General overview:
1. What are composites?
Composites are materials composted of two materials to create “better” material. There are metal ceramic composites, metal plastic composites, plastic ceramic composites. However the most well known one are fiber reinforced composites. You likely know them as carbon fiber or fiberglass.
2. Why use composites
Each different composite has it’s own use. Fiber reinforced composites are primarily used for their high strength to weight ratio.
3. Why are there so many different types of carbon fiber fabric?
Carbon fiber comes in many different types of weave and weight. The thicker the fabric, the stronger it is yet also heavier and more difficult to work with. The difference in the weave means the difference in the structural integrity. With all that said, the industry standard when it comes to cosmetic is the 2x2 twill 3k weave.
4. What is resin and how does it work?
Resin is the other half of the equation. When mixed with a catalyst (or hardener), the resin starts to heat up and cure to a hard solid state. Without it, the composite material is nothing more than thick fabric.
5. What are the different types of resin?
There are vinyl ester resin, polyester resin, and epoxy resin. The latter of the 3 is the most popular, as well as expensive, among the composites community.
6. What are the methods of fiber reinforced composite fabrication?
There are many, filament winding, Resin Transfer Molding, pultrusion. However the ones most available to home manufactures are vacuum bagging and vacuum infusion
7. Do I need all the expensive equipments to do this stuff?
Yes and No. Anyone can fabricate composite with minimal hand tools. However, expensive equipments are necessary when maximum strength and weight saving are critical.