Sky Advanced Materials FAQ

Sky Advanced Materials FAQ

Company Information FAQ

What is Sky’s production capacity?
Sky can process approximately 700 tons of fiber annually.
How many employees does Sky have?
Sky employs more than 50 people.
How many machines or what types does Sky use?
This information is confidential and cannot be disclosed.
What is Sky’s annual sales volume?
This information is confidential and cannot be disclosed.
Who owns Sky Advanced Materials Ltd?
Sky is owned by Kamal Al-Rawi and Sky Composites AG.

Export Control Sample Shipping FAQ (Outside the EU)

Can you ship carbon fiber samples outside the EU?
Yes, but carbon fiber is classified as a dual-use material, and export licenses may be required depending on the destination and material properties.
What are dual-use goods?
These are products that can be used for both civilian and military applications. Carbon fiber is regulated under EU export control laws.
Will I need an export license?
It depends on:
  • The technical specifications (e.g. tensile strength, modulus)
  • The destination country
  • The intended use and end-user
We evaluate every case individually and will inform you if a license is required.
How long does it take to obtain export approval?
Export license applications typically take 6 to 8 weeks, depending on national authorities.
What documents are required from the customer?
We may request:
  • An End-Use Statement
  • End-User contact details
Can you ship small samples without export approval?
In certain cases, very small samples (e.g. less than A5 size) may be exempt, provided they fall below specific EU threshold limits. This will be confirmed case-by-case.
Will I be informed if export control applies?
Yes, we will notify you immediately and guide you through the next steps.
Which countries are more likely to need export approval?
Countries subject to EU sanctions or restrictions, such as Russia, Iran, China, and others, are more likely to require export approval.
Who manages the export licensing process?
The process is handled internally by Sky Advanced Materials Ltd. Contact persons: Nikoletta Fejes and Gábor Szabó.
What shipping methods are used for samples?
We ship samples via express couriers (DHL, UPS, FedEx), including tracking and all required export documentation.

Fabric Measurements and Tolerances

What fabric measurements does Sky perform?
Sky measures:
  • Areal weight in g/m²
  • Fabric width
  • Thickness, when required
What is Sky’s standard fabric tolerance?
  • For fabrics above 200 gsm: ±5%
  • For fabrics below 200 gsm: ±10%
Can Sky provide 3% tolerance on fabric specs?
No. Due to variability in raw materials, a minimum of 5% is the lowest achievable tolerance.
Does Sky mark defects on the fabric?
Yes. Defects are marked, and a defect list is available upon customer request.
What kind of defect catalog does Sky use?
  • Gaps < 3 mm: Not considered defects
  • Gaps 3–5 mm: Considered defects; maximum 5 allowed per roll
  • Gaps > 5 mm: Not acceptable; material will be rejected

Fabric Stitching Prepreg FAQ

What does a Trikot stitch mean?
Trikot stitch is a type of zigzag stitching pattern used to bond layers of fabric together. It offers flexibility and is especially beneficial for applications requiring high drapability.
What are the typical applications for Trikot stitch?
Trikot stitch is mainly used in parts with complex geometries, where high drapability is essential to conform to the mold without wrinkling or fiber distortion.
Can we apply Trikot stitch to all types of fabrics?
Yes, Trikot stitching can be applied to various fabric types. However, it is important to consider the end-use application when selecting this stitching method to ensure optimal performance.
Can we apply Pillar stitch to 0°/90° fabrics?
No, Pillar stitch is not suitable for 0°/90° fabrics. This type of stitching may compromise the fabric’s stability and structure in such orientations.
Can we insert glass scrim between fabric layers?
Yes, glass scrim can be added between layers. It provides additional stability and can help with dimensional control during processing.
What types of fabrics does Sky offer for prepregging?
Sky offers fabrics stitched with Pillar stitch. To improve stability in the 0° direction and minimize shrinkage during prepreg production, glass scrim or glass yarns can be added in the 0° direction.
What does 50k carbon fiber mean?
It is a tow of carbon fiber with 50,000 filaments. Each filament is 7 microns diameter.
What is special about the 50K carbon fiber tow?
The 50K tow is made from a textile-based precursor using low-cost raw materials. The carbonization process for 50K is more cost-effective compared to the processes used for 12K or 24K tows, making it an economical choice for many industrial applications.

