Windform Composites Pass Flammability and Ultraviolet Degradation Tests

By Mike Ball / 17 Apr 2018
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Windform composite drone body

CRP Technology has announced that its Windform family of high performance composite materials has been rated HB according to the flammability UL 94 test, and has also been exposed to vacuum ultraviolet radiation and did not show degradation.

Windform’s thermal and mechanical properties make them a highly suitable Laser Sintering material for applications such as UAV (unmanned aerial vehicle) frames and other components.

Laser Sintering polyamide-based carbon fiber reinforced Windform XT 2.0 and Windform SP composite materials, along with LS polyamide-based glass-fiber reinforced Windform GT and Windform LX 3.0 composite materials, were tested for their flammability rating.

The “Test for flammability of plastic materials for parts in devices and appliances” UL 94 was carried out on test specimens 1 to 3 mm thickness. The result of the flammability UL 94 HB test reports Windform XT 2.0, Windform SP, Windform GT and Windform LX 3.0 have successfully obtained the HB classification.

Samples of Windform LX 3.0 and Windform SP were subjected to VUV testing by exposing to ~8 solar equivalents in LEO, with a wavelength range of 115-200 nm VUV radiation from a 30 W Hamamatsu L7292 deuterium lamp for 36 continuous hours. Test results report “Windform SP and Windform LX 3.0 samples did not show degradation with VUV testing”.

Posted by Mike Ball Mike Ball is our resident technical editor here at Unmanned Systems Technology. Combining his passion for teaching, advanced engineering and all things unmanned, Mike keeps a watchful eye over everything related to the unmanned technical sector. With over 10 years’ experience in the unmanned field and a degree in engineering, Mike’s been heading up our technical team here for the last 8 years. Connect & Contact