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Session: Poster pitches
Session starts: Wednesday 15 April, 11:50
Presentation starts: 11:50
Room: Main

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Matthijs Bosboom ()
Lex Zwang ()
Sjef van Breugel ()
Tomek Krzysztofiak ()

Abstract:
The Automated Fabric Deposition (AFD) system is an emerging technology aimed at automating the layup of dry (glass or carbon) fabrics in large-scale composite structures, with initial focus on wind turbine blade manufacturing. The system is currently under development to address key challenges in manual layup processes, including labour intensity, variability, and material waste. The concept builds on earlier research into automation and digitalization of composite manufacturing, which demonstrated that significant improvements in throughput, cost efficiency, and laminate quality can be achieved by addressing key process bottlenecks in manual layup. The envisioned system architecture supports modular integration into existing production environments and is designed to accommodate a wide range of fabric types and ply shapes. By automating the layup process, AFD aims to improve process consistency, reduce cycle times, labour cost, and enhance laminate quality, while also enabling traceability and in-process quality assurance. Although still in the development phase, AFD is being designed with scalability and cross-sector applicability in mind. Beyond wind energy, potential applications include aerospace, marine, and automotive composites, where automated layup of dry reinforcements can significantly improve manufacturing efficiency and product performance. This research outlines the conceptual framework and development goals of the AFD system, and invites collaboration and discussion on its technical challenges, integration strategies, and future role in industrial composite manufacturing.