Anyone ever make 100% kevlar parts before? I’ve got someone that wants me to make a kevlar Jeep hood, he uses the Jeep in rock crawling competition and wants something tough.
I wouldn’t make it from 100% Kevlar, you won’t have as much strength as CF. Maybe a layer or 2 of Kevlar then a layer of CF would be good
You did tell him that even if the Kevlar receives an impact it will still crack (resin) and get damaged right? The fibers might stay intact but you’d still have to do repairs.
I’d maybe try to cinvince him to go with a painted FG hood. Easy to repair, light and still tough
How about two layers of Hybrid carbon-kevlar? If he doesn’t like the weave look, then just paint the hood.
All Kevlar is a bad idea for several reasons.
Why is he asking for it?
As the customer, he should tell you what he needs. As the manufacturer, you should tell him the solution.
Even if it is all Kevlar you will need to put a layer of fiberglass on both sides so it doesnt ‘fuzz’ where it is cut and drilled. Any abrasion on the surface will get the 'fuzz also and there is no way to really correct this.
Most Kayaks have Kevlar and Carbon; the best of both worlds. But again the abrasion becomes a factor, so a layer of fiberglass on the outside. Also Kevlar will suck up water like a sponge if not sealed on the edges and surface.
kevlar isn’t as stiff as the carbon, so i leave flex seams where i suspect future cracks might happen. i’ve never considered leaving the kevlar on the outside, because it is rather ugly once the resin touches it.
I use a lot of time Carbon Kevlar for Undertray protectors and skid plates. This products are exremely strong. Now if you are using 100% is 5 times more stronger than iron but it’s very expensive not because the material but the labour to cut it and to many other thinks. My idea is Carbon kavlar and in the middle honeycomb. In the past I have fix one of them for Hammer. VERY - VERY STRONG.