Advanced Technology for Aircraft Structures
Hexcel's HiTape® is an innovative high-performance dry unidirectional reinforcement designed to meet the stringent requirements of Aircraft Primary Structures. These reinforcements are crafted using cost-effective Out of Autoclave (OOA) technologies such as vacuum infusion or injection. HiTape® enables the creation of dry preforms in a fully automated lay-up process, akin to the AFP and ATL processes commonly used for UD prepregs. What sets HiTape® apart is its tight width tolerance, providing complete automation control over the dry preform process while ensuring minimal waste, even in the fabrication of complex structures.
Exceptional Performance
Aircraft structures manufactured with HiTape® showcase fiber volume content and mechanical properties comparable to those produced using the latest primary structure prepregs. Notably, HiTape® excels in Compression After Impact (CAI), a significant advancement in infusion technologies featuring unidirectional carbon reinforcements. Hexcel offers HiTape® with HexTow® carbon fibers and HexFlow® infusion epoxy resins, ensuring optimal mechanical performance and processing during infusion/injection.
Cost-Efficient and Innovative Design
Customer feedback highlights substantial cost savings achievable with HiTape® and vacuum infusion processes. This material allows for the optimization of part designs, incorporating functional integration. The automation of the dry preform process simplifies operations, eliminating the need for material splicing or the removal of polythene film. Additionally, there is no requirement for applying pressure to consolidate the preform or remove air, as these tasks are addressed during subsequent vacuum processes. Achieving high preform lay-up outputs and eliminating the need for refrigeration storage further contribute to cost efficiency.
Continued Development and Collaboration
Hexcel is committed to advancing composite manufacturing processes, particularly in collaboration with external partners. The company, along with partners like Mines St Etienne Engineering School, focuses on developing all stages of composite part production utilizing OOA RTM/infusion technologies. Research efforts aim to enhance understanding, predictability, and modeling of resin flow through HiTape® dry preforms, supporting the seamless integration of these materials and technologies across aerospace markets.