EN 2560:1998

Overview

EN 2560:1998 is a European standard established by CEN focused on aerospace-grade carbon fibre preimpregnates. This standard specifies a precise testing method for determining the resin flow characteristics in carbon fibre preimpregnates, which are critical materials used extensively in aerospace manufacturing. Understanding and controlling resin flow is essential to ensure high-performance composite components with structural integrity and reliability.

This standard is vital for manufacturers and quality control specialists working in the aerospace sector, providing a consistent approach to assess resin behavior during processing of carbon fibre preimpregnates.

Key Topics

• Carbon Fibre Preimpregnates (Prepregs): These are composite reinforcement materials pre-coated with resin to facilitate easier handling and processing into aerospace structural components.
• Resin Flow Determination: The standard outlines a methodology to measure the flow properties of resin within the prepreg matrix during heating or curing cycles.
• Test Methodology: EN 2560:1998 defines the conditions and procedures required to obtain accurate and repeatable resin flow data, which is essential to optimize manufacturing processes.
• Material Quality Assurance: Resin flow characteristics influence fibre wet-out, void content, and final mechanical performance, making this test crucial for maintaining aerospace standards.
• Aerospace Applications: Given the high-performance demands in aerospace, controlled resin flow ensures the production of lightweight, strong, and durable composite parts.

Applications

• Aerospace Manufacturing: EN 2560:1998 supports manufacturers in designing and validating carbon fibre composite parts used in aircraft structures, including fuselage panels, wings, and tail assemblies.
• Process Optimization: By understanding resin flow, companies can adjust curing cycles and pressures in autoclave or press molding processes to enhance product quality and reduce defects.
• Material Certification: Material suppliers use the standard to provide certified data on resin flow behavior, assuring aerospace OEMs of consistent prepreg performance.
• Research and Development: Engineers developing new resin systems or prepreg formulations rely on this standard to evaluate and compare resin flow properties for improved composite materials.
• Quality Control: Non-conforming or inconsistent resin flow can lead to composite failures; applying EN 2560:1998 helps maintain strict quality standards critical in aerospace.

Related Standards

• EN 2561: Aerospace series - Carbon fibre preimpregnates - Testing methods for mechanical properties.
• EN 6034: Aerospace series - Composite materials - Determination of fibre content.
• ASTM D5229: Standard test method for moisture absorption properties of composite materials.
• ISO 14129: Carbon fibre reinforced polymer composites - Characterization of prepregs.
• EN 9100: Quality management systems - Requirements for aerospace industry suppliers.

By adhering to EN 2560:1998, aerospace component manufacturers and material suppliers can ensure consistent resin flow performance in carbon fibre prepregs, leading to improved production reliability and compliance with stringent aerospace quality requirements. This standard plays a key role in advancing composite material technology within the aerospace industry.