ÂÌñÏ×ÆÞ

Fiber converting specialist and custom machinery manufacturer Cygnet Texkimp (Wincham, Northwich, U.K.) showcases the launch of its Filament Winding Innovation Hub, designed to accelerate the use of composites in hydrogen technology.

It is the first phase of development in the company’s Composites Demonstration Center, which will eventually house production-scale examples of all of its processing technologies. The company hopes the new facility will allow customers to explore every aspect of the filament winding process, evaluate materials, optimize process design and complete the initial validation stage through collaborative development.

Cygnet Texkimp’s standard, multi-axis and 3D-winding machines will be available for secure customer trials alongside its thermoplastic and thermoset prepreg processing lines and high-tension slitting and spooling technology. The company’s thermoplastic line is designed to produce high-grade thermoplastic prepregs using standard polymers as a cleaner, greener and more recyclable alternative to thermoset technology.

Gareth Davies, Cygnet Texkimp international sales manager, emphasizes the importance filament-wound composites bring for the evolution of the hydrogen economy, including the manufacture of pressure vessels to store and transport hydrogen used in global land, sea and air applications. Cygnet Texkimp, Davies says, is effectively shortening the process development stage for companies that want to try out something novel while reducing the risk around investment in large-scale capital equipment.

Further, in February 2022, a high-tension slitter spooler will complete the filament winding hub. This will be capable of processing UD prepreg slit tapes and offer a solution for high-end filament-wound applications most relevant to the space, aerospace and defense markets