Increased Speed and Throughput:
Automated processes, such as robotic layup, winding and material handling, operate continuously 24/7, dramatically shortening turnaround times for high-volume or large-format composite parts production.
Composites
Learn about the benefits of switching to an automated process for composites, including your fiberglass chop & polyurethane applications.
Industrial Robots for Composites Manufacturing
Composites are used in a wide range of industries that rely on high-performance materials for aerospace, architecture, automotive, marine and many other industries. Composites manufacturers face constant demand for faster production cycles and higher precision. To meet this challenge, FANUC America and its authorized system integrators offer automated composite manufacturing solutions and expert support for all composite parts production needs.
We'll help you find the best solution to help fit your composite manufacturing needs.
Contact a FANUC sales representative today.
Key Benefits of Automated Composite Manufacturing
Industrial automation delivers benefits that go far beyond simple cost savings. It enables the precision, consistency, and efficiency required for scalable, high-quality composite manufacturing. Within the composites industry, FANUC solutions provide:
Flawless Quality and Consistency:
Robots deliver repeatable precision in material placement, trimming and finishing, ensuring finished goods meet the exacting standards of clients, minimizing waste and eliminating quality defects often associated with manual processes. This consistency is a direct result of efficient automation for composite parts production.
Flexibility and Adaptability:
Automation allows for rapid changeovers between different composite materials, part geometries and production methods (e.g., AFP/ATL to filament winding), making high-mix, low-volume production economically viable
Precision Cutting and Trimming:
Composite parts-cutting robots equipped with routers, waterjets or lasers provide exceptional accuracy for trimming complex 3D contours.
Improved Workplace Safety:
Composite automation systems handle hazardous materials and manage strenuous or repetitive motions, protecting human workers from exposure, strain and injury.
Automated Composite Application Videos
Automated Core Layup Demonstration
A FANUC M‑900iB robot performs automated fiber placement, guiding modular AFP heads to build composite laminates on complex geometries.
Video courtesy of Electroimpact
Robotic Applications for Composites
The versatility and reliability of FANUC robots are perfectly suited for the demanding environment of automated composite manufacturing facilities.
Dispensing & Forming
Precise application of resins, adhesives or prepreg materials, including automated tape laying (ATL) and automated fiber placement (AFP) for complex forms.
Painting, Coating & Finishing
High-quality, consistent application of protective or cosmetic coatings to large composite structures.
Material Removal & Drilling
Use of composite parts cutting robots for precise trimming, routing and drilling of cured parts, ensuring exact dimensional specifications.
Loading & Processing
Automated handling of raw materials, molds and cured parts between processes such as oven curing, inspection and assembly.
