One application where the use of Fiber Patch Placement (FPP) is very beneficial are dome reinforcements for composite pressure vessels, for example for hydrogen storage. With our CAD-CAM software ARTIST STUDIO, we support the whole virtual product development. The module PATCH ARTIST facilitates engineers to create an optimized FPP laminate. Patches are automatically created and distributed along defined curves which cover the whole surface of the component.

The dome areas of pressure vessels are characterized by curves with small radii which can make it difficult to achieve a homogeneous wall thickness with Fiber Patch Placement. Typical, FPP-specific rectangular patches cause overlaps at the inner side and gaps at the outer side of the curve due to their shape. The result is a not completely uniform thickness distribution. This characteristic is usually not attributed with a significant change in mechanical properties, but it can still be unacceptable for some application scenarios.

Our software team is currently integrating trapezoid-shaped patches into PATCH ARTIST. With this new function, a more even distribution of patches along tight curves is possible. Due to their shape and the option to freely choose the angle, overlaps and gaps are reduced, resulting in an even thickness throughout the laminate.

The software uses a dedicated algorithm to distribute the trapezoid patches evenly on the curve. Previously, we’ve already added support for closed curves which allows to calculate the optimal overlaps and gaps between the patches by shifting the patches along the curve. Combining the new trapezoid-shaped patch feature with the support for closed curves enables an even distribution of the patches which results in an optimized FPP laminate for your application.

The trapezoid patch feature is still in beta-mode and will be fully integrated in Artist Studio in the course of this year. We do, however, already apply the feature in our development projects. If you’re interested and would like to know more about how it matches your application, please feel free to contact us at advantages@cevotec.com. Stay tuned for our next ARTIST STUDIO updates and have a look at our video showcasing our latest features including the new trapezoid shapes patches.

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 production systems enable the automated lay-up of carbon fiber, glass fibers, adhesive films and other technical fibers on complex 3D geometries. Manufacturers use FPP technology to produce e.g. multi-material aerostructures, composite pressure vessel reinforcements, and other high-performance components in a quality-controlled, fully automated process, which enables them to realize cost & cycle time savings of 20%-60% when switching from conventional processes to Fiber Patch Placement.