Paris Air Show Report: Groupe Gazechim Composites teams with Hexcel

Duxford, UK – The Groupe Gazechim Composites stand at the Paris Air Show 2015 is co-located with Hexcel, a leading manufacturer of composite materials for aerospace. Groupe Gazechim Composites is an official distributor of Hexcel products, and their affiliate Composites Distribution has industry approval to distribute Hexcel’s aerospace materials, supporting the growing demand for composites driven by their greater use in aerospace structures. Hexcel appointed Groupe Gazechim Composites to enhance its service to the aerospace supply chain, in particular to respond to requests from its customers for smaller delivery volumes and short lead times. 

 

As more and more composite-intensive aircraft enter service, there is an increasing requirement for airlines to carry out composite repair operations. Repairing aircraft quickly to minimize downtime means that small quantities of materials have to be readily available at all times. 

 

Hexcel and Composites Distribution are partnering to provide solutions for MRO that allow aircraft repairs to be carried out quickly and conveniently. 

 

Composites Distribution is launching the new CAB concept (Composite AeroBox) from Sunaero (Hall 2B, Stand B85). This efficient tool kit has different compartments for the storage of frozen prepregs, ancillary materials that are kept at ambient temperature and a hotbonder control panel, all contained within an easy to transport box that holds everything that is required for a quick repair of a composite part out in the field. 

 

Hexcel’s range of products developed for composite repair includes HexPly M20 prepreg and HexForce carbon fabrics. HexPly M20 prepreg provides high temperature performance from a low energy cure cycle at 120°C to 130°C (250°F to 265°F) and can be processed out in the field using a vacuum bag and a heater blanket or hot bonder – or in an autoclave. These materials are approved by the Commercial Aircraft Composite Repair Committee (CACRC) that sets global aerospace standards for composite repair operations. 

 

Groupe Gazechim Composites is a European network of 38 specialist distributors covering 23 countries, all certified to ISO9001 and EN9120, with over 40 years’ experience of supplying composite materials to all markets.