Handling
Discover our solutions for Handling, Sorting and Kitting as well as Draping
The handling of various composite structures is part of the composite production process. We provide three different handling options for various industrial applications that can be customized to fit the application processes you need on the shopfloor. Our systems are able to handle various materials such as Prepreg, Dry Fiber, Thermoset and Thermoplastic. Whether it is the handling of different composite structures, the automated sorting and kitting process or the draping of composite parts, Broetje-Automation delivers a suitible solution to implement automated and cost-efficient systems for your netxt step towards the Factory of the Future.
Composite Handling System with adaptive structure
This system ensures maximum protection, no distortions and offers material independent technologies that can pick up structures of different contours to fit our technology to the customers challenges. Broetje-Automation has developed a special vacuum generation with pneumatic muscles as actuators that makes adaptive handling as easy as it can be.
Details
- Ply stacking for preform build-up via local heating elements
- High positioning accuracy
- Lay-up rate: more than 100kg/h possible
- Extension for manual station
- Area of application: direct layup of plies in mould for skins and covers
- Direct layup in mold for aerial surfaces in 3D shapes
- Skins, Covers, Panels, Floors
Automated Sorting & Kitting (ASK)
A high variety of shapes require a high flexibility in the handling unit. To automate the Sorting and Kitting process for small and complex parts, Broetje-Automation connected a standard cutting table with an automated system for stacking and sorting of a production kit. The robotic handling system is able to communicate with the cutting table trough the Assembly Management System which makes the production clearer.
Details
- Intelligent interfaces between the systems
- Robot (with EEF) Software
- Complex parts with high contur variety
- Material independent
- Automation of cutting tables enabled for line integration
- Ideal enhancement for manual Stations
- Existing cutting tables at customers can be upgraded with Broetje ASK
Draping of composite parts
The draping of composites and combining of semi-finished products is an extension of the handling system. Through gentle automated processes, we achieve a particularly high quality of the products with our systems.
Due to the aviation-qualified draping and fixing methods, the integral and fully automated process steps are carried out with high efficiency and productivity.
News
Automated Composite Manufacturing – Successful CAMX 2025 in Orlando
- Company, Composites, Events, Factory of the Future
Orlando, September 2025 – Broetje-Automation draws an entirely positive conclusion from this year’s CAMX in Orlando. The international industry meeting point for composite materials once again provided the company with an excellent platform to showcase its innovative solutions for automated manufacturing.
From Fiber to Flight: Broetje-Automation showcases innovative composite manufacturing solutions at the CAMX in Orlando, Florida
- Allgemein, Composites, Events, Factory of the Future
The Broetje-Automation Group is strengthening its position as a leading provider of advanced manufacturing technologies for high-performance composites. At this year’s CAMX Composites and Advanced Materials Expo in Orlando, Florida, the company will showcase its latest innovations for improving the efficiency, quality, and throughput of multiple processes. The company’s cutting-edge solutions in automated drilling, fibre placement, sealing and factory integration respond to the increasing demand from industrial sectors such as aerospace and renewable energy for the efficient production of lightweight, multifunctional structures.
Broetje-Automation Showcases Cutting-Edge Composite Manufacturing Technology at JEC World 2025!
- Composites, Events, Factory of the Future, Processes
Visit our Booth in Hall 5 #M115 | March 4-6, 2025 | Paris, France
Rastede, Germany – Broetje-Automation, a global leader in advanced manufacturing solutions, invites industry professionals, researchers and the media to visit its booth at JEC World 2025, the premier trade show for the composites industry. The event will take place from 4 to 6 March 2025 in Paris, where Broetje-Automation will present groundbreaking innovations in composite manufacturing, including a large hydrogen tank demonstrator for future aircraft and the revolutionary STAXX Flex 8-tow end-effector.
CAMX 2024 in San Diego: STAXX Product Family – Versatile and Innovative Automated Fiber Placement for the Factory of the Future
- Composites, Events
Broetje-Automation proudly introduces the STAXX Family, a transformative suite of automated fiber placement (AFP) solutions designed to redefine manufacturing processes in the Factory of the Future. From the compact and cost-effective STAXX Box to the high-performance capabilities of the scalable multitow STAXX Flex System, each member of this innovative family represents a peak of adaptability, versatility, and reliability. With cutting-edge features and a commitment to process-adapted production, the STAXX AFP Family stands at the forefront of revolutionizing automated fiber placement, starting a new era of precision and efficiency in composite manufacturing. Broetje-Automation presents hits innovative approach at the CAMX, booth W33 in the San Diego Convention Center from September 10-12.
Broetje-Automation delivers STAXX One Automated Fiber Placement System to VIC-K for Future-Oriented Solutions
- Composites, Factory of the Future, Processes
Broetje-Automation has delivered the innovative Automated Fiber Placement System “STAXX One” to VIC-K, a leading international provider of products and services to the aerospace, defense, energy, and railway sectors. The system includes a COMAU industrial robot with a STAXX One Fiber Placement Endeffector and an additional rotational axis, making it ideally suited for building a wide variety of composite structures.
Broetje-Automation delivers STAXX One Fiber Placement System to CTC Composite Technology Center Stade
- Allgemein, Composites, Factory of the Future, Processes
Broetje-Automation GmbH has delivered its highly innovative STAXX One Automated Fiber Placement Robot to the Composite Technology Center / CTC GmbH (An Airbus Company) in Stade, Germany. This advanced and automated fiber deposition system will be used in conjunction with the CTC and Airbus teams to create ecologically efficient and innovative composite structures, in support of a more sustainable future of mobility.