#Composites

2021-03-29

Hexcel joins ASCEND project to accelerate development of lightweight advanced composites

Hexcel is proud to announce its role within the recently launched UK-based project called ASCEND (Aerospace and Automotive Supply Chain Enabled Development) that will focus on developing high-rate manufacturing and processing technologies that will accelerate the development of new, lightweight advanced composite materials.

Technology leader joins collaboration in the development of high-rate manufacturing to advance the future of lightweight materials for air mobility, aerospace, and automotive industries

Hexcel will join lead partner GKN Aerospace and 13 other project stakeholders in a collaboration across the UK supply chain to develop the technologies and automation equipment required to manufacture lightweight, more fuel-efficient structures for sustainable air mobility, aerospace, and automotive industries.

Hexcel will contribute to the ASCEND project framework, developing a new HexPly® fast cure prepreg system that will significantly reduce component processing times compared to existing aerospace prepregs.

In addition to its new fast curing prepreg technology, Hexcel’s range of Liquid Composite Moulding (LCM) products will be incorporated into the ASCEND project work packages. The project will use both HiTape® advanced unidirectional dry carbon reinforcements and HiMax® multiaxial non-crimp fabrics reinforcements.

The ASCEND project will allow Hexcel to collaborate with Tier 1 companies, engineers, tooling specialists, and production equipment OEMs to deliver both prepreg and Liquid Composite Moulding solutions that meet both the performance targets and satisfy the processing requirements for high-rate automated manufacture. The technical integration enabled by the ASCEND project partnerships will ensure a complete understanding of customer performance and processing needs, coupled with the opportunity to industrialize new technologies utilizing the extensive capabilities of GKN’s Global Technology Centre in Bristol.

Paul Mackenzie, Senior Vice President and Chief Technology Officer at Hexcel, said “We are proud to be part of the ASCEND program, and we look forward to working with other leading companies as we develop processes and materials that help to make the next generation of sustainable air mobility, aerospace, and automotive vehicles possible. This project offers the perfect platform for Hexcel to collaborate and further develop our HexPly, HiMax, and HiTape technologies.”

The ASCEND partners working alongside Hexcel include Assyst Bulmer, Airborne, Cobham Mission Systems Wimborne, Cygnet Texkimp, DES Composites, FAR-UK Ltd, Hive Composites, LMAT, Loop Technology, McLaren Automotive, The National Composites Centre, Solvay Composite Technologies, Rafinex, and Sigmatex (UK). Together, the group looks forward to delivering the material and automation innovations that will power more sustainable mobility solutions of the future.

Novel flame-retardant and recyclable fiber-reinforced composite

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WHILL selects Teijin’s tough, lightweight Carbon Fiber Composite for new last-mile mobility

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Fewer pores, greater impact tolerance: Peter Dornier Foundation Prize 2026 honours material research on fibre-reinforced composite components for aerospace industry

Microscopically small pores that form during manufacture, or barely visible impact damage, can severely impair the load-bearing capacity and service life of fibre-reinforced composite components. Two young researchers have presented groundbreaking work in this field and will both be awarded the 2026 Peter Dornier Foundation Prize: Dr.-Ing. Benedikt Neitzel from the Technical University of Ilmenau for his doctoral thesis on pore minimisation in the RTM process, and Johanna Buschmann, M.Sc., for her master’s thesis, completed at the German Aerospace Centre, on the improved impact tolerance of 3D fabrics compared to 2D laminates.

Textile performance for the global market: Heimtextil 2027 connects interior design, quality and global sourcing

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Blue Tomato accelerates agile retail apparel production with Kornit Digital

Kornit Digital (NASDAQ: KRNT), a global pioneer in on-demand digital fashion and textile production technologies, is highlighting how Blue Tomato, Europe’s largest board sports retailer, is using two Kornit Atlas MAX PLUS systems to support a more agile approach to in-house apparel production. The systems are helping Blue Tomato respond faster to changing consumer trends, produce high-quality apparel for its network of 86 retail stores across Europe and reduce inventory by printing only what the market demands.

SANITIZED and RUDOLF join forces to extend textile performance and wearability

Long-lasting performance textiles require solutions that address a wide range of consumer expectations, from lasting freshness and comfort to reliable protection against the elements. SANITIZED and RUDOLF are highlighting their latest innovations, demonstrating how specialized textile technologies can support the functional durability and wearability of modern apparel.

The beauty of imperfection: Officina39 explores denim's next chapters

Officina39 returns to Kingpins Amsterdam on October 14–15, booth White 01, with a creative and technological program that brings together its new Spring/Summer 2028 collection, advances in denim finishing and collaborations spanning design, fabric development, fashion and publishing. At the center of the presentation of the Italian company is a shared idea: that distinctive aesthetics, responsible chemistry and efficient industrial processes can evolve together, opening new creative possibilities for contemporary denim.