Advancing FPP lay-up automation: New grippers, powerful lay-up features and award-winning research

Dear friends of Fiber Patch Placement,

The heat is on! The early and intense heat wave that Europe experienced in the last couple of weeks is a painful reminder that we need to accelerate the transition to climate neutrality. High-performance composite structures play a pivotal role for this, especially in the aerospace and H2 industries. That’s why we at Cevotec keep our innovation pipeline also at high temperature and proudly present the new generation of our A4 gripper – check out the new and improved features for multi-material lay-up! The gripper also supports the powerful Post-Placement-Push-In feature – see our new video how it solves a seemingly “impossible” lay-up challenge with ease and elegance!

Heading into summer holidays, I’d like to recommend some literature: The National Institute for Aviation Research (NIAR) published an award-winning paper on how FPP addresses typical lay-up issues for complex composites in aerospace. And our very own Spotlight Paper Series takes you on a technical journey from concept to industrial integration of FPP dome reinforcements for composite tanks.

Enjoy your read!

Contact
+49 89 2314 165 0
advantages@cevotec.com

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 Lay-up technology 

Composites automation beyond AFP limits: Mastering steep-edge lay-up with Fiber Patch Placement

To showcase the advanced lay-up capabilities of Fiber Patch Placement (FPP) technology, Cevotec has developed a new demonstrator that exemplifies a typical “impossible-to-overcome“ challenge for automated fiber placement. Watch our new Post-Placement Push-In feature in action on a double-curved barrel section with a steep edge!  

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Gripper technology  

Multi-material aerospace lay-up: Enhanced A4 gripper for complex geometries and tacky materials  

Designed for material flexibility and complex geometries, our enhanced A4-sized gripper boots several new features that serve tacky prepreg lay-up on large and complex geometries. It supports the placement of variable patch sizes on both concave and convex surfaces and has proven its performance in recent aerospace projects .

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Research and Development

NIAR’s award-winning SAMPE paper: How FPP effectively addresses challenges in complex composites parts manufacturing 

The National Institute for Aviation Research (NIAR) has received second place in the Outstanding Technical Paper Awards at the 2025 SAMPE Conference. Their research explored how Fiber Patch Placement (FPP) can address long-standing challenges in the automated manufacturing of complex composite parts like fiber steering defects, throughput issues, and design optimization.

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Commercial

Spotlight Papers: Implementing dome reinforcements on composite pressure vessels with Fiber Patch Placement 

Cevotec has introduced a new Spotlight Paper Series focused on reinforcing composite pressure vessels. The series is based on a joint project with Roth Composite Machinery GmbH and CIKONI composites innovation, who contributed as industry partners to the development and validation of the approach. The papers are intended as a technical resource for engineers and decision makers and cover all steps from concept to industrial integration of FPP dome reinforcements. The finale of the series will be a in depth webinar exclusive for subscribers. Sign up today to receive your invite!

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ARTIST STUDIO Software

Training update: Enhanced modules and tools for mastering ARTIST STUDIO 

We’ve made it easier to get hands-on with ARTIST STUDIO. New training materials now guide you step-by-step through features like curve creation in Patch Artist and robot programming in Motion Artist. You’ll also find clearer instructions for simulation workflows and new modules for SAMBA Pro PV and dome reinforcement design. Whether you’re just getting started or looking to deepen your knowledge, the new training material will upgrade your FPP skills. 

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Advancing aerospace manufacturing: FPP demonstrator at the Paris Air Show

At the 55th International Paris Air Show, Cevotec—hosted by Fuji Industries—presented a horizontal tail plane fairing demonstrator, highlighting how Fiber Patch Placement (FPP) technology enables efficient lay-up of complex aerostructures. It sparked lively discussions how FPP significantly shortens lay-up times, reduces process steps and also improves mechanical properties.

Building on the momentum from our award-winning presence at CAMX 2024, we are set to showcase our latest advancements in Fiber Patch Placement (FPP) technology at CAMX 2025, taking place from September 8–11 in Orlando, Florida. Come visit us at booth J64! 

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Thank you for spending time with us and wishing a wonderful summertime!

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