The SAMBA Pro PV system, based on Fiber Patch Placement (FPP) technology, is dedicated to the production of dome reinforcements for hydrogen pressure vessels, enabling significant savings while reducing the weight, cost, and environmental footprint of composite tanks. The system includes a second operating mode tailored for free-form components such as advanced aerospace composites – an area where Japan’s industry also has long held a leading position. 

“By integrating this advanced composite lay-up equipment, Japanese manufacturers can leverage the benefits of FPP technology for efficient and automated composite production, strengthening their competitiveness in the global market”, comments Junji Yamada, President of Fuji Industries Co. Ltd.  

Fuji Industries plays a pivotal role in this initiative, sponsoring and delivering this advanced technology at the NCC and thereby creating new options for the Japanese composite industry. The company exclusively represents Cevotec in Japan and facilitates commercial projects, including prototype development and demonstrator production, tailored to the specific needs of Japanese manufacturers. The deployment of the system is a result of the longstanding collaboration of Cevotec with Fuji Industries. 

“This commissioning underscores the innovative spirit and collaboration of the international composite community. It expands technology portfolio of Japan to develop better composite hydrogen tanks, and we are looking forward to a fruitful collaboration with our industry partners in this exciting field”, comments Professor Akinori Yoshimura, Director of the NCC. 

International Collaboration to Advance Composite Technologies

In parallel to the activities at the NCC, the Fraunhofer Institute for Casting, Composite, and Processing Technology (IGCV) recently strengthened its presence in Japan by establishing the Fraunhofer Innovation Platform for Fibers, Processing and Recycling Solutions at Innovative Composite Center, FIP-MIRAI@ICC, in Kanazawa. This platform facilitates local cooperation and supports both Japanese and German companies, including startups, in advancing composite technologies. Joint projects using SAMBA systems further support knowledge transfer in FPP technology that benefits the broader industrial community. Cevotec also collaborates closely with Fraunhofer IGCV, which houses a SAMBA Pro Prepreg system in Augsburg, Germany.  

“By bringing together expertise from Germany and Japan, this collaboration fosters knowledge exchange and accelerates innovation in FPP technology. All partners are eager and excited about the opportunities for cooperation within this expert network”, summarizes Dr. Florian Lenz, Technical Director of Cevotec.  

The synergies between Cevotec, Fuji Industries, NCC, Fraunhofer IGCV, and the ICC demonstrates a shared commitment to advancing the composite industry and driving technological progress in the region. 

About Fuji Industries:

Fuji Industries, founded 77 years ago, has a proven track record in a wide range of business activities, with a particular focus on the aerospace, petrochemical industries, including the rapidly developing sector of composite materials, along with various other leading industries. With its headquarters in Kobe, Japan since foundation, Fuji Industries strategically maintains office locations in Tokyo, Nagoya, New York, Los Angeles, London and Bangkok to effectively serve the key accounts in these industries. Fuji Industries provides partners the maximum support with the goal of long term and mutual business growth. In pursuit of this mission, they actively seek partnerships with companies at the cutting edge of technology. Collaborating with such partners enables Fuji to specialize in their industries on a global scale and positions them at the forefront of new market opportunities.