building your own brand identity is essential. Manufacturers promoting their work through these channels want to reflect these in the color of their tool. Starting 2022, AFP-XS will now be available in select colors to best match the manufacturer's brand. Send us your RAL code to determine the availability.
Online AddPath licensing
AddPath has been now adding value to more than 50+ users across the world. One of the major concerns we have heard is the license is locked to one PC. With the growing acceptance of work from home, users are not able to access their AddPath. Starting 2022, AddPath will be available in a cloud-based format. This will allow access to the AddPath license from multiple computers.
Data capture, logging in AddController, and visualization with AddPath
During the layup process, data i.e. temperature, pressure, speed, etc. is captured and reported in real-time. This data can be viewed during the process, but it is not stored for later processing. Starting 2022, AddController can come enabled with the capability to store the process data. This stored process data can be imported to AddPath for visualization and analysis.
AddComp is now online
Addcomposites along with Effman has launched the AFP cell solution called AddComp. AddComp is the complete solution offering for manufacturers and researchers, who do not have access to a pre-existing robotic arm. Read more about the AddComp solution here
Case studies offer from Addcomposites
Starting from CAM-X 2021 this year, the Addcomposites team is offering a free case study package to manufacturers and technical centers. The offer package is limited to 2-free case studies each month, offered on a first-come-first-serve basis. All the data shared during this case study is covered with NDA. A few examples of such case studies are shown in the public videos here. If you want to apply to get your case study selected, fill in this form!
Provide your input: what do you want to see in the AFP-XS ecosystem next?
We rely heavily on the input from our community, which has driven the constant evolution of the AFP-XS. We're listening to our end-users, and continuously improving all aspects of the system. If you have a suggestion on what you would like the AFP-XS or AddPath to accomplish, please provide your input either directly via email to info@addcomposites.com or ping either Pravin or James on LinkedIn.
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