Facility Visits

Can customers visit Sky’s facilities?
Yes, visits are welcome. However:
  • Production area visits are strictly forbidden without prior management approval.
  • If access is granted, no photos or sketches are allowed.
  • Visitors must sign a Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA) in accordance with Hungarian law.

General Certification Quality FAQ

Does Sky have an ISO certificate?
Yes, Sky is certified according to ISO 9001 for its quality management system.
Does Sky have any other certifications?
Yes, Sky holds a DNV certification for all fabrics made from 50K PX35 carbon fiber, applicable to both epoxy and vinylester resin systems.
Does Sky have aerospace certification?
No, Sky does not hold aerospace certifications and is currently not planning to obtain them.
Can Sky provide mechanical properties of the fabrics?
Yes, Sky can provide mechanical properties. We have IMA test results available; however, the full test report can only be shared under a Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA).
Does Sky use NDAs?
Yes, Sky uses two types of NDA agreements, depending on the scope and nature of the collaboration.
Who is the Quality Manager at Sky?
The Quality Manager is Ivett Kontyos, and he can be contacted at quality@skyadvanced.com.
What should I do in case of a quality claim?
Please send clear photos of the issue along with the roll number. Any additional details (e.g. defect location, description, quantity affected) are helpful for our investigation. Send all information to: quality@sky-advanced.com

Packaging Shipping Export Control FAQ

What is the standard roll size for your carbon fiber fabrics?
Our standard roll widths are typically 1.27 meters or 2.54 meters, with roll lengths ranging from 50 to 100 meters, depending on the fabric type. Custom lengths are available upon request. For fabrics with an areal weight above 600 g/m², we do not recommend 100-meter rolls due to the heavy weight and difficulty in handling.
Can width be customized?
Widths can also be customized based on customer demand. However, it's essential that the requested width aligns with our machine dimensions to minimize waste. If the requested width results in excess material, the customer will be required to cover the cost of the unused portion.
Example: If a customer requests a width of 72 cm, and the machine width is 127 cm: 127 cm ÷ 72 cm = approx. 1.76 rolls. This leaves 55 cm of excess fabric, which the customer must purchase as well.
What is the approximate weight of one roll?
Roll weight varies depending on the areal weight and roll length. Typical roll weights range from 10 to 100 kg.
Formula: Roll length (m) × Roll width (m) × Areal weight (g/m²) ÷ 1000 = Weight (kg)
How are individual rolls packaged?
Each roll is:
  • Wrapped in protective plastic film
  • Placed in a heavy-duty cardboard box
  • Secured with foam or cushioning to prevent movement during transit
What is the lowest fabric weight Sky can do and what is the maximum?
The lowest weight is 100gsm and the maximum weight is 1500gsm.
How many rolls of 50m Sky can put in one 20 foot container?
It depends on the fabric type:
  • For 400gsm rolls: 200 rolls
  • For 600gsm: about 140 rolls
What are the box sizes for different roll types?
  • For 50 m rolls (100–600 g/m²): 130 cm (L) × 20 cm (W) × 20 cm (H)
  • For 100 m rolls (100–200 g/m²): 130 cm (L) × 20 cm (W) × 20 cm (H)
  • For 100 m rolls (300–600 g/m²): 135 cm (L) × 30 cm (W) × 30 cm (H)
  • For 50 m rolls (600–1000 g/m²): 135 cm (L) × 30 cm (W) × 30 cm (H)
Over 1000 gr or 100 m we have special box sizes.
How many boxes fit on a single pallet?
Up to 30 boxes can be loaded on a pallet, depending on box dimensions and roll specifications.
What are the pallet dimensions?
Standard pallet size:
  • 100x140 cm and 130x140 cm
  • Total height with boxes: approx. 140–170 cm
Do you use Euro Pallet 120 x 80cm for our materials?
No we do not use. We use our own pallet with dimension of 100x140 cm and 130x140 cm so that boxes fit on them and 2 size of pallets fills the truck width to make shipping economic.
What is the average weight of a fully loaded pallet?
The maximum weight of pallets are 600 and 900 kg. A fully loaded pallet with 30 rolls of 400 gr/50 m weighs 900 kg.
Do the boxes have specific labeling or documentation?
Yes, each box is labeled with: Product code, Roll number, Orientation, gauge and areal weight, Gross weight, length and width, and Handling instructions. Each pallet includes a packing list and, upon request, a certificate of conformity.
Do you provide COA with your shipment?
Yes. The COA includes all the measurement of the produced fabrics.
Do you keep stock from different types of fabrics?
Yes but mainly from the biaxial 400gsm and bidiagonal 400gsm.

