Fives Group, a global leader in advanced manufacturing systems, is reinforcing its position at the forefront of aerospace composites automation with new breakthroughs in automated fibre placement (AFP), automated tape laying (ATL), and in-process inspection technologies. With over 200 fibre/tape systems installed worldwide, the company s Cincinnati and Lund divisions continue to shape the future of composites manufacturing for both civil and military aircraft, as well as space vehicles.

Fives flagship Cincinnati SuperCharger ATL system delivers higher deposition rates, on-the-fly cutting, and integrated scrap management, while the Robotic Viper AFP platform provides a cost-efficient solution for automating hand layup processes without compromising quality. Both machines integrate seamlessly with Fives ACES (Advanced Composites Environment Suite) simulation software, enabling users to optimise material utilisation, prevent head collisions, and validate part designs in a virtual environment.

The group has also introduced COAST (Composite Optical Automated Surface Tracking), its in-process inspection system that reduces cycle times by up to 28% compared to manual inspection. Looking ahead, Fives is preparing to deliver patent-protected measurement systems based on optical coherence tomography (OCT), enhancing accuracy for complex geometries at faster speeds.

Automation is central to the future of composites, said Stephen Albers, Fives composites expert. From the B-2 bomber to next-generation single-aisle aircraft, automation enables speed, quality, and material savings that manual methods cannot achieve.

Beyond machinery, Fives is embracing Smart Factory philosophies and digital twin technologies, allowing aerospace manufacturers to connect design, simulation, production, and inspection in a unified digital ecosystem. This integration supports the push for higher production rates demanded by OEMs, particularly for next-generation single-aisle programs.

Fives is excited to be an end-to-end provider in composites, added Justin Falck, marketing and communications manager. From software and simulation to equipment and inspection, we provide a complete solution to help our partners reduce waste, improve efficiency, and meet the demands of a booming aerospace market.

Source: www.fivesgroup.com