Thin Ply

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Selector ChartPlease click on the product names to launch the datasheets in a new window, and download as a pdf.

Prepreg System Selector Chart

Name	Description	Fibre Weights	Tg	Typical Cure Cycle	Typical Applications	Features	Typical Fibres	Datasheet
TP 510-2	Cost efficient “standard” FAW – 120˚C system	75-300gsm	110˚C	1 hour at 120˚C	Industrial applications, masts	Good balance of properties vs cost – curable at 80˚C	HSC, HEC
TP 736	Thin Ply capable – Very low FAW – 80˚C system	20-75gsm	110˚C	8 hours at 80˚C, 2 hours at 120˚C	Thin Ply laminates for lower temperature processing e.g. with some synthetic core materials	Very low fibre weights possible – 80˚C curable	HSC, HEC, IMC	Please Enquire
TP 736LT	High strength marine grade 80˚C system – Lloyds approved	75-300gsm	140˚C	8 hours at 80˚C, 2 hours at 120˚C	Marine structures – hulls, decks, bulkheads	Lloyds Register approved, 80˚C curable, high strength	E-glass, HEC, IMC
TP 513-4	Very low FAW 120˚C systems with increased strength	20-150gsm	150˚C	2 hours at 120˚C, 1 hour at 135˚C	All round system for ultra-lightweight Thin Ply prepregs	Versatile system	Quartz, HSC, HEC, IMC, HMC / UHMC
TP 402	135˚C curing high performance epoxy	15-150gsm	170˚C	2 hours at 135˚C, 2 hours at 160˚C	Ultra lightweight, Motorsports, automotive bodywork	High Tg system, good strength – Ultra lightweight possible	HEC, IMC, HMC, UHMC, PBO, Aramid
TP 402T-1	Rubber toughened version of 402 for sporting goods applications	15-150gsm	150˚C	2 hours at 135˚C	Ultra lightweight sports equipment	Toughened system with Ultra lightweight possible	HEC, IMC, HMC, UHMC, PBO, Aramid	Please Enquire
TP 135	135˚C curing PES toughened multi functional super high strength resin system	25-150gsm	160˚C	4 hours at 150˚C	Motorsports, foils, highly loaded structures	Medium Tg, high strength, high toughness, structural system. Very low fibre weights possible	HEC, IMC, HMC, UHMC, Quartz
TP 150SC	150˚C ultra-low enthalpy very fast curing / snap cure system	50-150gsm	140˚C	2 mins at 150˚C	Automotive, fast cycle, high volume production	Very fast curing, UV stable, can be coloured, high strength	E-Glass, Quartz, HSC, HEC
TP 175	175˚C curing strong and PES toughened structural system	70-150gsm	180˚C	4 hours at 180˚C	Aerospace structural parts	High Tg, exceptional strength, toughness and compression after impact properties. Good hot wet performance.	HEC, IMC, HMC	Please Enquire
TP 180-380CE	Cyanate Ester system used for space applications	30-150gsm	>300˚C	120˚C for 6 hours followed by post cure	Space structures	Low CTE, available with pitch carbon fibres, very high Tg capability	HEC, IMC, HMC, UHMC, Pitch
GF736	80˚C curing Adhesive film	150-400gsm with 25gsm scrim glass, 25-150gsm unsupported	100˚C	8 hours at 80˚C	Honeycomb, certain core and steel bonding	Toughened for impact resistance and peel strength. Controlled flow. 80˚C curable	NA

Note that NTPT measures Tg using DMA T Onset point which typically gives a result 15 to 25˚C lower than Tg by Peak Tan Delta. Tg by T onset is the safest number to use, please be aware of this when comparing NTPT data with that from other suppliers.

NTPT™ has developed a unique process to spread reinforcement fibres and make the thinnest unidirectional prepreg tapes on the market, with fibre aerial weight down to 15gsm. A wide range of fibres can be processed, such as carbon, glass, quartz, aramid, and impregnated with a selection of in-house developed epoxy or cyanate ester resin systems.

Fibre Type	Thin Ply Prepreg Aerial Weights Available
Carbon	From 15gsm with MR70 12K
	From 30gsm with typical PAN-based fibres
	From 40gsm with pitch-based YSH70
	From 90gsm with pitch-based K63712
Glass	From 48gsm with 9μ S-glass fibres
Quartz	From 30gsm with 14μ fibres
Aramid	From 20gsm
PBO and other synthetics	From 30gsm

Thin plies offer significant improvements in the mechanical properties of composite laminates and NTPT™ makes it possible for composite fabricators to integrate thin plies into their process while improving quality and reducing lay-up time.

While NTPT™ is naturally known for expertise in lightweight prepreg materials, we understand that these products are often part of a wider solution needing a broader material portfolio. Customers typically want to marry the performance and chemistry of thin ply with more “conventional” prepregs.

NTPT™ offers a wide range of typical reinforcements, pre-impregnated with the same resin systems as Thin Ply products. The conventional range includes UD prepreg up to 300gsm woven (0/90) cloth prepregs, 300g and 400 g biaxials (+/-45), adhesive film, and prepreg peel ply. Other FAW materials, glass or Aramid prepregs can also be produced. If in doubt, please contact us.

The Thin Ply Advantage

Thin Ply Prepregs allow greater optimisation of modulus, strength and weight, and an overall improvement in mechanical performance of the final part. Through NTPT™’s proprietary and unique fibre spreading process, a more homogeneous and stronger laminate is achieved.

NTPT™ Thin Ply Prepregs – the advantage:

More degrees of freedom in fibre orientation leading to ‘high definition’ engineering and greater optimisation
Unique fibre spreading process leads to a more homogeneous laminate, resulting in fewer fibre/resin rich areas and lower void content, so improved integrity of the part
Higher average strength and twice the design strength of conventional composites
A broad range of fibre types, resin matrices and weights available Well-researched and proven products in highly critical applications

Proven results based on scientific research

A number of scientists have proven and quantified the mechanical benefits provided by thin plies. Please see the references at the bottom of this page.

In addition, NTPT™ has conducted its own characterisation programme, in partnership with Swiss companies (RUAG Space, RUAG Technology and Connova) and universities (Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne EPFL and the University of Applied Sciences Northwestern Switzerland).

The program, based on specimen made of Toray M40J fibre and NTPT™ 736 resin, has delivered impressive results:

Better homogeneity of composites with thin plies
+40% in tensile strength of Quasi Isotropic (QI) laminate and +230% in damage onset
+25% in compressive strength on Unidirectional laminates
+30% in damage onset on holed QI laminates
+20% in bearing strength on QI laminates
10 times longer life span on holed QI laminates

For more details, please read these documents.

Thin Ply Composites: Experimental characterization and modeling:

Thin Ply Technology® advantages: An overview of the TPT-TECA project: