There are various manufacturing processes used to create composite materials, each with its strengths and applications:
Hand lay-up: This is a manual process where layers of fabric or fibres are placed by hand onto a mold, and resin is applied to impregnate the fibres. It is suitable for low-volume production and complex shapes.
Resin transfer molding (RTM) or vacuum infusion: Dry fibres are placed in a mold, and resin is injected under pressure, saturating the fibres. RTM offers faster production rates and better control over fibre alignment.
Filament winding: This process involves winding continuous fibres, typically carbon or fibreglass, under tension onto a rotating mandrel. It is commonly used to manufacture cylindrical or tubular structures like pipes or rocket motor casings.
Compression molding: Layers of fabric or pre-impregnated materials (prepregs) are placed into a heated mold and compressed under high pressure. This process allows for rapid production of large, flat parts with consistent quality.
Automated tape laying (ATL) and automated fibre placement (AFP): These processes use automated machinery to lay down fibre tapes or tows, respectively, in a controlled manner. They are suitable for high-volume production and complex geometries.
If you want to try making carbon fibre parts and this is your first time you may have a lot of questions. There are plenty of useful videos online put together by professionals and amateurs. Get in touch with us for some tips or if you have any questions. Our DIY Laminating Kit is a good start if you want to hand lay-up a small part. Be sure to download and read our DIY Laminating Kit Instructions as it will give you an idea on how carbon fibre hand lay-up is done. It’s important to note that properties of epoxy resin may differ from one manufacturer to another so the pot life of resin and waiting time between the coats may differ as well.
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