com-pos-ite \ käm-'päz-et \ adj [L compositus, pp. of componere]. 1: made up of distinct parts. 2: That which is made up of parts or compounded of several elements; composition; combination; compound.

What are composites?

Compared with equivalent metal structure composites have:

•less weight

•improved fatigue strength

•greater corrosion resistance

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Resin

Heat & Pressure

Fiber

Pre-preg

What are the benefits of Pre-preg Molding?

Pre-impregnated composite materials offer:

•substantially reduced weight compared to metal

•greater fatigue strength

•improved corrosion resistance

•simplified final assembly

Pre-preg is a proven, reliable process for the manufacture of both large and small composite components

What are the best applications for Pre-preg?

Pre-preg molding is ideal when there is a need to control only one side of a laminate. Sheet metal designs, therefore, can often be easily replaced with pre-preg composites.

Pre-preg composites are ideal:

•when a honeycomb or other core material is required for light weight and high stiffness for large, complex geometry

•the only limit is the size of the autoclave (GKN's largest is 15' by 55')

•for simple geometry of any size

•to take advantage of lower tooling costs for smaller production runs