Toray Introduces Flexible, Adaptive Prepreg System

Toray Composite Materials America Inc.
, a supplier of carbon fiber materials and advanced composite prepregs, has introduced Toray 2700, a high-performance epoxy-based system using patented resin technology for emerging aerospace projects
.
It reportedly meets stringent aerospace structural design requirements and is capable of producing high-quality, high-volume, cost-effective composite parts
.

This flexible and adaptable material is said to be ideal for emerging aerospace projects as they transition from prototype to high-volume production
.
Timothy Kirk, vice president of sales for Toray's aerospace business, said: "We listened to the key needs of our customers and their production systems
.
With the introduction of the new Toray 2700 series, Toray is introducing a simplified solution to meet performance requirements and process flexibility
.
The system not only performs well in low-volume environments, but is also highly adaptable to automation and other high-speed production processes
.
We are delighted to offer our customers this new value
.
”

The Toray 2700 prepreg system is suitable for applications where parts are exposed to high heat and humidity because it is designed for heat resistance and low moisture absorption
.
It accommodates flexible curing temperatures (250 to 350°F/121 to 177°C) and meets aerospace structural requirements such as compressive properties
.

Final product configurations for the Toray 2700 include various combinations of Torayca unidirectional carbon fiber and other woven carbon or glass fibers
.
The prepreg is drapeable and pressure-cured in less than five minutes, enabling the rapid production of parts with complex geometries
.
The company says it has low porosity and excellent all-around structural properties
.

Toray 2700 can be used for compression molding of high-volume small parts, such as airplane clips, molded brackets, and ribs, while larger parts can be processed by out of autoclave (OOA) and vacuum bagged (VBO) processes
.
Other suitable processing methods include automatic tape placement (ATL), automated fiber placement (AFP), and manual tape placement
.

"Most prepregs are designed around a specific process and then stretched beyond their capabilities to accommodate other processes," said Nate Monroe, Toray Urban Air Mobility Marketing Division Manager
.
"This prepreg will allow emerging aerospace Projects start with hand tape laying and oven curing, then move towards increasing yields through AFP/ATL and compression molding, all while using the same materials
.
This will be a game changer in the aerospace market
.
”