3k, 6k, 12k question

Speaking of carbon fiber cloth; what is the difference between 3K, 6K, and 12K? These are all 2x2 twill. thanks.

It’s the count, in thousands, of fibers per tow/thread in the cloth. So a 12x12 3k would have 36,000 fibers per inch each direction (12 threads/inch x 3k fibers/thread). But, there are different size fibers… for instance, I’ve used 12x12 6k that is the same weight as 12x12 3k at 5.7 oz/yd^2. Get’s confusting.

Most of the cosmetic stuff you see is 3k plain or twill 5.7 ounce. I believe this material is referred to as intermediate modulus.

I believe this material is referred to as intermediate modulus.[/QUOTE]

depends, 3k,6k,12k can be any wheres from standard modulus, medium modulus to high modulus. the carbon that 99% of people use will be standard modulus, this is the cheapest, medium modulus is often used for sporting equipment and certain automotive application, high modulus is all aerospace/ space . this also is the most expensive of carbon.

Do you have a link with numbers that compares the general strengths of these 3 classes?

http://www.hexcel.com/Products/Downloads/Carbon+Fiber+Data+Sheets.htm?ds=Continuous

http://www.hexcel.com/www.hexcel.com/Templates/DataSheets_DGFabrics.aspx?NRMODE=Published&NRORIGINALURL=%2FProducts%2FDownloads%2FFabrics%2BDG%2BData%2BSheets.htm&NRNODEGUID={4FE1348A-06EE-44E1-A944-9B9576F1E94A}&NRCACHEHINT=NoModifyGuest