diy carbonfibre / glassfibre?
08 August 2006, 07:19 PM
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diy carbonfibre / glassfibre?
Hi folks
Anyone ever do any DIY work with glassfibre / carbon fibre?
Was hoping to make a few small custom carbon fibre pieces for a rally car I'm building (MB 190E 2.3) as there arent really any commercially available pieces.
I've been searching the net for how-to guides and hints and tips but there isn't a hell of a lot of comprehensive information out there.
I'd like to start with a few small pieces, such as a petrol filler flap for practice.
Steps
1 . Make a mould
Using a block of foam, shape the object.
Can I for example use the original item and layer CF over it? (how to seperate from original item when finished?)
2. Layer CF into/over mould. What thickness of sheet, how many layers? If layering into a mould do I just place in first layer then rub epoxy on to the back of it, and keep building layers? Do I need to heat cure it in an oven?
Ultimately I would like to make a bootlid as the standard one weighs a hell of a lot! Though this might be somewhat of a pipedream...
Cheers
Steven
Anyone ever do any DIY work with glassfibre / carbon fibre?
Was hoping to make a few small custom carbon fibre pieces for a rally car I'm building (MB 190E 2.3) as there arent really any commercially available pieces.
I've been searching the net for how-to guides and hints and tips but there isn't a hell of a lot of comprehensive information out there.
I'd like to start with a few small pieces, such as a petrol filler flap for practice.
Steps
1 . Make a mould
Using a block of foam, shape the object.
Can I for example use the original item and layer CF over it? (how to seperate from original item when finished?)
2. Layer CF into/over mould. What thickness of sheet, how many layers? If layering into a mould do I just place in first layer then rub epoxy on to the back of it, and keep building layers? Do I need to heat cure it in an oven?
Ultimately I would like to make a bootlid as the standard one weighs a hell of a lot! Though this might be somewhat of a pipedream...
Cheers
Steven
08 August 2006, 07:55 PM
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CF is normally beyond the scope of the home user.... FG is easier as its chop strand matt thats layed up and formed to a mould. it cures in air with no special requirements, other than a catylised resin.
CF requires either vacforming or an autoclave to cure the resin and make sure the cf is fully impregnated.
also be aware that CF dosent like water, and will come apart if osmosis or water ingress happens
Cf is also a bugger to work with once cured, as you need a whole new set of cutting tools due to its inbuilt strength
mart
CF requires either vacforming or an autoclave to cure the resin and make sure the cf is fully impregnated.
also be aware that CF dosent like water, and will come apart if osmosis or water ingress happens
Cf is also a bugger to work with once cured, as you need a whole new set of cutting tools due to its inbuilt strength
mart
08 August 2006, 08:38 PM
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Start off with fibreglass - you can make surprisingly lightweight panels.
For example, for my Lancia track day car project I have had a new bonnet made. The original metal one was 20kgs. The fibreglass one I've had made (inner frame and outer skin & bonded together) weighs 6kgs. Yes its quite thin but as there are two items bonded together its quite rigid.
Whilst CF would have been lighter still, the costs skyrocketed.
For example, for my Lancia track day car project I have had a new bonnet made. The original metal one was 20kgs. The fibreglass one I've had made (inner frame and outer skin & bonded together) weighs 6kgs. Yes its quite thin but as there are two items bonded together its quite rigid.
Whilst CF would have been lighter still, the costs skyrocketed.
09 August 2006, 10:01 AM
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You can do wet lay carbon, but theres not much weight advantage over CF.
Or you could speak to andy at immortal performance and get him to do them..
www.immortalperformance.com
Or you could speak to andy at immortal performance and get him to do them..
www.immortalperformance.com
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09 August 2006, 09:58 PM
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Done some carbon fibre in the interior of my kit car, reasonably successfully for a first timer. If you want some try these guys who I got mine from.
http://www.marineware.com
http://www.marineware.com
10 August 2006, 02:49 PM
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thanks for all the info guys!
looking forward to giving this a ago. how do you guys make a mould for bonnet/bootlid?
i gather you line it with gelcoat first then build up the FG layers? how many layers for boot/bonnet?
cheers
steven
looking forward to giving this a ago. how do you guys make a mould for bonnet/bootlid?
i gather you line it with gelcoat first then build up the FG layers? how many layers for boot/bonnet?
cheers
steven
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