Cygnet Texkimp boosts carbon fiber production efficiency with 500-kilogram VHD creel
Cygnet Texkimp has introduced a 500-kilogram VHD creel to enhance carbon fiber production efficiency. This advancement is significant for the carbon fiber sector, as it allows for increased production capacity and reduced downtime in manufacturing processes.
Cygnet Texkimp (Northwich, U.K.) has introduced a very heavy duty (VHD) creel solution capable of handling 500-kilogram packages of polyacrylonitrile (PAN) precursor fiber. This development aims to enhance efficiency in carbon fiber manufacturing by enabling longer continuous run cycles and reducing the frequency of package changeovers.
The VHD creel represents a significant advancement for the carbon fiber industry, which has traditionally used fiber packages weighing up to 350 kilograms. By accommodating larger bobbins, the creel reduces operational downtime and supports higher tow count fibers, such as 24K or 48K tows, facilitating faster line speeds.
Currently, over 70 of Cygnet Texkimp's VHD creels are operational worldwide, processing more than 24,000 bobbins of fiber. Peter Stevenson, Director of Projects at Cygnet Texkimp, highlights the immediate efficiency gains offered by the 500-kilogram bobbin over its 350-kilogram counterpart.
The VHD creel solution includes an operator-managed lifter loader system for unloading and loading PAN fiber packages, with options for bespoke automated handling solutions. It features an electronic tension control system with a closed-loop dancer arm mechanism to maintain consistent fiber tension during unwinding.
Cygnet Texkimp's development aligns with the global growth in carbon fiber production capacity, addressing the needs of high-volume industrial applications worldwide. This technology supports the establishment of new sovereign capabilities in the industry.
Source: Carbon Fiber Feed