New to composites. Trying to find CF

General Composites Discussions Composites Talk
#1

I’ve been reading posts on this site for a month or two and I believe I’m ready to tackle my first projects.

I’m looking at buying my fabric from carb.com. I was looking at their specials just now and found “UNI-DIRECTIONAL: CARBON w/“HOTMELT” glass-binders” What exactly is this? I did a quick search for HOTMELT and didn’t find anything.

I just liked it because it was under $16/yd. I’m in college and a little cash needs to go a long ways.

also, how “bad” does using different fabrics look? I’m working on car parts and was just going to buy a hood, mirrors, and vent shades and make my own fender flares, door pillars, etc. but this could end up having 4-5 different CF looks :shock: I don’t know how I feel about that.

thanks guys.

#2

Hey there,

Dont get that weave. The white is going to disappear and all you’re going to get is a plain black part going one way. It’ll look like plain black plastic by the time you’re done. Different weavage can look bad next to each other, but it doesn’t have to be.

You should go with either plain weave or twill weave. Stay in the 3K count range and don’t work with anything heavier than 5-6oz per yard. 8-10oz cloth is much thicker and harder to work with. If you’re just starting out, you’re going to have a tough time.

If you want, give me a call and I’ll see if I can cut you a few yards off of my roll. I normally buy a couple of rolls at a time so it’s relatively cheap.

Evan