Hello,
I would like to know what is general difference between these high performance and high volume composites. I mean only these Carbon-Fiber-Reinforced-Plastic Composites (CFRP). Would you say that composites made of Hexcel prepregs are in that high performance category?
Thank You
High performance usually means that the composite has exceptional properties (e.g. ultra high modulus carbon fibers). High performance composites are much more expensive than “ordinary” composites which is why that they are seldom used in high-volume applications. When making high-volume products, price is most often the imporant issue which makes it uneconimcal (and often uneccesary) to use high performance materials.
Most of the larger manufacturers (such as Hexcel) offer materials suitable for both high performance and high volume production. The best way to determine if a material is a high performance or high volume intended material is to look at the datasheets. If you can’t tell by the material data, look for keywords such as aerospace (high-performance) or consumer goods (high volume).
It could have been thought as a silly question for english-spoken natives. But the direct translation of these terms to my native language doesnt make sense. Later on Ive found it out what it means.
I didn’t think it was a silly question. It is interesting to try and understand what you are getting that is different for the extra money you pay to obtain high performance?
Often it can be an “exotic” fibre that is super-stiff or super-strong, sometimes it will be the resin with an enhanced performance, e.g. higher temperature resistance, high damage tolerance etc.
Sometimes the property increases are not that high for a lot of extra money but I suppose if you need the ultimate in technical performance then you might pay.