Im looking into starting in body pieces, made out of CF. I would like to know what everyones take is on what kind of CF and epoxy are good for body pieces. I will probably start with the simplest thing possible, something flat… maybe a trunk (too big) but more than likely a fender. Approximately how many layers of CF should be applied? Is this something that could be done at home, or would it require an oven? Thanks for the help guys.
Allan
Any laminating resin should do. You probably won’t go wrong with West System epoxy resin. What type of CF is entirely up to you. The norm is 2x2 twill weave. 1 top layer of CF should be good enough, just back it up with about 7-10 layers of fiberglass. Probably something like 1.4 oz fiberglass should do.
You don’t need an autoclave (oven) unless you want the optimum strenght to weight ratio. You are ok with just a vacuum bagging system.
How much does a typical autoclave run? About how much (or how many rolls) CF do I need for something like 1 fender?
An autoclave will probably run you anywhere from $10,000 and up easy. Usually only large companies who mass produce can afford an autoclave. For one fender, I think you’ll need about 2 yards of CF and 3-4 yard of fiberglass to back it up.
So if I wanted to make it all out of CF w/ no Fiberglass would I still use 6 yards? How much typically is a yard?
A yard of CF is about $40-$50. A yard of fiberglass is about $2-$5
hah yeah I know it will be pricey. As a matter of fact, I will more than likely do what you suggested for my first few tries, since I dont really see a point in waisting the money on something that will get screwed up… but for future refferences would it be about 6 yards of CF for one fender @ about 7 layers of CF?
Here’s the thing. 5 layers at 10oz/layer is the ideal thickness. What you can do is do 2 layers of carbon5oz on top and back it with 4 layers of 10 oz carbon fiber. But 5-6 yards should be plenty.
alright cool, but what kind of weave?
2x2 Twill weave
You dont want to use only Carbon Fiber in your fender or anything else for that matter. Evan is right with using Fiberglass. If you use all CF there won’t be any give, its very stiff and not a good choice. Just to let you know there’s a place www.artshobby.com where you can get CF 50" wide by a yard for $34.95. Also, they have a great deal on Fiberglass too.
id use something like 3 layers of 5 k twill. i make engine covers or cars and dash boards. also i make motorcycle fenders and fairing and i only use 3 layers with a mold. its pretty strong but the 5k is a bit more money.