Commingled yarn solutions provide flexible thermoplastic prepregs

Concordia Engineered Fibers (Coventry, R.I., U.S.) specializes in advanced twisting, precision winding and yarn conversion for composite applications, focusing on continual improvement and product development. Concordia continues to concentrate on twisting and plying carbon fiber for 3D woven preforms, carbon/carbon applications and carbon sewing thread, efforts which contribute to continuous filament processing capabilities.

Concordia’s continuous tow, containing customized ratios of reinforcement fibers with thermoplastic fibers, produces flexible thermoplastic prepregs. This blending of dissimilar fibers in a continuous filament format lends itself to a wide range of composite applications, though it is especially designed for thermoplastic composites. Concordia notes that this commingling aspect is not limited to two input materials — the company’s 12K carbon fiber/PEEK/Monel commingled yarns, as shown above, is one example of how these filaments can be customized for specific end uses. Adding metallic inputs and inlaying specific properties within thermoplastic forms can add design characteristics and provide strengthening or conductive properties as needed. Fibers such as Innegra can also be incorporated.

As sustainability has emerged as a pressing concern, Concordia says it strives to integrate more sustainable fiber inputs. Combinations like basalt/PA11 (shown above) are bio-based and environmentally friendly options for next- generation composites. Flax reinforcements commingled as a processable and highly drapeable tow is another option provided by Concordia. Whether woven, braided, pultruded, embroidered via tailored fiber placement, 3D printed or filament wound, Concordia’s commingled yarn provide customized solutions.

Concordia Engineered Fibers, an ISO 9001-certified company, offers an international footprint for yarn conversion, with manufacturing facilities in France, Mexico and its headquarters in Rhode Island in the U.S.