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Out-of-autoclave prepreg resins

By Staff | March 2008

Advanced Composites Group Ltd. (Heanor, Derbyshire, U.K.) has introduced the VTM260 series of resins for out-of-autoclave prepreg tooling and component applications. Features of the materials include ease of handling, long freezer outlife (up to 30 days tack life at room temperature), controlled and optimized flow, a wide processing window (65°C/149°F low-temperature initial cure) and freestanding postcure without part distortion (T_g steps ahead of cure temperature). The result, says the manufacturer, is reduced void levels, improved laminate quality, and the ability to impregnate reinforcements ranging from lightweight veils to ultraheavyweight multiaxial fabrics. For applications where the flexible cure profile of the VTM system is not required, new 120°C/248°F curing matrix systems also are available: Based on the company’s established Medium Temperature Moulding (MTM) systems, the company’s MTM257 and MTM58 products are offered as next-generation out-of-autoclave systems for low-pressure molding processes in aerospace, automotive and marine applications.