A method and apparatus for inserting a reinforcing rod into a laminated material

An insertion head for inserting a reinforcing rod into a hole in a laminated material, the insertion head comprising:

• a clamp support;
• a feed clamp and a guide clamp coupled to the clamp support and spaced apart along a rod feed path;
• and
• a hole guide for guiding the end section of the rod into a pin hole;
• wherein the feed clamp is moveable towards the guide clamp whilst clamping a rod to feed an end section of the rod through the guide clamp into a hole of the laminated material;
• wherein the guide clamp is configured to selectively clamp the rod to permit the feed clamp to move relative the rod along a return direction away from the guide clamp;
• and
• wherein at least the guide clamp is moveable relative the hole guide to align the guide clamp with the hole guide so that there is a continuous feed path for the rod through the guide clamp and the hole guide.