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CHOOSING
YOUR MATERIAL | DESIGNING WITH HARDWIRE
| PACKAGING OPTIONS | CUTTING
HARDWIRE TAPES | KITTING WITH HARDWIRE
BENDING | LAYING UP HARDWIRE | MOLDING | CUTTING HARDWIRE COMPOSITES | TESTING & SPECIFICATIONS |
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CHOOSING YOUR MATERIAL Choosing the correct Hardwire product is an easy four-step process. Step 1: The first step in choosing the Hardwire product that is right for you is to choose the wire coating system. Each coating is precision applied and tightly controlled during the Hardwire manufacturing process. As a general recommendation for lowest cost, best delivery and optimum performance in typical composite use, we recommend the AO brass coated product. Click here to look in Coating Types in depth. |
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Step 2: The second step is to choose the Hardwire cord type. This choice is a bit more involved and we highly recommend that you refer to the Cord Type section. Basically, understanding the loading, handling, cosmetic and price requirements of your application are the keys to this choice. In very general terms, the higher filament counts in the Hardwire cords, coupled with higher twist of the cord will result in the best handling and cosmetics, but at the price of compression strength and modulus (via packing density). Conversely, lower filament counts (larger filaments) and lower twist will result in the best all around composite performance, but the material will be a bit more boardy. Every part and process is unique, so be sure to order a sample pack to get a feel for the materials or call Hardwire for help in choosing the correct cord type. |
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Step 3:The third step is to choose the particular Hardwire Product. Fabric density is specified in wires/inch and is chosen as a function of the loading requirements on the laminate and the process in which the material is intended to be molded. Examples of different extremes in this choice are low-density Hardwire fabrics (4, 6, 8 wires/inch), medium-density Hardwire fabrics (12, 16 wires/inch) and high-density Hardwire fabrics (23 wires/ inch). To understand the exact unidirectional fabric properties, you can use the Wire and Composites Details spreadsheet. The spreadsheet will accurately predict all of the engineering properties of each Hardwire product. In general terms, low and medium density materials are great for building light weight laminate thickness, laminates with glasslike modulus and strength, or laminates with superior tear resistance. And Hardwire flushes resin in infusion processes like a toilet! High density Hardwire materials are the ultimate for laminate stiffness, providing carbon-like laminate stiffness and strength, while reducing laminate weight, cost and thickness versus glass and greatly reducing laminate cost and enhancing process-ability versus carbon. For low viscosity resins, even high density Hardwire fabrics require no resin distribution medium for blazingly fast infusion. |
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Step 4: The final step is to choose the length of the roll you wish to purchase. Currently all tapes are 12" wide with three sizes available, each supplied on wooden reels with shaft and drive holes predrilled so the unit is ready to drop directly into your line. The rolls are supplied in 50' (12" reel), 500' (22" reel), and 2500' (44" reel) lengths. Think outside the box……Hardwire can be made with different densities throughout the tape. There are all types of possibilities, so call the Hardwire team and explore your options. |
