HexForce® Bias Weave Reinforcements
Continuous rolls of carbon fiber fabric in which the warp and weft yarns are oriented on the bias at +/- 45°
Patented solution to optimize material usage
Hexcel has developed a patented process to manufacture continuous rolls of carbon fiber fabric in which the warp and weft yarns are oriented on the bias at +/- 45° in standard plain or crow foot satin weaves.
Benefits
Reduced prepreg waste (up to 60% savings)
- Prepregged fabrics can be slit to an optimum width for automated manufacturing
- Kitting waste from cutting of standard 0/90° to +/- 45° is eliminated
- Reduced labor
- Pattern cutting and lay-up is simplified
- Increased design allowables as the warp and fill will have the same properties due to an equal amount of crimp (unlike standard 0/90 fabrics)
- Elimination of fabric or prepreg splices in parts
- This continuous fabric provides constant thickness along the length of the part by eliminating seams
Typical Applications
Ideal for high aspect ratio parts that need bias reinforcement:
- Ribs, stringers, spars
- Helicopter blades
- Engine nacelles
- Secondary structures
- Barrel sections of aircraft
Product Range
- Currently available for 193 to 285 3K HS and from 193 to 285 6K IM
- HexForce® PX (+/-45° plain weave)
- HexForce® CSX (+/-45° crow foot satin weave)
Produced with high strength (HexTow® AS4) and intermediate modulus (HexTow® IM7) fibers. Minimum master width available: 50” and 60”. Ideal for prepreg and RTM processing.
