Just curious what carbon fiber you use most often and why you choose that type? We are going to start out with 12K since we are making mostly flat items and it saves lay up time. 12K is not going to mold around compound curves very well.
the 3K fabric seems very modable.
never held 6k so don’t know what its characteristics are. seems too thick to mold well and too thin to build up fast.
12k conforms just as well as 3k if you are vacuum bagging or infusing. I regularly use 663gsm 12k fabric to infuse complex moulds. Even tight radius corners aren’t a problem. Same with 6k. Different story if you are simply wet laying.
It depends on the part I am making as to what I use. I generally always do the first layer in 3k, so I definitely use that the most. If the part needs to be very strong then I use 12k, if it can be a bit lighter then I use 6k.
I hate 3k with a passion. It’s great for overlays and such but even then I prefer a nice 6k. I use6k twill on the outside layer depending on the part various inner layers.
Interesting discussion, I always make the choice from a technical aspect depending on the part.
What is stiffer and more rigid one layer of 12K or 2-3 layers of 3K ?
George
Depends on the weight of the fabric. But assuming you mean like a 650gsm 12k vs a 200gsm 3k, technically more layers of a lighter fabric will be stronger as there is less crimp between the weaves.
In reality if you held 2 flat pieces side by side and had a play with them, I doubt you would notice a difference. More something to think about from an engineering perspective.
I prefer 3K materials but then it really depends on what I’m building.