Composites

Key Benefits of Automated Composite Manufacturing

The adoption of industrial automation offers advantages beyond simple cost reduction. Specifically for the composite industry, FANUC solutions deliver:

• 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.
• 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.

These advancements provide the necessary precision and efficiency for scalable, high-quality automated composite manufacturing.

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.