𝐇𝐞𝐱𝐜𝐞𝐥 𝐋𝐚𝐮𝐧𝐜𝐡𝐞𝐬 𝐍𝐞𝐰 𝐕𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐅𝐥𝐞𝐱-𝐂𝐨𝐫𝐞® 𝐇𝐨𝐧𝐞𝐲𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐛 𝐃𝐞𝐬𝐢𝐠𝐧𝐞𝐝 𝐭𝐨 𝐀𝐜𝐜𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐝𝐮𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐨𝐟 𝐍𝐞𝐱𝐭-𝐆𝐞𝐧𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐒𝐩𝐚𝐜𝐞 𝐋𝐚𝐮𝐧𝐜𝐡 𝐕𝐞𝐡𝐢𝐜𝐥𝐞𝐬

Hexcel Corporation , a global leader in advanced composites technology, today announced the launch of its enhanced #HexWeb®CRPAA-5052-F80-12.0 Vented Flex-Core® #aluminumhoneycomb, a high-density core material engineered to help aerospace manufacturers simplify the production of complex composite structures while meeting the demanding performance requirements of modern #spacelaunchsystems. The new product will be showcased during CAMX 2026.

“As launch providers continue to pursue larger payloads, higher production rates and more advanced vehicle architectures, they need materials that help simplify manufacturing without sacrificing performance,” said Lyndon Smith, President, Americas & Global Fibers, #Hexcel. “Our enhanced vented Flex-Core solution combines outstanding formability, robust mechanical performance and integrated venting capability in a single material. The result is a technology that helps customers reduce processing complexity, improve manufacturing efficiency and support the demanding requirements of next-generation space launch platforms.”

Traditional heavy-density honeycomb cores often require extensive machining and splicing to create highly contoured composite structures. Hexcel’s new 12.0 lb./ft³ Vented Flex-Core® is designed to reduce those challenges through a unique cell architecture that offers significantly greater flexibility and formability than conventional hexagonal honeycomb. The material can reduce or eliminate machining, minimize splicing requirements and lower overall manufacturing costs while enabling larger and more complex structures.

Manufactured from 5052 aluminum alloy and protected by Hexcel’s phosphoric acid anodized (PAA) corrosion-resistant coating, the material is capable of service temperatures up to 350°F (177°C). A key innovation is its integrated venting capability, which helps #compositesandwich structures manage pressure differentials and outgassing requirements encountered during ascent and other demanding aerospace environments.

Beyond launch vehicle applications, the material is also well suited for high-temperature aerospace structures, including engine nacelles, where increasingly complex geometries and elevated operating temperatures continue to drive demand for advanced lightweight materials.

Available in both vented and non-vented configurations, the HexWeb® CRPAA-5052-F80-12.0 Flex-Core® expands Hexcel’s portfolio of advanced honeycomb solutions for space, aerospace and other demanding composite applications.

source : Hexcel