Continuing its commitment to reducing cost and energy consumption per part, PRF Composite Materials (Poole, Dorset, U.K.) is discussing its innovative prepreg materials. Highlights from the range include RP570 FR Reepreg, an ultra-fast, fire-retardant, snap-cure epoxy prepreg system featuring recycled carbon fiber (rCF) nonwoven mat. This high-performance material delivers a complete cycle time of just 5 minutes when processed in a heated press at 160°C.

Borne out of extensive product development and R&D investment, Reepreg offers improved handleability, easily forming from flat sheet into complex 3D shapes. When paired with PRF’s eXpress cure prepreg systems, it delivers not only optimal processing efficiencies, suitable for high-volume manufacturing, but also offers key sustainability benefits — including enhanced circularity and recyclable end-of-life options. Notably, the material also offers a 60-day out-life at 20°C.

Attendees can also discuss PRF’s Q.tool prepreg tooling technology and the newly developed Q.tool recycled. Developed to speed up carbon fiber tool manufacture, Q.tool combines PRF’s RP800 epoxy tooling system and the technology’s fabric architecture to produce a highly drapeable material, high surface finish and, typically, provides a saving of 50% of the layup time of a conventional 1:8:1 system, with debulks reduced to one.

PRF’s Q.tool recycled innovation is reported to provide all of the benefits of the original Q.tool technology and includes rCF replacing 40% of the original virgin fiber content. Molds produced by PRF have been tested by Green Tech Automotive AC Cars with positive results; after several cycles, the tools show optimal dimensional stability. These molds have also been tested for several cycles under pressure to ensure good surface finish and longevity. No degradation was found in the tool surface.

Additionally, PRF is providing updates on the company’s new Product Development and Innovation Centre, scheduled to become operational mid-2025. Located within PRF’s fourth facility, the center will house an extra prepreg line, a pilot line for product development and a fully equipped R&D laboratory.