AFPT GMBH

Their core work

AFPT is a German SME specializing in automated fiber and tape placement (AFP/ATP) technology for manufacturing advanced composite and multi-material structures. They develop laser-assisted tape placement systems used to produce thermoplastic composite parts, primarily for the aerospace sector. Their work spans the full manufacturing chain — from joining metal-thermoplastic components to producing curved stiffened panels and wing structural elements. They operate at the intersection of process automation, composite materials science, and aerospace production engineering.

What they specialise in

How they've shifted over time

AFPT's early H2020 work (2015–2018) focused on fundamental multi-material joining research and manufacturing process science — laser texturing, multi-scale modelling, and inspection methods through ComMUnion and INSCAPE. By 2019, their focus shifted to direct aerospace production applications with SWING, moving from laboratory-scale process development toward industrial wing component manufacturing. This trajectory suggests a company maturing from process R&D toward production-ready aerospace applications.

AFPT is moving from composite process R&D toward industrial-scale aerospace production, making them increasingly relevant for manufacturing readiness and scale-up projects.

How they like to work

AFPT consistently participates as a specialist partner rather than leading consortia — all three projects were in a participant role. With 22 unique partners across 6 countries, they bring focused manufacturing expertise to larger teams. Their involvement in both Innovation Actions (IA) and Clean Sky 2 projects indicates they are trusted by aerospace primes and research consortia as a reliable technology contributor.

AFPT has collaborated with 22 distinct partners across 6 countries, with strong ties to the European aerospace manufacturing ecosystem through Clean Sky 2. Their network spans both industrial partners and research organizations in the composites and transport sectors.

What sets them apart

AFPT occupies a niche at the intersection of automated placement technology and thermoplastic composites — a combination that is central to next-generation aerospace manufacturing but served by relatively few European SMEs. Their Clean Sky 2 involvement demonstrates direct relationships with major airframe manufacturers. For consortium builders, AFPT brings hands-on process equipment expertise that bridges the gap between materials research and production-floor implementation.

Highlights from their portfolio

• ComMUnion
  Largest funded project (EUR 340,726) covering the broadest technical scope — multi-material joining, laser processing, modelling, and automated inspection in a single effort.
• SWING
  Most recent project focused on wing flap manufacturing for Sonaca, representing the closest-to-production aerospace application in their portfolio.