Hexcel to promote latest technologies at Composites Europe

Hexcel’s HexTOOL composite tooling material has been chosen by Lamiflex to manufacture a controlled temperature mould for the RTM processing of complex shaped frames and other structures.

HexTOOL was selected because its machinability allowed Lamiflex to easily integrate electric resistors and sensors for heating and temperature regulation within the mould.  Resin inlet and outlet areas, air extraction vents and holes for centering pins were also easily drilled or machined in the required position.

HexTOOL moulds provide a number of benefits including improved thermal performance, the production of parts to tight tolerances, much lower weight than metal tools, and a modifiable mold surface that can be repaired or adapted to design changes.

After producing multiple parts by RTM in the mould Lamiflex remarked that HexTOOL demonstrates very high levels of tool dimensional stability, excellent vacuum integrity and durability, while being easy to maintain.

HexPly M81 high Tg prepreg

Another new development being promoted by Hexcel at Composites Europe is HexPly M81 – a very tough prepreg with a high Tg [glass transition temperature – the temperature above which properties start to deteriorate].  HexPly M81 was developed for structural parts requiring very high mechanical strength. 

Suitable for cure temperatures ranging from 135°C to 180°C, the resulting cured laminates provide very high mechanical properties at service temperatures above 200°C.  Available with woven or unidirectional reinforcements, the prepreg can be cured by autoclave or press processes.  Typical applications for HexPly M81 are high strength car structures and sports equipment including performance bike wheels.

Hexcel Corporation is a leading advanced composites company. It develops, manufactures and markets lightweight, high-performance structural materials, including carbon fibers, reinforcements, prepregs, honeycomb, matrix systems, adhesives and composite structures, used in commercial aerospace, space and defense and industrial applications.

Hexcel