Carbon Fiber Fabric Drape Properties

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#1

I have a few questions regarding the properties of the following Carbon Fiber fabric fabrics,

  1. 5.7 oz 2 x 2 Twill 3K .010"
  2. 5.5 oz 4 Weave 3K .009"
  3. 8.3 oz 4 x 4 Twill 3K .015" Thick
  4. 19.7oz 2x2 Twill tow 12 .030

Do the first three have similar drape?
For aesthetics I have always used 5.7 oz. Is the 19.7 oz twill identical visually with the exception of thickness.

I am essentially making parts that have the size shape and curvature of a Styrofoam egg carton lid. Can I press the 19.7 oz twill into a shape like that? I have had no problems with the 5.7 twill.

#2

Opinions welcomed.

#3

You might want to get a sample kit from www.carb.com and feel the differences in the materials.

I have my students make a portfolio and with dry and cured material samples in it…but at the end of the semster, I leave a box out for those that don’t want to keep theirs…and end giving them out as samples from Ebay sales…

What process are you using?

Wet lay up?

Vacuum bagging?

Or hydraulic (? where’s our spell checker…) compression molding with a male & female molds?

#4

I vacuum infuse Epoxy. I have a small (very space deprived) garage setup. Here is a pic of my vacuum reserve.