Hexcel and Italy-based HP Composites, which makes composite components, have partnered to develop carbon fiber body panels for automotive and motorsports.
HP is using Hexcel HexPly XF surfacing technology to make external body panels and other components for vehicles such as Alfa Romeo’s sedans, the Giulia GTA, and GTAm.
The company’s M47 and M49 prepregs are being used as well to make automotive parts.
According to Hexcel, when applied as the first ply in the mold and after curing at 120-180°C in an autoclave, HexPly XF3 can produce a smooth part surface with no porosity that requires minimal preparation for painting. After curing, it can be easily prepared for painting with a rapid sanding process.
HP has developed proprietary press and compression molding processes compatible with HexPly XF3 and other HexPly prepregs for higher volume production series that require increased production rates.
This story uses material from Hexcel, with editorial changes made by Materials Today.
