Hexcel, HP Composites supply carbon fiber body panels for supercar

Hexcel and HP Composites are working together to develop Class A carbon fiber body panels
.
HP Composites is a world leader in the production of carbon fiber components for automobiles and racing
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And Hexcel's HexPly XF finish is being used extensively by the Italian component maker to create exterior body panels and other components for supercars such as Alfa Romeo's stunning new supersport sedans, the Giulia GTA and GTAm
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With five production plants in Italy, HP Composites has an impressive track record of successfully using high-performance composites in both road and track automotive applications
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HP has combined this machining technology with Hexcel HexPly XF3 surface materials, HexPly M47 and HexPly M49 prepregs to work to the standards set by the most prestigious supercar OEMs and leading motorsport teams
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Hexcel's automotive composites portfolio is the culmination of decades of industry experience and the result of strategic partnerships to develop and optimize cutting-edge technologies
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HexPly XF3 is an epoxy prepreg surfacing material developed with the processing input of the HP Composites team to address the challenges of producing high-quality Class A automotive body panel surfaces with excellent resistance to ageing
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HexPly XF3 is used as the first layer in the mold and after curing in the autoclave at 120°C to 180°C, produces a smooth part surface without pores
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HexPly XF3 is supplied in an easy-to-handle roll with good tack and drape
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Once cured, it can be easily prepared for painting with a quick sanding process
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HP Composites employs automated robotic sanding during this processing stage, and the paintable HexPly XF3 surface has paint adhesion according to EN ISO 2409
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HP Composites typically uses autoclave processing of HexPly XF3 parts to minimize weight and improve the structural properties of the final part
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In addition, HP has developed its own proprietary pressing and compression molding processes, including air compression molding, compatible with HexPly XF3 and other HexPly prepregs for additional production series
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Abramo Levato, general manager of HP Composites, said: “Our long-term experience has given us a detailed understanding of the key properties that influence how prepreg and overlay technology interact with different production processes
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Our relationship with Hexcel is both highly technical, It’s also highly supportive
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So we have a complete package of materials for high-quality Class A body panels, formulated specifically with our requirements in mind
.
”

Claude Skeerres, Vice President of Sales and Marketing at Hexcel, added: "Combining HP's expertise and a strong technical interaction and collaborative dialogue, Hexcel and HP were able to jointly develop the best HexPly XF overlay technology
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With HexPly XF3, we have satisfied The strictest industry standards
.
"