Hexcel showcased ramp up enablement innovation with HexPly M51

Hexcel has showcased at Paris Air Show innovative structural components with complex shapes that demonstrate the performance, automation compatibility and production efficiencies made possible by the new rapid curing HexPly® M51 system. These components include a press moulded Wingbox Rib developed with GKN Aerospace and a high-rate fuselage frame developed by the Duqueine Group.

“At Hexcel, we are committed to supporting the aerospace industry’s transition toward faster and automated manufacturing processes,” said Thierry Merlot, Hexcel President Aerospace Europe, Asia Pacific, Middle East, Africa & Industrial. “HexPly® M51 is essential for customers seeking to achieve high production rates, with low energy and flexible process in addition to delivering superior part quality without compromise on mechanical performances.”

HexPly® M51 is prepreg system curing rapidly and designed specifically for hot-in/hot-out press curing of primary structure composite parts. It delivers shorter cure cycles and aims at reducing the need for multiple sets of tooling, ancillary material consumption and manual labor. HexPly®M51 particularly suits aerospace OEMs seeking high-rate production programs with flexible curing possibilities. HexPly® M51 can be used with automated tape laying (ATL), automated fibre placement (AFP) and pick-and-place technologies and supports streamlined manufacturing.

At Paris Air Show, Hexcel particularly highlighted two main standout components including HexPly M51:

• GKN aerospace wingbox rib – Developed as part of the ASCEND project, this thermoset, press-moulded rib exemplifies the scalability of HexPly®M51 for large-volume aerospace components. Its rapid-cure capabilities and automation readiness support GKN Aerospace’s strategy for next-generation aircraft production.
• Duqueine fuselage frame – Created within the CORAC program, this fuselage frame has demonstrated processing time reductions of over 50% using HexPly®M51 carbon UD materials. It represents a major step-change in the ability to meet the demands of future high-rate commercial aircraft programs.

Cover photo: Hexcel at JEC World 2025