XPREG® XC130 is an epoxy-based component autoclave prepreg system with a 130°C maximum service temperature developed for autoclave or other positive pressure cure. The prepreg listed on this page uses a 280g 2x2 twill Hexcel glass fibre reinforcement and is 1270mm wide.
This toughened resin system offers convenient processing and excellent mechanical properties. XC130 has a long out-life (at least 30 days at 20°C) with an intermediate tack level making for easy handling and laminating whilst its variable cure temperature from 80°C allows a wide range of mould systems to be used.
Typical Uses
XC130 is the recommended system for the manufacture of both structural and cosmetic applications where components will be cured in an autoclave or otherwise under positive pressure (such as heated platen press).
This 280g 2x2 twill glass fibre reinforced prepreg is as an alternative to our carbon fibre reinforced prepregs and can be used in less structurally demanding applications or those where carbon fibre reinforcement is either not permitted, such as vintage racing, or where carbon fibre is problematic, such as components requiring radio transparency.
- High-end GRP components
- UAV fuselages, radio canopies
- Vintage car/bike components
How to Buy
All XPREG® prepregs are stored on site in our freezers. To reduce handling time and allow same-day dispatch, prepregs are available in pre-cut roll lengths. Choose the roll length you require from the drop-down list at the top of the page. When ordering a full roll of fabric the drop-down list shows the typical roll length but please allow for length variance of plus or minus 1m which has already been factored into the low unit price of our full length rolls.
Your XPREG® prepreg is sealed in air-tight packaging and will ship from us still frozen. Please see the transport tab for further details and important information about delivery.
The Sample Pack Contains two 400x300mm (15.7x11.8") pieces of pre-preg.
Further Information
Curing
Autoclave Cure
XPREG® XC130 is designed to be autoclave cured or otherwise cured under positive pressure (such as heated platen or pressurised bladder).
Initial cure is possible from 80°C although service temperature will be determined by the final cure temperature.
Out-of-Autoclave Cure
Unlike with our carbon fibre prepregs, Easy Composites does not supply an XC110 (out-of-autoclave cure) glass reinforced prepreg. The reason for this is because the XC110 system does not reliably produce the trademark ‘pin-hole free’ surface finish when curing glass reinforced laminates under vacuum pressure and oven cure only.
In situations where you want to use a glass prepreg and cure out-of-autoclave, this XC130 glass prepreg can be used, although minor surface pin-holes, requiring some finishing, should be expected.
CURE CYCLES AND RESULTING Tg
| Cure Temp
|
Comments
|
Initial Min Cure Time
|
Resulting Tg
|
| 80°C
|
(Minimum)
|
16hrs
|
90°C
|
| 90°C
|
|
8hrs
|
100°C
|
| 100°C
|
|
4hrs
|
110°C
|
| 120°C
|
(Maximum)
|
2hrs
|
120°C
|
| 130°C
|
Post Cure
|
2hrs
|
140°C
|
Suitable Moulds/Tooling
Moulds/tools should be epoxy-based composite moulds, epoxy tooling board or metal. In all cases, moulds must be temperature stable to a minimum of 85°C but ideally to 120°C.
Fully Compatible:
- High temp epoxy hand-layup moulds (e.g. EG160 / EMP160)
- Carbon or glass fibre prepreg moulds (e.g. XPREG® XT135)
- Epoxy tooling board (e.g. EB700 Epoxy Tooling Board with S120 Board Sealer)
- Aluminium / stainless steel moulds
- Toughened glass (for flat sheet/panels)
It is not recommended to use hand laminated Uni-Mould tools in an autoclave due to the likelihood that voids within the moulds will cause blisters and distortion in the mould at elevated temperature and pressure.
Storage and Handling
When not in use, XPREG® prepregs should be kept frozen at -18°C (0°F) in sealed plastic packaging. When ready to use, the material should be removed from the freezer and allowed to thaw fully to room temperature before being removed from the packaging.
Remaining material should be re-sealed before returning to the freezer to avoid the risk of moisture uptake.
