Two research organizations have joined forces for research projects focusing on patch-based fiber lay-up: The Institute of Materials Resource Management (MRM), Augsburg University, with focus on ceramic fiber composites and data-driven computational materials science, and the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering at Augsburg University of Applied Sciences. The technological backbone of the common research focused on AI and new materials is a SAMBA Step system from Cevotec based on Fiber Patch Placement (FPP) technology. “SAMBA Step systems with their flexible degree of automation are explicitly designed for prototyping and product development in R&D departments, institutes and universities,” explains Thorsten Groene, CEO of Cevotec. “The systems feature individual robot configurations and are very flexible regarding the materials processed. They can additionally be equipped with a variety of sensors to monitor the production process. We currently plan an extension of the SAMBA Step system with 12 individual sensors that feed real-time data to an AI-based analysis engine.”

Augsburg University intends to use the system for research in the field of ceramic fiber composites. “We will investigate the patch-based process using ceramic fiber composites for new applications,”, states Prof. Dietmar Koch, head of chair in Materials Engineering at MRM.

With the installation of a SAMBA Step system at MRM in Augsburg, Cevotec also continues and strengthens the existing cooperation with Augsburg University of Applied Sciences. Prof. Neven Majić, as one of Cevotec’s co-founders now dedicated to developing FPP technology in the science and research environment of the Augsburg institute, comments: “AI is a relevant research topic for us. Fiber Patch Placement represents an innovative composite production technology with increased degrees of freedom. This offers a huge potential for AI development in patch-based composites manufacturing.” Majic’s research colleague Prof. André Baeten underlines this statement and adds: “Fiber Patch Placement will be also used for the production of hybrid materials to achieve ultra-lightweight designs.”

While the Augsburg University was responsible for setting-up the initial SAMBA Step system, the Augsburg University of Applied Sciences will take over the future expansion with a sensor-intensive automated feeding unit. The SAMBA system, all parties agree, forms a solid foundation for joint research projects to come.

About Cevotec

Munich-based automation specialist Cevotec offers one of the world’s most advanced production systems for complex fiber composites. At the intersection of composites, mechanical engineering and software, Cevotec develops production systems and software based on Fiber Patch Placement (FPP) technology: SAMBA and ARTIST STUDIO. The systems, which are particularly suited for automated fiber placement on complex 3D geometries, process carbon fibers, glass fibers, adhesive films and other technical fibers. They can be used for a broad range of applications. Such flexibility is particularly appreciated by customers from aerospace and med-tech industries, who realize cost and time savings of 20%-60% when switching from manual processes to FPP. More information: www.cevotec.com/en.

About Augsburg University

The University of Augsburg is a comparatively young university. It was founded in 1970 by the Free State of Bavaria as a “Reformuniversität” (Reform university). The university has successfully used the associated opportunities to develop dynamically and orientate its own profile to the challenges of the present and future.

Initially concentrating on law, economics, social sciences and the humanities, the University of Augsburg has continually added and developed promising fields of natural and technical sciences. Since the establishment of its eighth faculty, a medical faculty, the university offers a complete spectrum of subjects and study programs.

About Augsburg University of Applied Sciences

With 6500 students the Augsburg University of Applied Sciences is one of the largest in Bavarian Swabia. With over 160 professors and more than 300 tutors, the insitute uses the latest teaching methods and equipment to provide students with the best education in engineering, business, design and social sciences. The commitment of over 300 non-academic and academic support staff, as well as the state-of-the-art laboratories, workshops and lecture halls, all contribute to excellent conditions for research and teaching.

As a modern university Augsburg University of Applied Sciences stands for innovation, creativity and progress. The central position in Augsburg makes the insitute an ideal focal point for creating a communication network between the economy, society and politics. The fact that Augsburg is conveniently situated in the heart of Bavaria makes it an attractive location for both business and research.

• Fiber Patch Placement