Best materials suppliers in the UK

General Composites Discussions Products Talk
#1

Hi All,

I’m afraid this is a bit of a noddy 1st post given all the expertise on here but I want some advise on the best place for buying materials (fabric, flat sheet and rigid tubes) in the UK?

So far I can find:
EasyComposites - www.easycomposites.com
East Coast Fibreglass - www.ecfibreglasssupplies.co.uk
be Composites - www.be-composites.com
Carbon Mods - www.carbonmods.co.uk
Carbonfibreshop - www.carbonfibreshop.co.uk
Carbonology - www.carbonology.co.uk

Are these the main ones? Carbonology seems a bit expensive (old website too?), carbonfibreshop doesn’t seem to have a complete website either, ECF seems orientated for trade mostly. be composites and easy composites seem better for DIY and modelmaking (I’m interested in trying some composites for RC gliders - I registered ages ago but never actually got around to trying this carbonfibre thing, time to stop being a Luddite!).

Can anyone comment on these last too, any reviews - good / bad?

Thanks for helping a newby!

PaV

#2

Don’t underestimate Easy composites for most of your needs,a 1st class service plus technical support and carbon mods is part of Easy composites.
Chris
Carbon fibre works LTD

#3

I have used Carbonology in the past and undertaken one of their training days when I first started ( about 5 years ago), Dave is a great guy and very knowledgeable about real-life working with composites.

His background training was MOD repairing composites on airplanes, his interests have taken him to the boat world now, but I believe that much of Carbonology’s work involves repairing composite bike frames…the ones that others say are impossible to repair!

#4

Another good one that is not just for smaller companies.
http://www.mouldlife.co.uk

#5

Check out these companies, both have good websites and give great service;-

CFS - www.cfsnet.co.uk

MB Fibreglass - www.mbfg.co.uk

#6

Just a bit of feedback on this guys, thanks for the suggestions.

Mouldlife - fantastic resource, didnt know about these guys but would def use again
MBF - Quick and easy to use
beCOMPOSITES - quick and good prices but they don’t stock resin (say it’ll be ‘summer’)
Easycomposites - not the cheapest for small volumes but definitely the leader online

Has anyone used ABL Stevens for resin supply?
http://www.resin-supplies.co.uk/

I was looking at the re-blended low cost polyester for splash / tool making / prototyping but wonder if its a false economy…
http://www.resin-supplies.co.uk/resins.htm

Ta,
PaV

#7

Bit of an update:

My best experiences so far are Mouldlife, MB Fibreglass, beCOMPOSITES and EasyComposites

I’d say Easycomposites and MBF are out in front in terms of how complete their online offering is as well as speed of service however beCOMPOSITES were quick & cheap but don’t stock resin or consumables (supposedly this summer). I’ve not tired CFS yet.

A follow on question though - has anyone any experience with ABL stevens for resin supply? I’m especially interested in the super-cheap re-blended polyester for prototyping, taking splashes, even mould making… false economy?
http://www.resin-supplies.co.uk/resins.htm

Many Thanks!
PaV