To relieve production constraints for aerospace composites while maintaining the highest level of performance in finished parts, Hexion Inc. is launching a first-of-its-kind, two-component epoxy manufacturing solution at JEC World in Paris.

The solution is based on Hexion's EPIKOTE system 600-2 Part A (resin) and Part B (curing agent) and utilizes a metering and mixing unit from Hubers, a leader in casting and impregnating mixing technology. Hexion has developed in-line analytic control for the unit for efficient and accurate control of the dosing of the epoxy raw materials before the mixture is infused into a mould.

"To meet the aerospace industry's strict performance requirements, epoxy composites have typically been produced by Resin Transfer Moulding or by Infusion with closely controlled one-part systems, which have required cold transport and storage in small pails because of their inherent reactivity," says Jean Riviere, Epoxy Global Aerospace Segment leader at Hexion. "The increasing use of composites across a range of structural aerospace applications has placed considerable pressure on this manufacturing approach. Hexion's new two-component solution is designed to address this challenge, while delivering the highest quality finished parts."