M60J FAB-EP
Matrix
FAB-EP = woven fabric (plain/satin) epoxy laminate
Balanced biaxial stiffness for skins and panels where drapability beats maximum unidirectional modulus.
Values for the FAB-EP condition
Other M60J grades and fills
M60J is listed in 7 conditions; see the grade overview at M60J.
Compare all 7 grades and fillsHide
| Grade · open for datasheet | Best for | Yield MPa | Tensile MPa | Elong. % | Hardness |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Quasi-isotropic epoxy laminate [0/±45/90]s | Layup-level values for plates and brackets needing direction-independent stiffness and near-zero in-plane CTE. | — | 600 | 0.5 | — |
FAB-EPThis page Woven fabric (plain/satin) epoxy laminate | Balanced biaxial stiffness for skins and panels where drapability beats maximum unidirectional modulus. | — | 800 | — | — |
Wet filament-wound / towpreg epoxy structure | Pick for wound tubes, struts and rims where hoop/axial stiffness matters and prepreg tooling is not justified. | — | 1,650 | 0.5 | — |
Unidirectional bismaleimide prepreg laminate | Use where service temperature exceeds epoxy capability (hot structures, engine-adjacent stiff members). | — | 1,700 | 0.5 | — |
Unidirectional cyanate-ester prepreg laminate | Choose for satellite optical benches and antennas: low outgassing, low moisture expansion, near-zero CTE. | — | 1,750 | 0.5 | — |
Unidirectional epoxy prepreg laminate, Vf ≈ 60 % | Standard 180 °C-cure epoxy UD laminate — the baseline form for stiff aerospace tubes and panels. | — | 1,850 | 0.55 | — |
6KDefault 6000-filament sized tow | The as-delivered continuous tow for filament winding, tape/prepreg making and braiding. | — | 3,820 | 0.7 | — |
What is M60J FAB-EP?
M60J FAB-EP is M60J in the FAB-EP condition — balanced biaxial stiffness for skins and panels where drapability beats maximum unidirectional modulus. M60J FAB-EP has a tensile strength of 800 MPa (116 ksi), stronger than 72% of composite grades. Elongation at break is 0.7% and the elastic modulus is 165 GPa (23.9 Msi). M60J FAB-EP has a density of 1.6 g/cm³ (0.0578 lb/in³), lighter than 53% of composite grades. 6K is the default condition FabDigit quotes; FAB-EP is available on request or by drawing note.
Advantages
- Conducts heat well — 150 W/m·K (86.7 BTU/hr·ft·°F), better than 91% of composite grades
- Good corrosion resistance — 90/100, better than 85% of composite grades
Limitations
- High embodied carbon — 50 kg CO₂/kg, worse than 93% of composite grades
- Limited ductility — 0.7%, worse than 86% of composite grades
- Difficult to machine — 15/100, worse than 84% of composite grades
M60J FAB-EP properties
Typical room-temperature values for M60J FAB-EP; 10 are specific to this condition. Other listed values are M60J reference data and may not represent this condition. Bars are the position among composite grades.
Physical1
M60J FAB-EP has a density of 1.6 g/cm³ (0.0578 lb/in³), lighter than 53% of composite grades.
Mechanical5
M60J FAB-EP has a tensile strength of 800 MPa (116 ksi), stronger than 72% of composite grades. Elongation at break is 0.7% and the elastic modulus is 165 GPa (23.9 Msi).
Thermal6
M60J FAB-EP is rated for continuous service to 130°C (266 °F). It conducts heat at 150 W/m·K (86.7 BTU/hr·ft·°F), better than 91% of composite grades. Thermal expansion is -0.5 µm/m·K (-0.278 µin/in·°F).
Electrical2
M60J FAB-EP has an electrical resistivity of 7.6×10⁻⁶ Ω·m.
Chemical & Environmental3
Corrosion resistance is excellent (90/100), better than 85% of composite grades. UV resistance is excellent.
