What is a composite?
Generally speaking a composite is two or more materials working together. However in the composites industry "composites" refers to a fiber reinforcement and matrix system.
Each material retains its unique identity in the composite- not melted together as in a metal alloy
What are the different types of composites?
Though plywood could be considered a composite, traditionally Carbon fiber, Fiberglass (E glass), and Aramid fiber (Kevlar) are the three major types of composite.
What are the advantages of composite materials?
High strength-to-weight and stiffness-to-weight ratios. Ratios 4-10 times better then metals can be achieved
Composites do not fatigue or corrode.
Due to advanced manufacturing techniques complex shapes can be produced.
Can Carbon fiber be repaired?
Yes.
Though as with all collision damage each repair has to be approached independently by a qualified repair technician Carbon fiber and all composite structures can and have been repaired for the last 50 years.
Considerations need to be taken for the location, extent and severity of the damage as well as what composite and resin system is being addressed.
Is repairing Carbon fiber the same as repairing fiberglass?
No.
Though both are composite structures made of a resin matrix and fiber reinforcement. Most if not all the technicians out there that are familiar with fiberglass repair are not qualified to repair Carbon fiber and can do more harm then good.
What should I know about resins?
There are several types of resins on the market today inc... Polyester, Vinyl Ester, Epoxy, Phenolic, Bismaleimide (BMI), Cyanate Ester and Polyimide (PI).
The first three are the most common. Polyester, Vinyl Ester and Epoxy fall into the thermoset group of plastics most used for fiber reinforced matrices.
What is commonly not understood about resins is what they do.
Resins do not provide strength, adding more resin to a FRP (Fiber Reinforced Plastic) will add unneeded weight and reduce strength.
The job of the resin is to act as a glue (binder), transfer load from fiber to fiber and hold the fibers together giving the part its shape.
There are thousands of resin systems on the market today and a good knowledge and understanding of what the differences are and why they are used for different tasks is essential when working with composites.
What is Wrapping?
Speedcraft Composites uses the same carbon fiber material we use for manufacturing and repairing carbon parts and adheres it to any parts our customer can dream up of. We then laminate the fiber using epoxy or Vinyl Ester resin (depending on the part) and once the resin cures we cover it with marine grade gel-coat.
Thank you for visiting our site
if after reading the above you still have questions about Composites inc... Vacuum bagging, Prepregs, Resin infusion etc... please do not hesitate to shoot us an email and we will be happy to respond and maybe add it to our FAQ page.
