Global AFP/ATL Machines Market Size, Share, Growth, Trends, and Global Industry Analysis: By Machine Type (Automated Fiber Placement (AFP) Machines, Automated Tape Laying (ATL) Machines, By Application (Fuselage, Wing Sections, Pressure Vessels, Automotive Parts, Wind Turbine Blades, Others), By End User (Aerospace & Défense, Automotive, Wind Energy, Marine, Industrial), and Region Forecast 2020-2031

AFP/ATL Machines Market size was valued at US$ 421.1 million in 2024 and is projected to reach US$ 734.4 million by 2031 at a CAGR of 7.2% from 2025-2031. Moreover, the U.S. Global AFP/ATL Machines Market is projected to grow significantly, reaching an estimated value of US$ 229.1 Million by 2031.The AFP/ATL machines market is the manufacturing, distribution, and application of Automated Fiber Placement (AFP) and Automated Tape Laying (ATL) systems. These machines are essential in the production of advanced composite structures, primarily used in high-performance industries such as aerospace, automotive, defence, and wind energy. AFP and ATL machines automate the precise placement of composite fibre and tape materials onto Molds or forms, significantly improving production speed, consistency, and structural performance compared to manual processes. AFP systems are known for their ability to place narrow tows of composite materials with complex curvature and varying thickness, while ATL machines are optimized for high-speed placement of broader tape layers on flatter surfaces. Together, these technologies are crucial for producing large, lightweight, and strong composite components that meet the stringent standards of critical applications.

The market has witnessed significant growth in recent years, driven by increasing demand for lightweight and fuel-efficient materials, particularly in the aerospace and automotive sectors. With global emphasis on reducing carbon emissions and improving operational efficiency, manufacturers are increasingly turning to advanced composites, thereby fuelling the adoption of AFP and ATL technologies. Aerospace giants like Boeing and Airbus have notably integrated these machines into their production lines for components such as fuselage sections and wing skins. In addition to aerospace, emerging applications in wind turbine blades, marine vessels, and pressure vessels are expanding the scope of the AFP/ATL market. Technological advancements, such as real-time process monitoring, machine learning integration, and multi-material capabilities, are further enhancing machine performance and reliability. North America and Europe currently lead the market due to their strong aerospace ecosystems, but Asia-Pacific is anticipated to exhibit the fastest growth owing to expanding aviation and automotive industries in countries like China, India, and South Korea.

Facts and Figures

• Adoption in Aerospace: Over 50% of structural components in modern commercial aircraft like the Boeing 787 Dreamliner and Airbus A350 are made from composites much of which is produced using AFP/ATL machines.
• Material Efficiency: AFP and ATL machines can reduce composite material waste by up to 15–20%, compared to traditional manual lay-up techniques, significantly lowering production costs in high-volume manufacturing.
• Cycle Time Reduction: These automated systems can reduce part production time by 30–40%, making them essential for meeting increasing aircraft demand and shorter delivery schedules.

Key Developments

• In October 2023, Fives Group, a prominent industrial engineering firm, merged with Caja Robotics, a leading provider of robotic and flexible Goods-To-Person solutions. This strategic merger aims to bolster Fives' automated manufacturing solutions and expand its offerings in warehouse automation, particularly in the European market. By integrating Caja Robotics' technology, Fives Group seeks to strengthen its position in automation and address the growing challenges of omnichannel logistics, reflecting a broader trend towards automation in manufacturing and supply chain operations.
• In September 2023, Toray Industries, a global leader in carbon fiber and advanced materials, acquired a leading composite materials technology company in September 2023. This strategic acquisition aligns with Toray's ongoing efforts to expand its capabilities in thermoplastic composites, which are increasingly in demand for applications in aerospace and automotive manufacturing. The move is expected to strengthen Toray's market position and accelerate the development of innovative composite solutions.

Afp/Atl Machines MarketSegmentation:

Based on the machine type:

• Automated Fiber Placement (AFP) Machines
• Automated Tape Laying (ATL) Machines

Based on machine type, automated fiber placement (AFP) machines are anticipated to lead the market during the forecast period. This dominance is driven by their advanced capabilities in placing composite tows with high precision, especially on complex geometries such as contoured surfaces in aircraft structures. AFP machines offer superior flexibility and speed, enabling manufacturers to optimize material usage while maintaining structural integrity. Their adoption is particularly strong in the aerospace sector, where lightweight, high-strength components are critical. As the demand for fuel-efficient aircraft and sophisticated composite parts increases, AFP machines continue to gain preference over ATL systems in global markets.

Based on the application:

• Fuselage
• Wing Sections
• Pressure Vessels
• Automotive Parts
• Wind Turbine Blades
• Others

Based on application, the fuselage segment is projected to lead the market. This is primarily due to the increasing use of large composite structures in modern aircraft design, where weight reduction and structural integrity are critical. The fuselage requires high-precision layering of composite materials over complex, curved surfaces, making AFP machines particularly suitable for this task. Major aerospace manufacturers like Boeing and Airbus have widely adopted AFP technology in fuselage production to enhance manufacturing efficiency and reduce material waste. As global air travel demand rises and next-generation aircraft are developed, the fuselage segment will continue to drive significant growth in this market.

Based on the end user:

• Aerospace & Défense
• Automotive
• Wind Energy
• Marine
• Industrial

Based on end user, the aerospace and defense segment is expected to dominate the market. This sector heavily relies on advanced composite materials to reduce aircraft weight, improve fuel efficiency, and enhance overall performance. AFP and ATL machines are extensively used to manufacture key structural components like fuselage sections, wing parts, and pressure vessels with high precision and consistency. Leading aerospace companies, including Boeing, Airbus, and Lockheed Martin, have integrated these technologies into their production lines to meet increasing global demand for lightweight, high-strength components. As defense modernization and commercial aviation growth continue, this segment will remain the primary driver of market expansion.