How to make a carbon fibre part

[shaiful7002]

i wanna ask bout gelcoat,what is it acctually?i mean its function?

[johnburnify]

@shaiful7002 a gelcoat has anumber of functions. Primarly it's used to provide a suitable working surface for your laminates function when being used. If you laminate needs a surface finish that can handle chemical attack, high temperatures or needs to have a polished surface then you would need to use a gelcoat that is suitable for these. In the case of this carbon part it is to provide a gloss protective surface.

[210482fmj]

how strong is this technique? HOw much force can it take before it breaks apart. What about putting it in an oven

[johnburnify]

@210482fmj The strength will depend on how long it has been post-cured and at what temperatures. The TDS for CR82 gives three different cure profiles and the Flexural/Tensile strengths along with the elongation to break are important. The strengths will change with the addition of fibre. The most important thing is that the elongation to break is greater than that of the fibre e.g. carbon has an elongation of 1.8 and glass 4.5.

[210482fmj]

@210482fmj I was wondering how to go about making a wing for a hang glider from carbon fibre

[ehteshambokhari]

what does 150 and 300 gsm mean ?

[johnburnify]

@ehteshambokhari this refers to the weight off the carbon. 150grams per square metre. Hope this helps.

[CarlWong510]

Hi, mind if i ask? I make a carbon fiber bonnet, and plan to install it, so how should it be install by? By using bolts and nuts it'll needed to be drill a few holes on it so maybe a bit risky. What should i do then?

[johnburnify]

@CarlWong510 If you haven't made the bonnet already you should incorporate the fixings into the laminate. Otherwise it would be better to to bond the fixing plates with a slightly flexible adhesive which would also insulate the steel parts from the carbon to minimise the potential galvanic effect between the carbon and metal. The adhesive could be an epoxy or MMA. It might be an idea to consult a specialist automotive aftermarket parts company for their advice as well.

[johnburnify]

@CarlWong510 Thanks for your question. I have posted a response, hope it helps.

[johnburnify]

In this particular case it is because the surface finish of the tool isn't an 'A' class glossy finish. It is common for carbon parts to have a UV stable laquer sprayed onto them to give them a glossy finish. In cases where the carbon is going to be painted a different colour then this isn't so important. You can improve the gloss finish by improving the surface quality of the tool, but again unless you are using a UV stable laminating resin and/or gel coat you would still need a laquer.

[ChristianCohn]

Why is the gloss not very shiny like on other carbon-fiber parts?

[elritchie]

hello mate, have been trying a few different things in making some samples etc.

is there a reason why the component wasnt bagged up after the lay was completed?

would the there be worry about porosity within the weave at all?

[johnburnify]

@elritchie Hi, This was just a wet lay up demo without any bagging just to show that the concept of achieving a good finish using this technique was possible. You are right about porisity in any hand lay up laminate and it could be an issue depending on what the final use of it was, for example raised temps. You can eliminate the chance of air holes by bagging as you suggested and again by infusing under vacuum. If you parts were just for sample purposes you should be fine. Hope this helps.

[johnburnify]

Yes you can use the same resin for both glass and carbon. However, if it is a polyester resin rather than an epoxy, you won't get the same mechanical properties with the polyester. Ther will also be issues with the resin shrinking alot more than the epoxy. Hope this helps.

[serchmarc]

hi can i use the resin using in fiber glass to work the carbon fiber?cause i will receive carbon fiber but no the resin,,but here in my country i can get or buy the resin for fiber glass ..I can use for carbon fiber or i have to tell the resin supplier to make me a special combination ,,help !!

[pitchyellow]

when brush is used, does the finish shows brush strokes? thx

[johnburnify]

@pitchyellow Not usually. We suggest that you are very deliberate when applying the first layer of material whether it's the gel coat or a layer of laminating resin. The viscosity of the resin and the amount of time it has before it starts to go off or cure means that it should self level. It also helps that it is an open mould so the air will usually find its way out. You should also bursh in one direction to help reduce brush stokes in all directions. Hope this helps?

[SupraKid98]

@johnburnify So can you lay this on the current hood or trunk of a car, to use it as a mould, then just remove the carbon fiber, and bolt the CF up like an OEM part??

[johnburnify]

@SupraKid98 You could use the bonnet as a mould and bolt on the finished part. Be sure to make the surface finish of the hood or trunk of the car is as good as it can be as the material will replicate the surface. Also ensure you use release agent.

[londonAndI]

Hi, your webpage doesn't seem to be working. I want one of these kits, how can I get my hands one one?

[johnburnify]

@londonAndI the website should be working now

[FishingGod10]

Is carbon fiber better than fiber glass when it comes to making a 60" (6 feet) rc boat hull with cover? And also would this kit have enough materials for my project or would I need to buy extra material? I am trying to make a very nice rc boat. Thanks.

[johnburnify]

@FishingGod10 it depends what you are trying to achieve. If its strength and reduced weight then the answer would be yes. There is enough material in one kit to make a 1m2 part so you probably would need some more material. You might want to buy in volume as ooposed to the kit.

[johnburnify]

@FishingGod10 it depends what you are trying to achieve. If its strength and reduced weight then the answer would be yes. There is enough material in one kit to make a 1m2 part so you probably would need some more material. You might want to buy in volume as opposed to the kit.

[digidrummer15]

@FishingGod10 60" is 5 feet ;)

[ConnorDand13]

How would you make a carbon fibre part but with a small hole cut out in the centre?

[johnburnify]

@ConnorDand13 sorry for late reply. DO you want to make the part and then cut the hole or make the part with the hole designed into it?

[pauldangerkile]

Thank you! Great video!

[jerseystu]

how would you join two pieces together in a butt joint, if there was no other way

[johnburnify]

@jerseystu Sorry for the long delay in replying. You would have to use a gap fill adhesive and a reinforcing strip of carbon or glass behind the joint. Hope that helps?

[Jellyflesh]

I think he use very little resin? But very nice result. And why not using a mask?

[johnburnify]

With epoxy laminates the aim is to try to achieve a higher carbon/glass to resin content. This helps create a stronger composite part. With hand laminating this is difficult to achieve, which is why a lot of people vacuum bag the laminate to consolidate to resin and carbon/glass.

Health & safety for the Sika epoxy requires good ventilation, gloves and eye protection. No special respiratory requirements are needed. I hope this helps?