Successful Factory Acceptance (FAT) – First SAMBA system sets sail to Japan

We’re excited to announce the successful Factory Acceptance Test (FAT) of our first SAMBA Pro PV system for the Japanese market. This fully automated system, designed for the dome reinforcement of composite pressure vessels, will be shipped to Japan this October. It marks a major milestone as the first SAMBA Fiber Patch Placement (FPP) system specifically configured for dome reinforcement.

Key features of the SAMBA Pro PV system

The SAMBA Pro PV system features a fully automated and climatized Feeding and Cutting Unit (FCU) that processes continuous fiber tape into individual patches. Our partner GFM’s ultrasonic cutting technology guarantees precise, clean cuts. High-resolution cameras monitor patch quality and placement accuracy in real time, ensuring consistent production quality and in-process corrections as necessary.

A 6-axis Kuka industrial robot equipped with our proprietary patch gripper precisely places the patches on the positions determined by our design software ARTIST STUDIO. The pressure vessel liners are rotated on a Kuka rotational axis for exact alignment during placement. The patches can be heated to activate the resin before placement, improving adhesion to the vessel liner. We’ve also incorporated our new, user-friendly HMI interface and machine data reader, enabling greater efficiency and flexibility in operation once the robot program is loaded.

Versatility in applications

This system supports liners with diameters up to 1,000 mm and lengths up to 3,000 mm. Beyond dome reinforcements, the SAMBA Pro PV system includes a free-form placement mode, typically used in aerospace applications. This feature expands the system’s versatility and application range, enabling the production of other high-complexity composite parts.

Reinforcing sustainable hydrogen solutions

This project demonstrates our commitment to advancing sustainable hydrogen storage solutions and to the collaboration with Japanese partner Fuji Industries. We’re eager to see the system in action during its installation and commissioning in Japan, where it will play a crucial role in the development of advanced composite pressure vessels.