Sustainability3
Producing a kilogram of M60J FAB-EP takes about 700 MJ of energy and emits 50 kg of CO₂ — more than 90% of composite grades. Typical recycled content is 0%.
Manufacturability1
M60J FAB-EP's machinability is poor (15/100, worse than 84% of composite grades).
Values are nominal handbook figures for design screening. Confirm any required mill or lot documentation when quoting.
Working with M60J FAB-EP
Is M60J easy to machine?
Cut and drill cured laminates with PCD or diamond-coated tools at high speed/low feed with vacuum extraction; conductive dust is hazardous to skin, lungs and electronics.
Can M60J be welded?
Not weldable — join by adhesive bonding (film adhesive on abraded/peel-ply surfaces) or bonded titanium end fittings; avoid direct aluminum/steel contact to prevent galvanic corrosion.
Can M60J be formed, bent or molded?
Very low strain to failure and high stiffness limit minimum bend radii; lay up prepreg over precise tooling and autoclave cure, or filament wind — avoid fiber kinking and tight-radius drape.
What surface finishes work on M60J?
Seal with UV-blocking or space-qualified topcoat/paint; use conductive coatings, vacuum-metallized or foil layers for charge dissipation and thermal-optical control.
M60J chemical composition (wt %)
Limits by weight percent from the governing specification, written the way the spec states them — a single maximum for impurities, a range for alloying elements, and the base element as balance. Nominal is the typical mid-range value.
| Element | Spec limit (wt %) | Nominal |
|---|---|---|
| Nresidual nitrogen from PAN precursor | ≤ 0.5 | 0.3 |
| sizing (epoxy-compatible)surface size, wt % of fiber; unsized versions available | 0.5 – 1.5 | 1 |
| Cgraphitized PAN-based carbon; carbon assay per producer | ≥ 99 (balance) | — |
M60J FAB-EP — frequently asked
What is M60J FAB-EP used for?
M60J FAB-EP is typically used for space structures, high-stiffness aerospace brackets and precision optics mounts. In short: highest commercial modulus fiber; extreme stiffness, very brittle; low machinability, high cost.
What is the tensile strength of M60J FAB-EP?
M60J FAB-EP has a typical tensile strength of 800 MPa (116 ksi) — stronger than 72% of composite grades. Strength varies by condition: see the 7 listed tempers.
Is M60J FAB-EP easy to machine?
Not especially — machinability is rated poor (15/100, worse than 84% of composite grades). Cut and drill cured laminates with PCD or diamond-coated tools at high speed/low feed with vacuum extraction; conductive dust is hazardous to skin, lungs and electronics.
Can M60J FAB-EP be welded?
Not weldable — join by adhesive bonding (film adhesive on abraded/peel-ply surfaces) or bonded titanium end fittings; avoid direct aluminum/steel contact to prevent galvanic corrosion.
What surface finishes work on M60J FAB-EP?
Seal with UV-blocking or space-qualified topcoat/paint; use conductive coatings, vacuum-metallized or foil layers for charge dissipation and thermal-optical control.
Can M60J FAB-EP be formed, bent or molded?
Very low strain to failure and high stiffness limit minimum bend radii; lay up prepreg over precise tooling and autoclave cure, or filament wind — avoid fiber kinking and tight-radius drape.
What is the maximum service temperature of M60J FAB-EP?
M60J FAB-EP is rated for continuous use to about 130°C (266 °F), and briefly to 500°C. Strength falls off well before that limit — check the elevated-temperature data for load-bearing parts.
Sources
- TORAYCA M60J Technical Data Sheet — Toray Industries / Toray Composite Materials America (2023)
- ASM Handbook Vol.21: Composites — ASM International (2001)
- CMH-17 (Composite Materials Handbook) Vol.2 — Polymer Matrix Composites — SAE International (2012)
- High-modulus PAN carbon fiber property compilations — Granta/CES material data (2022)
Property data is compiled from published supplier and standards handbooks and normalised for comparison. Nothing on this page is a certification — request mill certs, CoC or material test reports with your order.