STAMFORD, Connecticut -Hexcel has partnered with HP Composites SpA (HP Composites), a leading global manufacturer of carbon fiber components for automotive and motorsport, to develop Class A body panels from carbon fiber. Hexcel HexPly® XF surface technology is used extensively by the Italian component manufacturer to manufacture exterior bodywork and other components for supercars such as Alfa Romeo’s stunning new super sports sedans, the Giulia GTA and GTAm.
With five manufacturing facilities in Italy, HP Composites has built an impressive track record of high performance composites on both the road and the racetrack. HP has combined this processing expertise with Hexcel HexPly® XF3 surface material, HexPly® M47 and HexPly® M49 prepregs and operates to the highest standards of the most prestigious supercar OEMs and leading motorsport teams.
Hexcel’s automotive composites portfolio is the result of decades of industry experience and the establishment of strategic partnerships to develop and optimize cutting-edge technologies. HexPly XF3 is an epoxy prepreg surfacing material developed with processing input from the HP Composites team to meet the challenges of creating high quality Class A automotive body finishes with excellent resistance to aging tests.
Applied as the first layer in the mold and after curing at 120-180˚C in the autoclave, HexPly XF3 creates a smooth part surface without porosity, which requires only minimal preparation for painting.
HexPly XF3 comes in an easy to use roll format with good tack and drapability. Once cured, it can be easily prepared for painting with a quick sanding process. HP Composites has integrated automated robotic grinding techniques for this finishing step, with the ready-to-paint HexPly XF3 surface offering excellent paint adhesion in accordance with EN ISO 2409.
HP Composites typically uses autoclaving for HexPly XF3 parts to maximize the weight savings and structural performance of the final components. In addition, HP has also developed its own proprietary press and compression molding processes, including Air Press Molding® technology, which is compatible with HexPly XF3 and other HexPly prepregs for high volume production runs that require higher production rates.
“Our many years of experience have given us a detailed understanding of the critical features that affect the interaction of prepregs and surface technologies with various production processes,” said Abramo Levato, general manager, HP Composites SpA. “The relationship with Hexcel is great. As a result, we have a complete package of materials for high-quality A-class body panels that are specially tailored to our requirements.”
“By combining HP’s expertise with strong technical interaction and collaborative dialogue, Hexcel and HP worked together to develop the optimal HexPly XF surface technology,” said Claude Despierres, VP Sales and Marketing, Hexcel. “With HexPly XF3 we meet the toughest industry standards.”
*****
About Hexacel
Hexcel Corporation is a leader in advanced composites. It develops, produces and markets lightweight, high-performance structural materials such as carbon fibers, specialty reinforcements, prepregs and other fiber-reinforced matrix materials, honeycombs, adhesives, technical core and composite structures for use in commercial aerospace, defense and industrial applications.
Contact information
Paula Constantinou | Director, Marketing Communications | paula.constantinou@hexcel.com
Samantha Keen | 100% marketing | sam@100percentmarketing.com
