Strand laying apparatus and machine.

57 A strand laying apparatus is disclosed wherein strands (19) of composite material pass from a strand storage device under a guide or spacing roller (34, 47), and are pressed against a lay down surface (17) by a precompaction roller (37, 48) as the head moves along a lay down path. Heat is applied to the strands (19) by a heat source (39, 51), and a main compaction roller (35, 49) applies final compacting pressure.Desirably the strands are warmed prior to precompaction, and advantageously the apparatus comprises clamping and severing devices (53, 54) to clamp and sever the strands at a location between the precompaction roller and the main compaction roller.