Hexcel introduces innovative fibers

Hexcel is going to showcase its latest fibers for the Marine market at METSTRADE 2023 from November 15-17. They will feature advanced lightweight materials, including new prepregs called HexPly M79 with intermediate and high modulus fibers. They will also display high-performance components created by customers using Hexcel materials.

The intermediate modulus prepreg combines low-temperature curing with the stiffness of HexTow IM2C fiber, ideal for loaded components like rigs and foils. This combination minimizes deformation under load, making it suitable for marine applications.

For a high modulus solution, Hexcel offers HexTow HM54 fiber with the HexPly M79 resin system. This combination allows for high safety margins in applications requiring stiffness and strength.

Both products can be manufactured using Hexcel G-Vent technology for out-of-autoclave processing, reducing processing time and cost without compromising performance.

Hexcel will also display marine products made with their materials. For instance, a Solid Sail mast made with HexPly M9.6 prepregs, which reduces fuel usage and emissions by harnessing wind propulsion. A radar arch part from luxury motor yacht builder Sunseeker will also be on display, demonstrating a 30% reduction in processing time and material costs compared to traditional prepreg parts.

Claude Despierres, Hexcel Vice President, Sales and Marketing, Industrial, said, “New IM2C and HM54 HexPly M79 materials provide powerful yet lightweight building blocks for designers and engineers working on high-performance structures in superyacht, commercial marine, and windship applications.”