The Innovative HexPly® Snap-Cure Solution
Hexcel's HexPly® M77 is a game-changer in the realm of fast-curing epoxy prepregs. This cutting-edge product allows automotive components and sports goods to be press-cured in an astonishingly short time of just 2 minutes at 150°C. The low tack of HexPly® M77 facilitates precise cutting into specific shapes using a laser cutter, followed by easy assembly and consolidation into a flat preform by automation with robots.
Optimized Production Cycle and High Performance
When placed in the mold, HexPly® M77 boasts an optimized gel time that ensures the resin flows impeccably into contours, resulting in precise geometries required by modern industries. With a high glass transition temperature (Tg) of 125°C, the cured parts can be demolded while still hot, significantly reducing production cycle times. Its rapid-curing properties, combined with a 6-week outlife at room temperature, make it an ideal choice for various applications.
Versatile Applications and Form Factors
HexPly® Snap-Cure is available in multiple forms, including unidirectional or woven reinforcements, as well as heavy tow fibers, providing versatility in usage. Additionally, Hexcel offers HexMC®, a cutting-edge carbon fiber/epoxy compound tailored for compression molding processes. HexMC® excels in producing complex parts with varying thicknesses, sharp angles, or integrated inserts like screw threads, making it indispensable for high-volume production of intricate components.
Features and Benefits
Key features of HexPly® Snap-Cure include its ultra-fast curing time of 2 minutes at 150°C, a superior balance between mechanical performance and toughness, self-adhesive properties, long shelf life, REACH compliance, and a design optimized for high-volume production. This makes it a preferred choice for manufacturing items such as skis and automotive components, where speed, efficiency, and precision are crucial.
Driving Progress in Composite Manufacturing
In conclusion, Hexcel's HexPly® Snap-Cure represents a significant leap forward in the composite manufacturing industry. With its exceptional curing speed, high-quality output, and versatile form factors, this innovative product is revolutionizing high-volume production processes in various sectors, from automotive to sports goods. HexPly® Snap-Cure is not just a solution; it's a catalyst for progress and efficiency in composite manufacturing.