As part of its CSR approach, Hexcut Services, a subsidiary of the Composites Divison, is constantly on the lookout for new materials and ways to process them. For example, our cutting subsidiary recently tested bio-based materials derived from mussel byssus, or beards, the fibres secreted by mussels to attach themselves to surfaces and each other.
The product is still under development, but has a number of interesting features – it is fireproof, lightweight, a very good thermal insulator and absorbs sound well.
Working with the Brittany-based company developing these new bio-sourced materials, Hexcut Services carried out several cutting tests to check the complexities of implementation.
The material feels rough and very abrasive to the touch, with lots of solid particles, so there are a number of mechanical constraints when working with it.
Hexcut Services was thus able to showcase its expertise and the different cutting technologies it can harness, to determine the right settings and supply this fast-growing company with several cut samples, helping them to progress with bringing their products to market.
