Composites technology specialist Cygnet Texkimp, with McLaren, has innovated an advanced, production-ready fibre deposition process known as ART (Automated Rapid Tape). The technology addresses the challenge of producing complex, high-quality composite parts efficiently and cost-effectively, forming part of McLaren’s broader innovation programme.

McLaren has signed an exclusive licensing agreement granting Cygnet the rights to market this solution across other sectors, including aerospace, space, defence, wind energy, and industrial applications, as part of a long-term expansion strategy.

The ART system enables the production of high-performance carbon fibre composite parts with minimal waste by laying down dry composite tape at speeds of up to 2.5 metres per second. The process ensures that up to 95% of the feedstock is used in the final product, greatly reducing offcuts and material waste.

The technology also introduces new design possibilities through fibre placement technology (FPT). This allows engineers to precisely control the load-bearing and stiffness characteristics of a component by adjusting the fibre orientation, creating materials with anisotropic stiffness. Such precision enables the development of complex, aerodynamic, and visually distinctive components for industries like automotive and aerospace.