THE Benefits OF MULTIAXIALS
Multiaxials are made up of layers of unidirectional fibres, stitched together with a light polyester thread. They effectively allow the user to process multiple layers of unidirectionals (the optimum fibre form) in a single fabric.
Their advantages over traditional forms of reinforcement such as woven rovings are now widely accepted:
- The reinforcing fibres can be placed proportionally in each axis to optimise the design criteria of the part.
- No resin-rich areas mean that it is easy to achieve a higher weight fraction (wf).
- Higher tensile and flexural properties are achieved in the laminate.
- Less print-through – especially important on boat hulls and automotive applications.
- Easier to cut and handle – the stitching holds the fabrics together.
- Heavier combinations are possible, meaning higher deposition rates.
- The straight, uncrimped fibres result in all multiaxials allowing good resin flow in closed moulding, so ideal for infusion and light-RTM. Also, the stitching aids resin migration through the layers (Z-direction).