Accelerating next-generation aerostructures

Automation is key to a widespread use of high-performance composites in next generation aerostructures, in particular when higher volumes are needed for e.g. single-aisle medium-range aircrafts. As of today, multi-material composite structures like fairings, radomes, nacelles, control surfaces still require a lot of manual worksteps in fabrication. Fiber Patch Placement (FPP) technology has the potential to change this. It offers a new combination of productivity, flexibility and costs and enables automation for complex 3D shapes, multi-material composites and locally load-adjusted fiber designs. This results in a remarkably improved buy-to-fly ratio. It’s the technology for the next generation of composites aerostructures.

100% raw material control

… and sandwich structures in a SAMBA FPP production system

Automation specialist Cevotec focuses on the efficient and automated production of complex aerospace composite parts. Based on Fiber Patch Placement (FPP) technology, Cevotec’s SAMBA lay-up systems work with a broad range of material systems, both prepreg and dry-fiber, enabling manufacturers to automate the lay-up of multi-material aerostructures. The flexible process also allows for the combination of sandwich-core-based structures and monolithic areas in one integrated process. To safeguard high quality standards for every part produced, the production systems feature self-corrective control systems for material conditions and positioning accuracy. Application examples include e.g. fairings, nacelle panels, radomes, control surfaces, and more.