Harper International, world leader in thermal processing solutions for advanced materials, has finalized a contract with a client in Brazil for a research scale carbon fiber processing line. The line will include Harper’s renowned oxidation ovens, LT and HT furnaces, as well as a state-of-the-art HMI supervisory control interface, material handling and material treatment systems including creels, winders, tensions stand, electrolysis, washing and drying, and waste gas abatement systems.

The fully integrated and extensively outfitted micro-line has capacity to process continuous tows of carbon fiber with high precision and outstanding data collection capabilities. The system will be used largely for investigation into use of carbon fiber, as well as to expand the local knowledge base and proficiency at the university level. Harper’s client is leading the first step forward in the Brazilian market to develop a carbon fiber industry and technology expertise.

The client “chose Harper to develop its line because of their well-known reputation and advanced technology, evidenced in their many previous research scale projects, as well as their larger production installations,” commented the CEO for the client.

Harper is an expert in fully integrated carbon fiber process lines, from micro-line scale systems focused on universities and research institutions, up to high volume production scales at greater than 4m wide capable of producing several thousand tons per year. The 3m wide full line design, pioneered by Harper and focused on linking process steps to ensure the most efficient performance in a seamless and fluid plant operation, is leading the industry in utilization for new capacity expansion.