Hexcel is pleased to announce that its carbon prepreg patch technology has been selected as a finalist for the JEC Innovation Awards 2019 in the Automotive category. Hexcel’s composite solution improves the performance of aluminum subframes by reducing noise, vibration and harshness (NVH).
HexPly® patches consist of uni-directional carbon fiber and an epoxy matrix with fast curing self-adhesive properties that enable it to bond to metal in a highly efficient one-step process. 500 grams of HexPly® prepreg were added to the aluminum subframe, and the test results demonstrated a positive effect on improving overall NVH performance. Aluminum subframes are significantly lighter than traditional steel versions.
Hexcel developed HexPly® carbon prepreg patch technology to provide an innovative way of locally stiffening and reinforcing aluminum parts to provide noise and vibration management functionality. This technology was tested by Saint Jean Industries, Hexcel’s partner in the award application, on an 18.5kg rear aluminium subframe from a series production vehicle. The company performed modal analysis over the range of frequencies experienced by subframes, taking into account different engine types across a range of vehicle speeds. Based on this analysis, Hexcel calculated the carbon layers and orientations required to optimize mechanical performance and the vibration response.
Benefits of this innovation include lower production costs, energy savings, increased driver comfort, production flexibility and part count reduction. The technology is adaptable for thermal engine, electric or fuel cell vehicles, allowing OEMs to benefit from a fully developed industrialized solution with noise and vibration simulation tools already available to optimize part performance.
The JEC Innovation Awards – organized by the JEC Group – are recognized as the industry’s most prestigious awards that identify, promote and reward the most innovative composite projects worldwide. The award winners will be announced during JEC World 2019 on 13 March at 4.30pm.
Hexcel will showcase its new HexPly® carbon patch technology at JEC World 2019, among other composite innovations for the Automotive, Marine, Wind Energy and Aerospace sectors at Booth J41, Pavilion 5A.
Hexcel Corporation is a leading advanced composites company. It develops, manufactures and markets lightweight, high-performance structural materials including carbon fibres, specialty reinforcements, prepregs and other fibre-reinforced matrix materials, honeycomb, adhesives, engineered core and composite structures for use in commercial aerospace, space and defense and industrial applications.