Hexcel Reinforcements UK Ltd (formerly Formax), a manufacturer of composite reinforcements, will display a composite structure made for a British automotive OEM at the Global Automotive Lightweight Materials (GALM) Europe 2016 conference this month.
The demonstrator part was developed using Hexcel's HiMax carbon fiber multiaxial fabrics, which are suitable for high-volume composites manufacturing processes.
To help ensure the OEM's quality and cost targets for this project were met, Hexcel Reinforcements UK created a non-crimp fabric with an improved balance between drape, stability and permeability. Using an automotive-grade standard modulus and high tow count carbon fiber the company engineered a biaxial fabric with tailored stitch patterns. The high drape HiMax reinforcement conforms to the complex mould geometry of the part, minimizing defects and with improved permeability to enable fast injection and cure times.
Hexcel will exhibit the composite structure at the show which takes place in Birmingham, UK, on 26-28 April 2016.
This story is adapted from material from Hexcel, with editorial changes made by Materials Today. The views expressed in this article do not necessarily represent those of Elsevier.
