Anyone make their own carbon fiber parts?

[XcYZ]

I'd like to learn how to make some small non-structural carbon fiber pieces for my project (ducting, etc). I've know plenty of guys have done it (I've seen home made computer cases, RC airplane parts, etc) but where do I start? I know there's different ways to impregnate the resin such as vacuum or use pre-preg CF (but does pre-preg only come in bulk?). Obviously I don't have an autoclave, so I'm interested if anyone here has made their own molded CF parts and what resources you used.

[TravisB]

we made the engine cover out of carbon fiber on the fastmad

we mad a mold and layed the carbon fiber over it and cover it in resin....kenny actually did it may be he can add some more but it was fairly simple and didn't turn out to bad for his first time! :thumbsup:

[Tim Baillie]

Scott, I will dig up some good links on how to do it. We use a vacum bag for most of what we do, that way it bends and curves properly.

[XcYZ]

Cool, I'm interested in seeing if it's possible. I'd like to at least try it once.

[ProStreet R/T]

It's not terribly hard to do at all, making the mold takes more time than anything. For a vac pump I used a compressor out of an old refrigerator. Under $30 for the whole thing, gauge, line and all.


Read this 3 times (http://www.turbomustangs.com/techarticles/PBcarbonfiber.php) If you still have questions or need help don't hesitate to ask. :thumbsup:

[Payton King]

I know there is a way to lay a coating over existing pieces, ie. dash, to give it a carbon fiber look. Not very expensive, I can get you more info if you like.

[syborg tt]

I know there is a way to lay a coating over existing pieces, ie. dash, to give it a carbon fiber look. Not very expensive, I can get you more info if you like.


If you looking for the appearence of Carbon Fiber you can use this.

http://www.hydroillusions.com/

I used them for a couple pcs and there work is very nice.

http://www.sportmachines.com/albums/sogt0334interior/307_0759_IMG.jpg

http://www.sportmachines.com/albums/sogt0334interior/307_0766_IMG.jpg

[Tim Baillie]

What is their pricing like ? Been looking for someone reasonable to send our clients products to.

[syborg tt]

What is their pricing like ? Been looking for someone reasonable to send our clients products to.

It's not bad at all - give Tom or Suzanne a call 727.526.2336. Tell them Marty said hi!

[XcYZ]

It's not terribly hard to do at all, making the mold takes more time than anything. For a vac pump I used a compressor out of an old refrigerator. Under $30 for the whole thing, gauge, line and all.


Read this 3 times (http://www.turbomustangs.com/techarticles/PBcarbonfiber.php) If you still have questions or need help don't hesitate to ask. :thumbsup:

I'm still absorbing this article. He really did a great job.

[XTRMEASURES]

If you looking for the appearence of Carbon Fiber you can use this.

http://www.hydroillusions.com/

I used them for a couple pcs and there work is very nice.

http://www.sportmachines.com/albums/sogt0334interior/307_0759_IMG.jpg

http://www.sportmachines.com/albums/sogt0334interior/307_0766_IMG.jpg

so its like photogenesis??

[Damn True]

If it's just cosmetic you can use CF just like you would fiberglass and not worry about bagging or temp stepping. If you are looking to do anything that is remotely structural however it is a whole other ball-o-wax.