HexPEKK® EM integrates advanced electromagnetic (EM) performance within complex 3D-­printed components for the Commercial Aerospace, Defense, and Military sectors. HexPEKK® EM composite components are flight-­ready after printing.

Formulated specifically to meet the static electricity management, electromagnetic shielding, and radiation absorption requirements of advanced aircraft applications, the new PEKK carbon-­fiber-­blended material

delivers unique electrical performance that complements Hexcel’s current portfolio of carbon fiber-­based and unfilled neat resin HexPEKK® 100 material offerings. Manufactured using the aerospace industry qualified HexAM® process, HexPEKK® EM components exhibit best-­in-­class environmental, operational temperature, and chemical resistant performance attainable in the aerospace industry.

By integrating this enhanced EM performance into additive manufactured components, HexPEKK® EM parts do not require costly and time-­consuming secondary processing steps, such as the application of conductive coating for the management of electromagnetic interference or radiation absorption.

Target applications for HexPEKK® EM cover a broad range of products such as exterior surfaces, leading edges, air inlets, electronic enclosures, and cockpit structures for commercial airplanes, military aircraft, helicopters, and UAV components.

HexPEKK® EM components will be produced at Hexcel’s Hartford (CT) plant, where the company continues to develop the HexAM® additive manufacturing process using powder bed fusion technology to fundamentally improve the way the world’s aircraft components are manufactured.