CARBON EXPLAINED
THE DIFFERENT TYPES OF CARBON
THE DIFFERENT CARBON FABRICS
CLASSIC | TWILL LEAVE
Nowadays, “carbon fiber”, “carbon” or “carbon fiber” is defined as carbon fiber strands that are woven and embedded in resin. With the diagonal pattern of this carbon structure, the two thread systems always alternately overlap twice. Furthermore, this classic type of carbon fiber composite can be formed according to special customer requests. Once the resin has hardened, this material serves as a tear-resistant and a lightweight automotive component that is around 50 percent superior to steel and around 30 percent to aluminum. This 2x2 type of fabric is mostly used among car manufacturers and is used in vehicles from, e.g. BMW, Audi or Mercedes Benz.
SEALING (FINISH) OF CARBON
Glossy or Matte?
The sealing of the surface of a carbon part is important to protect against external environmental influences and also acts as a UV filter that prevents possible changes in the color of the carbon fiber.
You can choose between a glossy (glossy) and a matte (matte) finish.
GLOSSY
A glossy clear coat eye-catching and provides the carbon part with an increased attention, even from a distance. The advantage of this varnish is that it is easy to clean. However, dirty spots and scratches are easier to see.
MATTE
A matte clear coat stands out with a completely flat seal without glossy or reflective properties. Matte is known for having a rough, stealthy appearance.The advantage of this sealing is that surface scratches and other micro-damage are difficult to detect. However, oils, stains or something similar on the surface can have a disadvantageous effect on the appearance.
HANDLAMINATE VS. PREPREG
At Carbonec we differentiate between the production of CFRP handlaminates (CFRP stands for “carbon fiber reinforced plastic”) and the production of individual orders or a series for our customers using the prepreg autoclave technology . Each manufacturing technique has its own advantages, which we would like to discuss below.
HANDLAMINATE
Handlamination is the oldest and most individual process for the production of carbon molded parts. The previously cut fiber layers are soaked manually with the resin using a brush or roller and laminated onto the original part (provided by the customer!). Then the compression takes place in the vacuum bag, where excess resin is sucked off. In the final step, the carbon is hardened and post-tempering takes place to increase the temperature resistance.
Due to the simple process that does not require pressure- and temperature-stable ovens, handlaminates in the manufacturing process of carbon parts naturally have the cost advantage on their side. However, there is limited reproducibility or series production due to the high component complexity and the manual application of the resin. This means that we only offer hand laminates for original parts as long as they are not characterized as complex carbon parts without high visual requirements.
For this manufacturing technique, further individualization such as personal color choice or the selection of the structure (e.g. Race or Forged) is available on request.
PREPREG
In the prepreg manufacturing process , we use pre-impregnated fiber-matrix semi-finished products, so-called dry or wet prepregs. The mechanical impregnation process ensures optimal impregnation of the fiber material using special resin and hardener. In this way, we can guarantee a series production and maximum strength of the manufactured carbon parts.
As soon as we have optimally cut the fiber layers and placed them precisely in the mold, they cure in our gas-tight, sealable pressure oven (autoclave) to form high-quality lightweight components with high thermal resistance. Our molded parts, manufactured by using prepreg autoclave technology, stand out especially in their appearance and light weight.
For this manufacturing technique, individualization such as personal color choice or the selection of the structure (e.g. Race or Forged) is available on request.