Kaneka, Janicki reveal study results for TP2230 BMI tooling prepreg

Flex strength of TP2230 on T300 and AS4C carbon fiber (left), and flex modulus of TP2230 on T300 and AS4C carbon fiber (right). Source | “Low-temperature cure bismaleimide composite tools with excellent tool life” presented by Kaneka Aerospace and Janicki

At CAMX 2025, Kaneka Aerospace (Benicia, California, U.S.) and Janicki Industries (Sedro-Woolley, Washington, U.S.) presented results from a joint study on Kaneka TP2230, newly developed low-temperature-cure bismaleimide (BMI) tooling prepreg.

These results have shown that TP2230 offers a major advancement over conventional BMI tooling, which typically requires a 350°F (177°C) cure and expensive high-temperature masters. By enabling demold at 250°F (120°C) and a freestanding post-cure, TP2230 enables the use of more affordable master materials — reducing tooling costs and production time.
 

TP2230 delivers strong mechanical properties and long-term thermal stability. Tests with aerospace-grade carbon fiber fabrics indicates high strength, stiffness and toughness. Microscopy has confirmed structural features that enhance damage resistance.

In thermal aging studies, TP2230 maintained integrity with minimal weight loss and delayed microcracking, lasting several times longer than traditional BMI systems. It exhibited less than 1.2% weight loss after 10,000 hours at 350°F (177°C), with hints of microcrack initiation delayed until 6,000-7,500 hours. Even after 10,000 hours, cracking was limited and not close to the level of crack transfer to part or vacuum loss.

Janicki Industries confirmed TP2230’s ease of use and durability in tooling trials. The material showed optimal handling, smooth surface finish and consistent performance across multiple cycles. Tools retained vacuum integrity well beyond typical expectations, with only minor wear observed.

“By combining reduced cure temperature with long-term thermal stability, TP2230 opens new opportunities for economical, high-performance tooling,” says Kaneka Aerospace.

Janicki is now scaling up to larger, more complex tool geometries. “The low-temperature initial cure of TP2230 enables us to streamline our tool manufacturing process, opening a pathway to reducing tooling costs and shortening production times while maintaining the high-temperature, high-durability performance of BMI tools,” notes Todd “TJ” Chace, senior director of R&D at Janicki. “Backed by robust test data, it stands up to the most demanding conditions of our customers.”

Learn more at Kaneka Aerospace’s upcoming webinar, “Tool Smarter, Repair Stronger: Kaneka’s Low-temp BMI and Advanced Resin Repair System” on Nov. 5, 2025.