Prepreg Carbon Fibre Starter Kit

Brand new updated XPREG® version of our Prepreg Starter Kit.

This comprehensive starter kit has now been updated to include the very latest XPREG® XC110 out-of-autoclave prepreg carbon fibre. Also included in the kit is a complete range of vacuum bagging consumables and connectors to ensure a problem-free and successful start into out-of-autoclave prepreg carbon fibre.

Available in both a regular starter kit size aimed at individuals and also a full 'professional' package for small-to-medium sized businesses wanting to move into cutting-edge prepreg carbon fibre manufacture. See the specification tab for a full list of the components and quantities included in each kit.

Further Information

Compatible Moulds

To get the best results from the XPREG® XC110 prepreg system, you need to have moulds that are suitable for use at 120°C. Composite moulds made using high temperature epoxy resin/gelcoat or epoxy-prepreg are recommended. Fully mould materials include:

Optimum Cure Conditions

XPREG® XC110 is designed to be oven cured in a vacuum bag at full vacuum pressure, without the need for an autoclave. Used in this way, it can produce parts with a pinhole-free surface finish, under optimum conditions.

The quality of surface finish that can be achieved is determined by several factors, including laminate thickness, bagging technique, vacuum level and cure cycle. For the best chance of a pin-hole free surface finish, ensure:

• Tooling is compatible
• Ply stack does not exceed ~1000gsm total
• Bag is perfectly sealed, vacuum level is 10mbar or better
• Vacuum consumable stack is as recommended
• Multi-stage cure cycle, with final cure temperature of 120°C, is accurately followed

See technical datasheet and XC110 Processing Guide for full recommendations on compatible tooling, laminating technique, vacuum bagging and cure cycles (including lower temperature cure options).

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.

The following mould materials are 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)

Although it is possible to use vinylester tools (such as Uni-Mould) they are not recommended due to the increased possibility of surface imperfections (pin holes) which can occur when XPREG® XC110 is cured in the presence of vinylester.

See XC110 Technical Data Sheet and XC110 Processing Guide for full details on mould compatibility.

Curing Oven

To cure the XC110 prepreg carbon fibre included in the kit you will require an oven capable of accurately holding the set temperature, up to 120°C. Programmable ramp rates and set points are advantageous but not essential. You will need to maintain an active vacuum connection inside the oven and so a vacuum port (or hole) through the oven wall is required.

About Prepreg Carbon Fibre

Prepreg carbon fibre components are widely regarded as the pinnacle of advanced composites; their incredible performance and stunning appearance making them the most sought-after performance parts on the market. Prepreg carbon fibre is used to make the chassis and body panels of Formula 1 cars and the wings of the latest 'Dreamliner' passenger jets.

Traditionally, working with prepreg carbon fibre has required always required an autoclave, a very expensive piece of machinery used to cure the prepreg under high pressure and temperature. With this starter kit however, Altiveners has put together a complete package of materials specially developed to mean that anyone can make stunning prepreg carbon fibre parts with only this kit and an oven (see notes below).

Worldwide Use

The EC.4 Compact Composites Vacuum pump optionally included with the kit can be only used on 240V systems and is available with a choice of power leads for compatibility.

Kit Contents

The kit is available in two sizes; 'Regular' and 'Professional'. There is no difference in the materials used in the two kits and both kits will produce parts of exactly the same professional standard. The only difference is the quantity of the materials included. Both kits are available with or without a Composites Vacuum Pump.

Please choose the right kit size for your needs and whether you require a vacuum pump using the drop-down list at the top of the page.