The HAICoPAS project, led by Hexcel and Arkema, aims to optimize the design and manufacture of UD tapesl for aerospace and automotive composites.
A joint collaborative project led by Hexcel (Stamford, Connecticut, U.S.A.) and Arkema (King of Prussia, PA, U.S.A.) aims to optimize the design and manufacture of unidirectional (UD) belts for the production of efficient, low-cost composite parts. The highly automated integrated composite material (HAICoPAS) project for performing adaptive structures is part of the Hexcel and Arkema partnership, which announced last year the development of high-performance PEKK / carbon fiber UD belts for major aircraft structures.
The HAICoPAS project also aims to develop high-efficiency UD tape placement technology and new systems that can assemble the final parts through welding and in-line quality control.
HAICoPAS recently received financial support from the Bpifrance and French Investissements d'Avenir programs, with a total funding of € 13.5 million. The project's industrial and academic partners include Ingecal (Chassieu, France), Coriolis Composites (Queven, France), Pinette Emidecau Industries (PEI; Chalon Sur Saone, France), and the French National Centre for Scientific Research (CNRS; Paris, France, including PIMM and LTN) laboratory).
The main market targets are applications in major aerospace structures, high volume automotive structural parts, and oil and gas pipelines. The recyclability and environmental benefits of the thermoplastic materials and technologies developed in the project will also be fully demonstrated and quantified.
The HAICoPAS project aims to establish a complete supply chain, combining carbon fiber / thermoplastic UD tapes produced by Hexcel or Arkema with relevant composite part manufacturing and assembly lines of the project partners.