Payment Commercial Terms FAQ

What are Sky's standard payment terms?
Sky’s standard payment terms are 30 or 45 days, depending on the agreement.
What are the payment terms for first-time buyers?
For first-time buyers, advance payment is required to establish a credit history. In some cases, 30-day terms may be approved by Sky's management upon request.
Does Sky have credit insurance?
Sky works with a factoring bank that can assess the financial status of new clients before proceeding with orders.
What are Sky's standard commercial terms?
Sky’s standard commercial terms are EXW (Ex Works) - Fót, Hungary.
Does Sky have General Terms and Conditions (GT)?
Yes, Sky has official General Terms and Conditions (GT). They can be downloaded directly from the Sky website: www.sky-advanced.com

Shipping Cost FAQ

What is the shipping cost for one roll within Europe?
Shipping one roll within Europe generally costs between €35–€50, depending on the destination and courier.
What is the international shipping cost for one roll?
Outside of Europe, shipping costs range between €100–€260, based on location, speed, and customs conditions.
Are bulk or repeat shipping discounts available?
Yes, special rates may be offered for regular customers, distributors, or large orders. Please contact our logistics team for a tailored quote.
How much does it cost to ship a full pallet within Europe?
Pallet shipping within Europe typically ranges from €150–€300, depending on weight, destination, time and and freight provider.
What are the international shipping costs for a full pallet?
International pallet shipments start at approximately €500, and can exceed €1,200, depending on the destination and delivery terms.
Are shipping costs included in the product price?
No, shipping is calculated separately unless otherwise agreed (e.g. DDP, CIF terms).
Can I use my own shipping account or courier?
Yes, customers may provide their preferred courier or shipping account details.
Do shipping costs include customs duties and VAT?
No, import duties, taxes, and VAT are not included unless shipping is arranged under DAP or FCA terms.
Is shipment tracking available?
Yes, all shipments include tracking numbers and estimated delivery times.

Sample Policy FAQ

Does Sky Advanced Materials provide free samples?
Yes. We offer material samples up to 5 m² free of charge for the material cost. This helps customers evaluate quality and suitability before placing a full order.
Who pays for shipping of the free samples?
Customers are responsible for the shipping fees. However, if you place an order after receiving the sample, the shipping cost will be deducted from your first invoice.
What if I need a sample larger than 5 m²?
For samples exceeding 5 m², customers must pay for both material and shipping costs. If you proceed with an order, the full sample cost (material + shipping) will be credited on your first invoice.
How do I request a sample?
All sample requests must be submitted in writing and are subject to review and approval based on availability and suitability.
How long does it take to receive a sample?
Lead times vary depending on stock levels and destination. We recommend providing accurate shipping details to avoid delays.
Are there any restrictions on sample requests?
Yes. We reserve the right to limit quantity or frequency of sample requests to ensure fair distribution and efficient handling.
Are there export restrictions for carbon fiber samples?
Yes. Carbon fiber is classified as a dual-use material.
  • For samples larger than A5 size, export approval is mandatory.
  • Export approval is NOT required for shipments to: EU member states, USA, Canada, Japan, Norway, Switzerland, Liechtenstein.
  • For all other countries, export approval is required.
Why does Sky Advanced Materials have this sample policy?
Our policy ensures transparency, fairness, and cost-effectiveness while helping customers make informed decisions. We aim to build long-term relationships through quality and excellent service.

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