FUTURES EXPO SERIES
Automated Fibre Placement for Next- Gen Composite Manufacturing ( AMAC )
Promoting integrated innovation in automated composite manufacture – from material design to product realisation
Research Centre
There is a growing demand for lightweight , highstrength materials that enhance performance and safety while reducing costs . AMAC at UNSW Sydney addresses this need for advanced composite materials , focusing on automated fibre placement ( AFP ) and smart composites .
AMAC ’ s four key pillars include materials enhancement , process-properties optimisation , simulation and performance prediction , and design integration and optimisation . These pillars allow the team to integrate advanced elements like graphene-treated polymers and carbon nanotubes to develop superior composite materials . The team also explores refining manufacturing processes for maximum efficiency and quality and uses advanced tools to forecast manufacturing outcomes and material behaviour . Finally , the team is streamlining the incorporation of AFP into industrial applications .
Current activities range from proof of concept to prototype development .
Key capabilities
> Manufacture of complex , hightolerance , high-strength composite structures
> Manufacture using dissimilar ( metal / composite ) and hybrid materials
> Embedded and surface-mounted sensing , material characterisation
Differentiators
> AFP-based manufacturing of composites
> Large structures testing and structural health monitoring > Full-scale testing capabilities for static to fatigue loading
Key customers
> Quickstep Technologies > Transport for New South Wales
( TfNSW )
Key partnerships
> Omni Tanker Pty Ltd > Quickstep Technologies > SDI Ltd
Quality accreditations and awards
> JEC Innovation Award 2019 for shape- adaptive composite marine propeller with sensing
Sustainable development goals
> Industry , innovation and infrastructure
> Responsible consumption and production
advanced-composites . co
12 •