Fabric #4977087

The sigmaST range of spread tow fabrics are very thin, are ultra lightweight, have near zero crimp and fewer interlacing points. As well as being aesthetically pleasing, this technology has improved mechanical performance at a reduced thickness and cost when compared to standard 2D fabrics using 1K fibres.

Innegra is a high modulus polypropylene fibre that can be used independently or in conjunction with other fibres to provide weight reduction, excellent levels of impact resistance and damage tolerance. Innegra also has a very low density and is hydrophobic meaning it is an excellent choice for the leisure market.

These fabrics have carbon fibres just in one direction. They are produced in a wide range of weights with or without fill fibres that stabilise the fabric during production. A range of unidirectional materials are available which offer zero crimp or near zero crimp depending on materials requirements.

Very flat, non-crimp fabrics from 100gsm with 2 layers and up to 1600gsm with a maximum of 9 layers, can be produced in widths up to 2540mm (100 inches). These offer the benefit of increased mechanical performance due to no crimp in the fibres, as well as increased composite build speed due to the fact that the fabrics can incorporate fibres in varying angles and thicknesses. This results in a reduction in layers required for the component part. Biaxial, triaxial and quadraxial fabrics can be tailored to suit customer requirements.

Sigmatex offers an unrivalled range of wovenfabric constructions such as plain, twill and satinweave patterns and also more complex designsfor visual and performance applications, alongwith standard, intermediate and high modulusfibres. Sigmatexs computer controlled looms alsoallow the use of ultra-high modulus and un-sizedfibres which are very delicate and require preciseprocess control.

3D weaving techniques can be used toproduce near net-shape preforms. Thesepreforms can be processed using, for example, resin transfer moulding, to produce compositestructures extremely efficiently. This technologytherefore lends itself to automated productiondue to a significant reduction in manual labour.Weave architecture can also be optimisedto ensure the fibres are placed in the correctposition to enhance part performance.