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Crashalot
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Group: Forum Members
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Hi, I have a rigid carbon fibre skid/bash plate on my offroad motorbike. It has worn at the bottom rear edges on each side, creating small V-shaped gaps at these points. This doesn't compromise the main purpose of the unit but I am concerned that the gaps may eventually start to crack or split along the bottom of the unit and creep towards the front, thus eventually destroying the structural integrity of unit. They are not cheap and I would like to keep for as long as possible. I am not sure which product to choose to create patch repairs which might help to delay or even prevent further damage. Rigid sheet? Flexible sheet? 50mm Carbon Fibre Tape? I suspect rigid sheet will be best but I am trying to cut down need for cutting. My last school report for Art & Craft read: "Good creative ideas but poor workmanship" That sort of sums it up as little has changed in that regard since schooldays! If I use the tape, can this be made rigid by use of a resin which doesn't require any technical processes? And which glue would I need to bond the tape to the unit either side of the gap. Thanks for all help, Crashalot
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Crashalot
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Group: Forum Members
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It really didn't seem like a difficult question. Just want to know what I should buy from this company (Yes, that's right, this is a potential customer, one of those annoying people, the ones who pay their money for the company's goods whereby the company survives, the staff get to keep their jobs and, hopefully, a profit is made for inward investment creating more jobs, and expensive cars, big houses and nice holidays for the bosses). Someone please hav e a go at answering sensibly. I've tried to sort it out for myself, I've looked at the product descriptions, I have an idea of which products I should go for but I'm not a composites (easy or difficult) man, I'm an office worker, so I'd appreciate some input from someone with actual knowledge of the subject matter.
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Ledon Racing
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if I were repairing it I would first of all grind out the damaged area / prep the surface ready for bonding too. I'd then make simple mould surface to laminate on to, the idea here is to replicate the surface of the original component, make sure that you make it out of something that resin won't stick too. I'd use epoxy resin for the repair patch, also as it has previously worn away, I'd use a couple of ply's of kevlar, followed by carbon.
www.LedonRacing.com
Professional motorsport services
& composite production / repairs.
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Crashalot
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Group: Forum Members
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Thank you, sounds like a plan. I'll buy the appropriate materials and give it a go.
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carbonfibreworks
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Crashalot (29/09/2013)
It really didn't seem like a difficult question. Just want to know what I should buy from this company (Yes, that's right, this is a potential customer, one of those annoying people, the ones who pay their money for the company's goods whereby the company survives, the staff get to keep their jobs and, hopefully, a profit is made for inward investment creating more jobs, and expensive cars, big houses and nice holidays for the bosses). Someone please hav e a go at answering sensibly. I've tried to sort it out for myself, I've looked at the product descriptions, I have an idea of which products I should go for but I'm not a composites (easy or difficult) man, I'm an office worker, so I'd appreciate some input from someone with actual knowledge of the subject matter.
ThanksCrashalot Hi Crashalot Easy Composites has a tech helpline that you can call during the week if your issue is urgent, just call the normal number and you will be put through. The forum as you can imagine has a wide range of users/visitors, some with little experience through to those currently working in the industry . Those with little experience may not feel confident in answering your query and those that work in the industry may be busy with work. Just to add a little information regrading your bash plate as i am a bike fan, I do not think carbon on its own is a good material for a protection plate and would use Kevlar in the stack, use two pieces around 10mm smaller that your plate (Kevlar is difficult to trim) and you can put 2 layers of carbon on the finish the job. Where are you in the UK ? Regards Chris www.carbonfibreworks.co.uk
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Warren (Staff)
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I have been away so sorry for the delay in replying. I would definitely agree that kevlar as a patch material is the way forward as it has a much better abrasion resistance than carbon fibre on its own.
In terms of resin, our Rapid Repair resin is the ultimate choice due to its high strength, good bond and quick cure time.
Warren Penalver
Easy Composites / Carbon Mods - Technical Support Assistant
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Crashalot
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Group: Forum Members
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Hi Chris and Warren, Thanks for the suggestions. Much appreciated. Chris, I'm in Surrey, Epsom area. Warren, no apology required! NJ
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Crashalot
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Well it won't win any prizes for style and beauty, and my Art teacher's criticism was harsh but fair (see first post) but it is a repair, it isn't obvious (unless you look) and it should see me through the 210 miles if the Cambrian Rally next week! However, if it only lasts one rally at £15 a time, it will work out cheaper to buy a new bash plate! Thanks for your assistance. NJ
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Warren (Staff)
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Group: Administrators
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Just see how it goes. If you can, bake the part at 80C for a few hours and it will harden the resin a bit more.
Warren Penalver
Easy Composites / Carbon Mods - Technical Support Assistant
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