Hexcel HexForce Carbon Fiber Fabric Plain Weave 3k 5.8oz/197gsm Style 282 with Primetex Finish
Description
Description
Hexcel HexForce® Carbon Fiber Fabric — Plain Weave 3K, 5.8 oz (197 gsm), Style 282 with PrimeTex® Finish
Woven in the USA by Hexcel, this premium 3K plain-weave carbon fabric features the PrimeTex® spreading process. PrimeTex spreads the tows in both warp and weft to deliver near-gapless (>99%) fiber coverage, a tighter cosmetic, and lower porosity than conventional weaving. The result is a smooth, uniform surface that finishes quickly and looks identical to high-end OEM carbon parts—while maintaining the mechanical performance of Hexcel’s trusted HexForce® style 282.
- Fiber/Tow: 3K carbon (Hexcel HexForce®), spread in warp & weft via PrimeTex®
- Construction: Plain weave for predictable drape and easy handling
- Areal Weight: 5.8 oz (197 gsm)
- Widths: 50″ and 60″ (samples available)
- Finish/Look: Close, uniform weave with minimal pinholes and reduced print-through—excellent cosmetic surface
- Performance Benefits: Lower resin uptake, improved fiber consolidation, reduced bridging in corners, and efficient part finishing
- Processes: Hand layup, vacuum bagging, resin infusion, or prepreg
Why PrimeTex®
- Spreads fibers for higher coverage and more uniform laminates
- Potential weight savings at a given FAW by enabling higher-K alternatives without sacrificing coverage
- Gap-free structure improves surface quality and helps limit porosity
- Excellent watertightness in sandwich structures
Typical Applications
- Automotive and motorsports bodywork & panels (OEM-style cosmetic finish)
- UAV/light aircraft and aerospace interior components
- Sporting goods, consumer products, and cosmetic skins
- Honeycomb sandwich skins and thin monolithic laminates
Tip: Pair with a clear, UV-stable epoxy system and vacuum consolidation for the flattest, most reflective PrimeTex® finish.