Introduced in 1976, Luxfer hoop-wrapped composite cylinders consist of an aluminum SCBA cylinder with its barrel reinforced with high-strength fiberglass or carbon wrapping to permit higher-pressure filling. Up to 40% lighter in weight than comparable steel cylinders, Luxfer hoop-wrapped SCBA cylinders are non-magnetic and extremely corrosion resistant—unlike corrosion-prone steel cylinders.
Since 1988, Luxfer has manufactured the aluminum liner of these cylinders from its own proprietary version of 6061-T6 alloy. Now marketed as L6X®, this exclusive aluminum-magnesium-silicon formula was specifically designed by Luxfer metallurgists to provide improved durability, fracture toughness and resistance to tearing and cracking. More than 40 million L6X all-metal and composite cylinders in service around the world have an exemplary record for safety and dependability. Manufactured to all recognized international standards, L6X hoop-wrapped SCBA and life-support cylinders are available in a broad range of sizes and capacities.