Solvay launches LTM 350 low-temperature composite tooling prepreg 

Solvay (Alpharetta, Ga., U.S.) introduces LTM 350, a next-generation carbon fiber epoxy prepreg tooling material designed to deliver significant time and cost savings for the industrial, aerospace, automotive and race car markets. According to the company, the carbon fiber epoxy tooling material offers fast, low-temperature cure cycle (three hours at 60°C) and can also be cured at temperatures as low as 45°C with an extended post-cure. Tools built from LTM 350 can also be continuously cycled at temperatures up to 150°C for highly accurate composite parts. Solvay says LTM 350 demonstrates its continuing commitment to help OEMs, sub-contractors and tool builders in the composites industry achieve ambitious productivity targets.

As a low-temperature prepreg with user-friendly tack, drape and handling, LTM 350 was designed to enable the shortest possible layup times while providing high-quality surface finish, setting new standards in cost-efficient composite tooling. This tooling prepreg has been engineered to support the construction of complex small and large composite tools. It is targeted at autoclave applications, but can also be used out-of-autoclave (OOA).

Available in optimized formats for both surface and bulk plies, LTM 350 takes advantage of a 1-5-1 layup (surface-to-bulk plies ratio), reportedly saving both time and cost versus a more traditional 1-8-1 format. LTM 350 is manufactured in the U.K.