Carbon Reference

How carbon fiber is made, used, and repaired

Articles

All 47 articles from Carbon Reference, newest first.

2026

Carbon Fiber Manufacturing Processes Carbon Fiber Prepreg Inspection: Before Layup Check carbon-fiber prepreg identity, exposure history, visible defects and handling behavior, then choose the tests needed for material acceptance. Carbon Fiber Part Design And Fabrication Composite Layup: Planning and Assembling the Laminate Plan a composite layup by load direction, ply order and geometry, then assemble, consolidate and inspect the laminate without losing those controls. Carbon Fiber Material Comparisons Carbon Fiber Density vs Aluminum: Compare the Laminate Compare carbon-fiber and laminate density with 6061 aluminum, calculate equal-volume weight savings, and see how thickness changes the result. Carbon Fiber Manufacturing Processes Chopped Carbon Fiber: Properties, Processing and Uses Understand chopped carbon fiber, how length and sizing affect performance, where molding and printing fit, and what to specify before buying. Carbon Fiber Part Design And Fabrication Fusion Splicer: Why It Won’t Repair Carbon Fiber What a fusion splicer does, why it cannot repair carbon-fiber laminates, and how optical splicing differs from composite bonding and welding. Carbon Fiber Fabrics And Weaves Carbon Fiber Weaves: Plain, Twill, Satin and Alternatives Compare carbon fiber weaves by drape, handling and fiber direction. See when plain, twill, satin, spread tow, UD or non-crimp fabric fits your layup. Carbon Fiber Manufacturing Processes Carbon Fiber Manufacturing: Choosing a Part Process Compare carbon fiber manufacturing routes and identify the fiber, resin, layup, cure and inspection controls a finished composite part needs. Carbon Fiber Resins And Epoxies Pressure Pot for Resin: Uses, Selection and Carbon-Fiber Limits Choose a pressure pot for resin by working pressure, mold clearance and cure time. Learn why pressure casting is not vacuum bagging or autoclave curing. Carbon Fiber Resins And Epoxies Molds for Epoxy Resin: Choose by Process, Heat, and Release Choose silicone, sheet-built, composite, or metal epoxy molds by casting depth, cure temperature, finish, release geometry, vacuum, and production volume. Carbon Fiber Fabrics And Weaves Plain Weave Carbon Fiber: Selection and Layup Guide Choose plain weave carbon fiber by load direction, drape, fiber grade, areal weight, sizing and process—not by its checkerboard appearance alone. Carbon Fiber Fabrics And Weaves Carbon Felt: Types, Uses and Selection Choose carbon felt by precursor, heat treatment, atmosphere, density, purity, resistivity and surface state—not temperature rating alone. Carbon Fiber Part Design And Fabrication Modulus of Elasticity of Carbon Fiber: Fiber vs Laminate Carbon fiber modulus ranges from about 230 to 588 GPa by grade, but laminate stiffness also depends on resin, fiber volume, orientation and geometry. Carbon Fiber Colors And Finishes Clear Carbon Fiber: Vinyl vs Resin vs Clearcoat Distinguish decorative transparent vinyl from real carbon fiber under clear resin, then match wrapping, laminating or UV protection to the job. Carbon Fiber Part Design And Fabrication Carbon Fiber Joints: Types, Selection and Testing Compare sleeves, clamps, inserts, bonded joints and bolted splices by load path, serviceability, failure modes and qualification evidence. Carbon Fiber Material Comparisons Carbon Fiber Fishing Rod: How to Choose by Technique Match length, power, action, line and lure ratings to your technique, then compare measured weight, balance, components, warranty and price. Carbon Fiber Resins And Epoxies Fast Curing Resin: Cure Times, Uses and Limits Pot life, tack-free, demold and full cure are separated, with temperature, batch mass and thickness kept visible for a defensible choice. Carbon Fiber Resins And Epoxies J-STD-001 Rules for Debris in Epoxy The cited clause listings set no universal particle limit; use epoxy function, invoked revision, class, contract documents, and full requirements. Carbon Fiber Buying Guides How to Choose Carbon Fiber Bar Stock Match round, square, and flat profiles to load direction; then compare fiber architecture, resin, tolerances, joints, machining, and dust controls. Carbon Fiber Part Design And Fabrication Carbon Fibre Propshaft: When It’s Worth the Cost Mass reduction or extra critical-speed margin must solve a real need; check torque, RPM, balance, joints, heat, fitment and certification. Carbon Fiber Buying Guides Carbon Fiber Diffuser Buying Checklist Learn how to confirm exact vehicle and bumper fitment, then verify construction, installation needs, delivered cost, warranty and return exposure. Carbon Fiber Part Design And Fabrication Curved Carbon Fiber Tubing: How to Source It Treat it as a custom component, then specify geometry, loads, interfaces, quality and quantity before validating supplier claims. Carbon Fiber Part Design And Fabrication Carbon Fiber: What It Is, Uses and Limitations Filaments become rigid CFRP through a matrix and cure; orientation and manufacturing shape performance, while damage, repair and recycling impose limits. Carbon Fiber Part Design And Fabrication Carbon Fork Crown Insert Recall: What Actually Failed See why Ritchey’s 2026 carbon fork recall concerns a loose alloy crown insert, how that differs from laminate damage, and how to obtain the free fix. Carbon Fiber Part Design