Accudyne Systems installs AFP machine at Bristol Composites Center

Accudyne Systems completed installation of an Automated Fiber Placement (AFP) machine in the Composites Center located at the University of Bristol, UK. The AFP equipment delivers twelve ends of 0.25 inch-wide (6.4 mm) thermoset tow that are stored in a temperature controlled creel. It features automatic tow cut & add and infrared substrate heating. There are seven coordinated axes utilizing Siemens controllers and linear motors which provide fast machine movements and precise machine positioning. Tow path programming is provided by Coriolis CADFiber enabling fabrication of highly contoured parts. The machine delivers laydown rates of up to 33 ft/min (10 meters/min) and 10 lbs/hr (4.5 kg/hr).