Cygnet Texkimp has expanded its fibre handling technology portfolio with the launch of a 500kg carbon fibre creel, a new solution developed to enhance productivity in carbon fibre manufacturing. The innovation was created through close collaboration with industry partners and is designed to support manufacturers seeking greater operational efficiency while meeting rising global demand for advanced composite materials.
The newly engineered Very Heavy Duty (VHD) creel is capable of handling 500kg packages of polyacrylonitrile (PAN) precursor fibre, which are unwound directly into carbon fibre production lines. The increased package capacity represents a significant advancement for the sector, where fibre packages weighing up to 350kg have been the industry standard for more than a decade.
By accommodating larger bobbins, the 500kg carbon fibre creel enables manufacturers to extend production runs before replacing fibre packages. Fewer package changeovers translate into reduced downtime, smoother operations and improved overall production efficiency.
Cygnet Texkimp has established itself as a leading supplier of VHD creel systems, with more than 70 installations operating worldwide. Collectively, these systems process over 24,000 fibre bobbins, serving carbon fibre manufacturers across multiple international markets.
Peter Stevenson, Director of Projects at Cygnet Texkimp, said: “A 500kg bobbin offers an immediate win over a 350kg bobbin in terms of line efficiency by extending the length of continuous operation that can be achieved. The creel also supports the work of manufacturers to process higher tow count fibres, such as 24k or 48k tows, and achieve faster line speeds by increasing the size and weight of the PAN precursor bobbin.
“We’ve developed this new capability as part of our ongoing consultation with the industry and driven by sustained growth in carbon fibre production capacity globally. In particular, the technology addresses the needs of a growing number of high-volume industrial applications around the world, many of which are designed to establish new sovereign capability.”
The new system features an operator-controlled lifting and loading mechanism that transfers PAN precursor packages from the winding system to the creel. For manufacturers seeking greater automation, Cygnet Texkimp also offers customised material-handling solutions tailored to specific production requirements.
Like the company’s existing VHD creel range, the new 500kg carbon fibre creel incorporates an electronic tension control system with a closed-loop dancer arm mechanism. This technology maintains consistent fibre tension throughout the unwinding process, helping manufacturers achieve stable processing conditions, higher production speeds and improved product quality for advanced carbon fibre applications.
