An automotive business of Hexcel, which specializes in the development of various composite materials for structural parts, suspension systems, body parts and interiors.
The company will display two of its composite components at the JEC Composites pavilion at the North American Auto Show to demonstrate the many benefits that these components can provide automotive engineers, including: weight reduction, increased strength and stiffness, increased design freedom, and aesthetics Performance, reducing the number of parts, and integrating functions.
The first display to combine composites with other materials with a hybrid structure. The side sill display uses fiber-reinforced plastic (FRP) and metal. This part is made by Volkswagen and Dresden, Germany. Jointly developed by Dresden University and Hearst, designed to meet future crash test requirements, it is designed for electric vehicles. The structural member can realize many benefits such as weight reduction, enhanced safety, improved energy absorption, battery protection during collision, and production flexibility. Hexcel's HexPly fast curing, self-adhesive (prepreg) curing adhesive can be used to bond metals such as aluminum or oily steel, which can be completed in one step, which is simple and efficient.
The second display part of Hexcel is a carbon transmission crossmember, which was jointly developed by Alpex, IPPE and Engel. This part uses a carbon / sheet moulding compound, which can provide the same hardness and strength as aluminum materials, and can greatly reduce weight and achieve functional integration.
This part is made of Hexcel's HexMC-i carbon fiber / epoxy molding compound to improve product performance. HexMC-i molding compound uses Hexcel's HexPly M77 resin system, which can be cured in 90 seconds, making it an ideal raw material for mass production.
Pre-impregnated composite structural parts and carbon fiber molded composite materials are just two of Hearst's material innovations, which are specially developed for car companies. Hexcel is also the industry's leading manufacturer of woven reinforcements and non-crimp fabrics for automotive applications.