Cevotec in Germany developed a six-axis SAMBAPro robotic prepreg system for Leonardo in Italy, based on fiber patch lay-up technology. It automates lay-up for carbon and glass fiber composites, including complex urban aviation and aircraft sandwich structures.
After a year - long process, the system went into operation in March 2022 at a Leonardo facility in Italy. It uses two six-axis robots for tool manipulation and patch placement, increasing capacity for large, complex parts. The robots' fixtures, which range in size from 45 mm90 mm to 60 mm240 mm, allow patch placement on 90° edges and biaxially curved surfaces without overhang. The six-axis robot also allows for system enhancements such as rolling motion placement, which increases the degree of freedom for placing patches on complex geometries such as honeycomb cores.
The system has advanced process monitoring to ensure that only 100% compliant raw materials are processed. Two in-process visual inspection systems verify the geometric accuracy and position of each patch. The SAMBA system also features advanced material cooling and can handle a variety of materials, including carbon and fiberglass prepregs and adhesives.
