Munich-based automation specialist Cevotec GmbH (Germany) presents its latest advances in robotic composite layup based on fiber patch placement (FPP) technology. Designed to bridge the gap between automated fiber placement (AFP) and manual layup, FPP expands the automation toolkit for composites manufacturers, especially in aerospace. It offers powerful options for fabricating geometrically complex components and processing diverse, tacky materials that typically challenge AFP systems. By enabling precise layup of plies and patches, FPP offers material, cycle time and cost savings of 20-60% compared to manual processes.

Cevotec is showcasing the new and advanced capabilities of its SAMBA Series FPP systems, including:

• A horizontal tailplane (HTP) fairing of a commercial aircraft, produced with FPP and demonstrating seven times increased improvement in layup time compared to the legacy process.
• A pressure vessel cut-out illustrating Cevotec’s dome reinforcement solution that won the 2024 CAMX Combined Strength Award.
• Fresh video footage from Cevotec’s lab, showcasing new layup features that address typical challenges for AFP on complex shapes.

As a highlight, the footage includes a demonstrator video featuring a double-curved barrel section with a steep 80° stepped edge — a challenge found at various aerospace components. The video illustrates how the SAMBA Pro system’s Post-Placement Push-In feature achieves uniform compaction and accurate fiber orientation around tight edges.

Furthermore, Cevotec’s expert for composites and FPP technology, Dr. Dimitrios Sikoutris, is holding a conference presentation on “Pressure Vessel Dome Reinforcements – Applied Design Exploration and Optimization,” scheduled on Wednesday, Sept. 10 at 10:00 a.m. in room W209 C. This educational session explores design considerations for FPP dome reinforcements.

The Cevotec team, including CEO Thorsten Groene and Dr. Dimitrios Sikoutris, are present all three days of the show.