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Jonesy
10-18-2011, 10:44 AM
Anyone have any experience with using carbon fiber to make small non structural parts? Looking for a general tutorial and a good source for the raw components.
JeffK5
10-19-2011, 09:42 PM
What kinds (shapes) of brackets are you making..

We do various types of layered composite components where I work. Some are carbon fiber , some are a fiberglass (Vette/boat like) and some are phenolic. I do know they all require vacuum bonding chambers and a bunch of designing and engineering do get the strength people associate with fiber bonded composites.

I'm no expert but all these types of materials have obvious grain structure ... almost like wood... when your going with the laminate direction it's damn strong but other ways it's very weak.

That make any sense?
gothodgie
10-20-2011, 12:00 AM
Here is a link to a thread where a guy builds a snorkle out of carbon fiber for a fj60... probably not a part you are looking to make, but there is a lot of good info..
http://forum.ih8mud.com/60-series-wagons/485105-diy-homemade-carbon-fiber-snorkel.html

:beers:
Jonesy
10-20-2011, 08:23 AM
Jeff, I was going to try my hand at making a couple custom pieces for my streetbike. A side cover, caliper cover, etc.. I hate polishing chrome so thought about making some CF covers just for aesthetic purposes. For your composites to you use vacuum bags, or do you just pop the parts into an oven/autoclave?

Thanks for the link Chris. I've done a few searches on youtube and google. It seems like everyone does it a different way.
TomH
10-20-2011, 07:52 PM
PS...

Carbon fiber, or more to the point, the resins in CF fab, are generally not UV stable. It's tough to paint over the bling, but necessary.
JeffK5
10-20-2011, 10:24 PM
Jeff, I was going to try my hand at making a couple custom pieces for my streetbike. A side cover, caliper cover, etc.. I hate polishing chrome so thought about making some CF covers just for aesthetic purposes. For your composites to you use vacuum bags, or do you just pop the parts into an oven/autoclave?



We use vacuum bags and low temp furnaces ... I guess the bags promote 100% bonding and the temp run cures it for maximum strength?

I think there clear coatings to offer UV protection for natural look carbon fiber?