Hexcel launches new carbon fiber fabrics project

Hexcel will launch MAXIM, a new government-backed 7.4 million pound research and development project, and expand its manufacturing facility in Leicester.

The Multi Axial Infused Materials (MAXIM) project will explore the manufacture of new, cost-effective carbon fiber fabric forms and resins that can be made into parts without the need for autoclaves.

Hexcel is installing at its Leicester facility a state-of-the art machine for carbon non-crimp fabrics development. The company will be working closely with the National Composites Centre to gain expertise in material handling and parts processing.

The four-year MAXIM project is backed by the U.K. Aerospace Technology Institute and match-funded by the Department for Business Energy and Industrial Strategy.

Hexcel Corp. develops, manufactures and markets lightweight, high-performance structural materials including carbon fibres, speciality 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.