The largest automated fiber placement (AFP) equipment has been installed on Rocket Lab USA, Inc.’s Neutron rocket production line located in Middle River, MD. Built to order by Electroimpact in Washington, this 99-ton, 39-foot-tall robotic machine will automate the creation of the largest carbon composite rocket structures ever produced.
Large composite structure manufacturing for the Neutron launch vehicle will be streamlined by the AFP machine, which recently finished its final acceptance testing. The AFP machine ensures high standards for Rocket Lab’s reusable Neutron rockets by detecting and reporting faults in the carbon composite layers thanks to its completely automated real-time inspection system. Over 150,000 manufacturing hours are anticipated to be saved by the machine, greatly accelerating output.
Sir Peter Beck, the creator and CEO of Rocket Lab, lauded the AFP machine for being a crucial part of creating the largest carbon composite rocket ever built. The machine’s capabilities will help with the Electron rocket and other aerospace projects in addition to supporting Neutron’s manufacturing. Beck emphasized the machine’s inventive impact on the aerospace sector as well as their work with Electroimpact.
The AFP machine will also be used to make smaller carbon composite structures, first stages of electron rockets, and a variety of aerospace parts, including spacecraft panels, solar panel substrates, and custom components for the industry, in addition to Neutron rocket components.
