AFP Tech VSSL (Variable Spot Size Laser) Heater

The patented VSSL (Variable Spot Size Laser) by Electroimpact's #AFP Group. True digital heating and placement of composite materials at a high rate have advantages for thermosets, dry fiber, and thermoplastic aero structures. AFP4.0 exceeds all previous technology because it operates on these four tenets: 1) Quality of lamination. The VSS delivers perfect heat for each individual tow resulting in superior and consistent tow tack even when adding at 4000"/min. Tow end placement is extremely accurate and consistent due to perfect tension and tow tack. 2) Reliability of process. Superior tack means no missed tows, especially short tows. The servo-creel is a high-performance tension system that assures no slack and therefore no tow twists are possible. Because only the active tows are being heated and because the heat arrives at the moment the new tow meets the nip, there is no chance for a compaction roller wrap. 3) Performance. The VSS laser and servo-creel enable 4000"/min adds and 3000"/min cuts. These are easily the highest in industry. 4) Utilization. Utilization follows from great quality and superior reliability. If the quality is perfect, there is no rework. If the reliability of process is perfect, there are no recoveries from process error required. Both rework and process error recovery have been major contributors to poor utilization throughout the industry. #composites #innovation #technology #productivity #aerospaceengineering #robotics #space #AFP #thermoplastic