Carbon fiber prepreg cutting equipment can speed up production times and reduce labour costs. Software can optimise use of material to reduce waste – an important consideration for high priced reinforcements and prepregs. Designs can be quickly modified. Composite materials can be cut in complex patterns, quickly, accurately and consistently, and with better edge quality. Cut materials can be marked to make identifying parts (and kitting) easier.

Suppliers of automated cutting systems and their associated equipment and software have developed solutions for the traditional textiles markets (fashion, furniture) and are now focusing on the growing markets of industrial textiles and composites. Depending on the user's requirements, a wide range of options are available for cutting rolled materials (single or multiple ply) or sheet materials, including prepregs, dry carbon/aramid/glass fabrics, sheet moulding compound (SMC), and core materials.