Hardwire (TM) is "HIP(TM)"

Hardwire, the world leader in steel reinforced composite technology, announces the introduction of a new, faster and FREE infusion process based on the use of Hardwire Micro-Rebar(TM)" directional tapes.

The new process, named HIP (PRWEB) April 24, 2003 -axial lay-ups made from Hardwire tapes as an internal resin distribution network to create a simple, highly effective resin infusion technique. Due to the superior permeability of the Hardwire material, the HIP process is up to 10 times faster than conventional over the top or through the core" infusion processes, and there is little to no waste. Additionally, the Hardwire material is much more than a resin distribution material. Laminates made from Hardwire using the HIP process exhibit flexural properties in excess of 270 KSI and modulus values as high as 13 MSI.

George Tunis, Hardwire founder, and in a past venture one of the original SCRIMP partners, stated, In high strength laminates made from Hardwire, the Hardwire is both the reinforcing material and the process. In a word, Hardwire is HIP, we couldnt separate the process from the material if we tried."

The key is the incredible properties of the Hardwire itself. There is no other material that can be used at only 40 % fiber volume (hence the high permeability) and still result in the laminate properties of 270 KSI (strength) and 13 MSI (modulus).

George further stated The HIP process fixes many of the problems, costs, waste and labor issues associated with other infusion process. From a business perspective, HIP is fee and royalty FREE, and there is no need to tip toe around the intellectual property of other patented processes, as HIP is an entirely new infusion concept based on infusion inside the laminate itself, not external to the laminate or in the core material. From a production perspective, HIP eliminates the need for more expensive grooved cores (inside out infusion), or eliminates the need for peel ply and external distribution media (outside in infusion), not to mention the hassle and labor associated with the lay-up of these difficult to handle process materials. Further, HIP is environmentally friendly by eliminating the waste, labor and cost to landfill the throwaway components of traditional infusion process, such as spent distribution media.

George ended by stating, The basic physics of HIP are fundamentally in tune with faster, more complete and greener" infusion. By making the laminate itself more permeable, engineers will have the opportunity to design fluid infusion circuits that work reliability, thereby eliminating costly dry spots, and reducing waste by removing all external distribution media. Waste is further eliminated by allowing for the use of high resistance edge bleeders that better contain the resin to the part, not the pot." The HIP process is simple, just hook up a resin supply and a vacuum to a laminate containing Hardwire and you are HIP. Engineers will find the process especially powerful around complex areas, such as grid stiffeners, where resin flow fronts can be complex, and other processes present more problems than solutions."

HIP is not just for pure Hardwire laminates. Even a single layer of Hardwire in a glass or carbon laminate will fundamentally change the infusion process characteristics of the laminate. Hardwire is also especially effective on cored laminates made from foam and balsa, where the ultra stiff Hardwire skin augments the properties of core and the permeability of Hardwire make dual side wet out simple and reliable.

George stated We are working with several customers on glass and carbon hybrids using Hardwire, where the Hardwire and HIP have made new material and processes possible. In hybrid laminates Hardwire works to help keep the other softer" fibers straight, and the permeability of Hardwire makes the densely packed unidirectional carbon and glass fibers wet quickly and uniformly. We are making structures and getting material values now with these hybrids that I never though was possible."

George ended by saying" The same properties that make Hardwire HIP, also make it great for RTM, SRIM, wet lamination, filament winding, SMC or any other composite process where instant wet out will improve process speed."

For more information on HIP and Hardwire, go to Hardwirellc.com or contact George Tunis or Skip Ebaugh (410) 957 3669. Look for more on Hardwire here in Advanced Materials and Composites News in coming weeks.