SHD Composites, a Cambium company specialising in the manufacture of composite tooling and prepreg materials for components, is launching a new range of surface films called SFX740. These films have been designed for out-of-autoclave processing and offer low-temperature curing options; the aim is to reduce processing times and costs without compromising surface quality, which could eliminate the need to apply a primer or topcoat to the components. The SFX740 range also offers lightning strike protection and weight-optimised suppression of fibre print-through.
The three new surface films, SFX740-LS, SFX740-LW and SFX740-HF, are compatible with all SHD’s VTC and MTC epoxy prepreg systems.
Developed for aerospace and advanced air mobility applications, the SFX740-LS incorporates an integrated copper mesh layer to provide lightning strike protection with a lightweight carrier ply for conformability.
The SFX740-LW is a lightweight variant designed for applications for which reducing the mass is critical without compromising surface quality or manufacturing efficiency.
The SFX740-HF is a high-build solution designed to further reduce the visibility of fibres. It is a topcoat material intended for meticulous workshop application, ensuring optimum surface uniformity, and is often used on complex composite structures requiring high aesthetic standards for the painted finish.
“The SFX-740 range has been specifically engineered to offer different solutions depending on the customer requirement,” said Jamie Keogh, Senior Vice President of Commercial at SHD Composites. “With three different options, we can support customers across multiple markets. All products are delivered with the short lead times and excellent technical support that SHD is renowned for.”
Drone render (source: SHD Composites)