And Fabrication Does Annealing Carbon Fiber Filament Make It Stronger? Compare PLA-CF, PETG-CF, ABS-CF, PET-CF, and nylon-CF evidence, including strength gains, adhesion limits, distortion, and test decisions. Carbon Fiber Resins And Epoxies Does Moisture Weaken Carbon Fiber? Evidence Explained Water mainly affects the resin and fiber interface, not carbon filaments. See how moisture content, layup, heat, and exposure alter performance. Carbon Fiber Buying Guides Why Carbon Fiber Prices Are Going Up in 2026 Toray’s price revision and Hormuz-related surcharge affect fiber, prepreg and finished parts differently. Calculate the likely cost per part. Carbon Fiber Part Design And Fabrication Mandrel Test: Procedure, Sizing, Pass/Fail and Troubleshooting A mandrel test is a physical passage test. A gauge of specified dimensions is pushed or, more commonly, pulled through a pipe or conduit to determine whether… Carbon Fiber Resins And Epoxies Heat Gun for Epoxy Resin: Selection, Use & Safety Guide A heat gun for epoxy resin is best understood as a surface-finishing and resin-moving tool, not a universal bubble remover or curing appliance. Used… Carbon Fiber Material Comparisons Ultra High Modulus Carbon Fiber: Properties, Grades & Uses Ultra high modulus carbon fiber is not simply “better carbon fiber.” It is a specialized reinforcement for designs in which elastic stiffness—and often… Carbon Fiber Manufacturing Processes Why Carbon Fiber Is So Expensive: The Two Cost Stacks For one-off and short-run parts, tooling, engineering, labor, finishing and inspection can together exceed the cost of fiber and resin. Carbon Fiber Manufacturing Processes Carbon Fiber Tow Selection Goes Beyond K-Count A 12K tow may contain standard-, intermediate- or high-modulus fiber. K-count gives filament count. Process fit also depends on grade, sizing and wet-out. Carbon Fiber Part Design And Fabrication Carbon Fiber Brackets: Which Type Fits? They divide into finished supports, structural stock and custom parts. Compare evidence for the complete bracket and load path, not headline strength claims. Carbon Fiber Resins And Epoxies How to Choose a High Temp Epoxy Resin Commercial products report roughly 149°C to 200°C, but their figures use different thermal metrics and depend on different cure qualifications. Carbon Fiber Colors And Finishes Colored Carbon Fiber: Real, but Not One Material Color may come from colored companion yarn, a fiberglass ply, resin pigment, clear coat, paint, printing, proprietary treatment or carbon-free vinyl. Carbon Fiber Resins And Epoxies Which Carbon Fiber Epoxy Fits Your Process? Viscosity, working time and cure route matter more than a generic label. Carbon fiber can stop UV light from reaching resin inside a laminate. Carbon Fiber Colors And Finishes Blue Carbon Fiber Usually Means One of Five Types A cured veneer containing carbon is not automatically a structural sheet, while blue carbon-pattern vinyl has no carbon reinforcement. The form must fit the job. Carbon Fiber Part Design And Fabrication Peel Ply Use Depends on the Next Operation Direct bonding after removal is only appropriate when material and process documentation permits it and the procedure has been qualified for that joint. Carbon Fiber Manufacturing Processes Dry Carbon vs Wet Carbon: Process and Tradeoffs Vacuum infusion belongs to the wet-resin family but offers substantially different process control from basic hand wet lay-up during part fabrication. Carbon Fiber Fabrics And Weaves Carbon Fiber/Kevlar Cloth vs All-Carbon Cloth The hybrid is not necessarily stronger. Loading mode, direction and failure criterion govern that verdict. Matched laminate or component tests quantify it. Carbon Fiber Buying Guides Best Carbon Fiber Pool Cue by Type and Fit First narrow the field by product category and compatibility. Then let diameter, taper, balance, feedback and return terms decide among credible picks. Carbon Fiber Fabrics And Weaves Twill Carbon Fiber Selection Starts With the Part The designation alone does not specify areal weight, fiber grade, thickness, sizing, resin, cure or completed-part strength. Carbon Fiber Part Design And Fabrication Custom Carbon Fiber Parts: What Should You Specify? Pricing should separate engineering and tooling, the prototype or first article, production, testing, packaging and shipping. Carbon Fiber Buying Guides Does Icing Sugar Have Gluten? Pure sugar has no gluten, but commercial icing sugar may contain starch or other additives and face cross-contact during manufacturing or handling. Carbon Fiber Material Comparisons Carbon Fiber vs Steel: Strength, Weight and Failure A composite replacement may require extra thickness, multiple ply directions, inserts, protective layers, larger joints, or a redesigned section. Carbon Fiber Material Comparisons Fiberglass vs Carbon Fiber: 4 Weight Comparisons Representative density values put carbon roughly 29% lighter than fiberglass, with other values near 31%. Compare laminates and finished parts separately. Carbon Fiber Automotive Parts How to Choose Carbon Fiber Car Parts "Real carbon fiber" says carbon is present, not how much, where or in what form. Check backing, matched weights, exact fitment and performance evidence. Carbon Fiber Manufacturing Processes Carbon Fiber Is Made in Five Stages During carbonization, fiber passes through 1,000-1,500°C furnaces without oxygen, because oxygen would simply burn it.