Composite materials manufacturer Hexcel has made a strategic investment in Oxford Performance Materials (OPM) to advance carbon fibre reinforced 3D printed parts for applications in commercial aerospace and space as well as defence.
Headquartered in Connecticut and founded in 1946, Hexcel manufactures composite materials as well as structural parts and claims to be the largest producer of carbon fibre in the US.
Besides producing their proprietary OXPEKK (Poly-Ether-Ketone-Ketone) materials for 3D printed orthopaedic and neurological implants, OPM is also active in the aerospace and industrial sector, delivering lightweight, high performance thermoplastic parts utilising their OXFAB technology.
Through their partnership the two companies aim to further advance commercial applications of the technology for the aerospace market.
“Aerospace adoption of reinforced manufactured parts using Hexcel carbon fiber is becoming a viable and meaningful design solution due to its performance and processing advantages,” Hexcel Chairman, CEO and President Nick Stanage said. “With the adoption of these lightweight, high-performing materials expected to accelerate, this is an ideal opportunity for our two companies to work together enabling faster product development and adoption for our customers.”
Scott DeFelice, OPM’s Chairman and CEO, said, “Hexcel represents the gold standard in carbon fiber and composite material technologies, and our core target markets are extremely complementary. Hexcel’s investment in OPM will help enable us to further expand production capacity to meet rapidly growing market demand for our OXFAB® technology. In addition, this investment sets the stage for joint technology collaboration and business development efforts with Hexcel.”
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