METSTRADE 2023: Hexcel showcases developments in material tech

Composites specialist Hexcel is showcasing its latest developments in lightweight material technologies at the METSTRADE marine equipment trade fair this week, which runs until 17 November 2023.

Tech on display includes new intermediate and high modulus fibre HexPly M79 prepregs, originally created for the deck structures of the America’s Cup and IMOCA yachts, to minimise structural deformation under load in parts such as rigs and foils.

Hexcel, which is celebrating its 75th anniversary this year, will also display customer products that have utilised HexPly materials at METSTRADE 2023.

A section of a Solid Sail mast made using Bureau Veritas (BV)-approved HexPly M9.6 prepregs will be displayed at METSTRADE. Visitors to the Hexcel booth will also see a section of a radar arch part from Sunseeker made using HexPly XF surfacing technology and HexPly SuperFIT semi-pregs. Sunseeker has reportedly recorded an overall reduction in process time and material costs of around 30 per cent against traditional prepreg parts, using Hexcel advanced composite materials.

“Leveraging our experience in carbon fibre manufacturing and resin system development has created two stand-out products for the marine sector,” says Claude Despierres, Hexcel vice president — sales and marketing, industrial.

“New IM2C and HM54 HexPlyM79 materials provide powerful yet lightweight building blocks for designers and engineers working on high-performance structures in superyacht, commercial marine and windship applications.”