buying cabon fiber

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#1

I have a few questions about buying carbon fiber. I am looking to buy 2 yards of material, if I can find it! I will practice with some fiberglass first but I want to get some CF before I need it.

What does the “3K” or “6k” mean?

Is there anything I should look out for when buying from someone? In other words, does the quality vary and if so, what should I avoid?

Does anybody know of a place that I can buy 2 yards of twill weave fabric?

Maybe not for this particular forum, but on a non-structural part, how many layers should I plan on?

Thanks,

Chris

#2

If your planning on making non structural (cosmetic) CF parts, only the visible layers need to be CF, the rest can be whatever type of glass you feel like backing it with.

If I were only after the CF look. I would use black fiberglass. Its cheaper, looks the same, and very few people would be able to tell the difference when cured.