Towpreg
Towpregs are pre-impregnated reinforcement fibers wound on spools and then further processed.
The advantages such are:
- Faster winding speed
- More consistent part resin content
- Access to carbon fiber choices in small quantities
- Elimination of “Dry Fly” carbon fibers in working environment
- Much cleaner process than wet winding
Filament winding is a composite manufacturing process which involves applying filament tows such as fiber glass or carbon fiber onto a mandrel. The filament layers are cross plied to achieve the strength characteristics determined by the part designer. The applied tows can be combined with a resin matrix immediately prior to application to the mandrel (wet winding) or the tows can be a towpreg which is a fiber/resin combination made by a vendor.

Wet winding is commonly used to make a wide range of products such as pipe, transmission poles, gas pressure bottles, liquid pressure vessels, etc. Generally, these applications do not require heat curing and the range of resin content of the part is wide. Usually, external pressure is not applied during cure. The process is mature and widely accepted. However, it can be messy, and employees are exposed to fumes of catalyzed resin and, dry fiber “fly”, and solvents.

Towpreg winding is used to make parts which require a narrow resin content range. The resin/fiber tows are generally processed at higher speeds compared to wet winding. The resulting fiber volume of the wound parts can be higher and more precisely controlled. The cost per pound of material is higher than wet winding. However, the cost of applied material is improved by more precise tow placement at higher speed. Also, clean-up of towpreg winding is minimal. Towpreg winding usually employs carbon fiber tows and resins with heat resistance properties. Also, part design is likely weight critical.

Mitsubishi manufactures a range of carbon fibers which are incorporated in FTM Towpreg products for a variety of applications. 3K, 12K and 24K tow sizes are available.
HMT301 | General Purpose, toughened towpreg, controlled flow with versatile processing. |
HMT316 | Flame retardant, toughened towpreg designed for electrical applications |
HMT317 | General purpose towpreg. |
HMT321 | High temperature resistance, toughened |
HMT321FR | High Tg towpreg with flame retardency. |
HMT4030 | Flame retardant meets FAR25.853 |
HMT507 | Towpreg designed for pressure vessels. Cures at 205°F, in polyethylene’s limits |
HMT5300 | Low temperature variable cure towpreg with long out-time. |
HMT6600 | Highly toughened, high temperature cure towpreg. 350°F Cure, high temperature resistance |
The technical data sheets are located at www.northerncomposites.com/products/prepregs/
Give Northern a call to discuss your application, identify the right towpreg for your application and request a sample.
603-926-1910