would a FG part covered in CF provide the same durability (strength and longevity) as a pure CF part? Or at least would the difference be negligible?
This would be on interior car parts…
Hi Massta!
If this is just a cosmetic interior trim part, then the CF over the fiberglass will work just fine. One thing to keep in mind is that light can often be seen through just one layer of CF. Due to the loose weave of 2x2 twill (if that is what you are using), you may consider using two layers of CF as your first layers in the case of a female mold.
What kind of project are you working on?
on some parts there just overlay,
some parts would be like the arm rest, center console lid. int. trim.
Im working on 2nd gen. firebird and camaro parts,
CF does not have “durability”… its a high modulus fibre invented for engineering high strength to weight ratio parts. Its also brittle, has poor abrasion resistance, and lightweight thin laminate parts have poor impact resistance.
So for your application, a glass laminate with a light carbon overlay would end up more flexible and cheaper to make, but still provide the carbon cosmetic look.
I’ve made quite a few “carbon” parts with a glassfiber “core”, they hold up fine. Indeed somewhat flexier, it doesn’t brake that easy.
One layer of carbon, glass , then paint backside to give “solid” carbon look. Save around 60-70% in material costs by eliminating second layer.