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Wichita State University’s (WSU, Kan., U.S.) National Institute for Aviation Research (NIAR) has released a documentary-style video that shows how their ATLAS lab team approaches fiber patch placement (FPP) leveraging their 10-axis Samba Pro system by Cevotec (Munich, Germany) — featuring an ultra-fast Scara pick-and-place robot and a six-axis tool manipulator — and how it’s relevant to current challenges in aerospace composites manufacturing. The video can be found below.

The video offers a concise look at FPP process intent and aerospace use cases, including performance test results. In addition, for those who prefer the technical basis, NIAR’s SAMPE‑recognized paper, “,” offers additional information on how complex geometry parts can experience significant performance gains by design optimizations that are unique to FPP.

What can aerospace programs take from this? FPP is best used in applications dominated by geometrical complexities like conical transitions, step features and domed shapes (convex /concave) — think fairings, antenna domes, nacelle inlets and sandwich structures with chamfer transitions. NIAR’s work results points to the same outcome: For challenging shapes, where other technologies struggle, a patch-based laminate strategy can maintain the fiber orientation and achieve thickness build-up close to the design requirements at a production rate that future aerospace programs are targeting.

In addition, Cevotec Samba systems supports true multi‑material placement in a single automated sequence, including auxiliary materials like adhesive films and glass fiber veils. Along with adjustable gaps/overlaps definition of the laminate, a distinctive FPP design feature, full single-layer coverage can be achieved. According to Cevotec, this differentiates FPP for complex material stacks and is a key enabler for full lay-up automation of high-performance structures like sandwich panels.

NIAR offers a broad range of development services to aerospace manufacturers, including material tests, prototyping and process development with FPP on-site in the U.S. This enables manufacturers to reduce their risks in the deployment of new technologies and typically shortens overall development cycles. Moreover, Cevotec offers a complimentary first screening and feasibility evaluation.