An apparatus and accompanying method for handling fabrics used in the construction of composite components and in particular those used in aircraft includes a movable, gantry-type frame assembly having a movable robotic arm attached thereto. One side surface of the thin plate is printed with a film to form a displaying layer. A removable plug is applied to and closes the port, and is positioned in the depression and extends outwardly from the outer face of the sealing body no further than the raised rim isolating the plug from shearing forces across the outer face of the sealing body.