Toward a compact AFP head capable of performing V-shape structures:Design and Implementation

This paper presents the design and implementation of a compact Automated Fiber Placement (AFP) head, addressing the limitations of conventional large AFP heads in small workspaces and complex shapes production. Traditional AFP heads, typically large and bulky, increase costs and require significant workspace, often leading to manual fiber placement that compromises product quality. Our design, developed at Concordia University, encompasses mechanical design, circuitry, and software, offering a viable solution for efficient fiber placement of a V-shape thermoset part. The experimental results show that the designed AFP head can manufacture the V-shape structure with a minimum angle of around 96 degrees and a radius of 7.5mm.