By moooooo - 9/21/2014 12:38:08 AM
Hey guys,
So i tried my first prepreg carbon mould. I used an 8inch ID piece of steel tube and laid up the sheets on the inner surface.
Basically what i discovered was a very effective way to adhere carbon fibre to a steel tube. I just used some silicone mould release i had lying around and think this might be the problem.
Anyway, basically what im wondering is what would be the best way to make large 8 inch (and larger) cylinders from prepreg?
Thanks.
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By Fasta - 9/22/2014 2:30:57 PM
Your method of using a single piece of steel tube may not work even with the right release agent. Once the part is cooked the steel tube mould will contract and clamp tight around the carbon which is same size as the tube mould when it was hot and expanded.
If you must have a moulded finish on the outside then you need split moulds.
Many composite tubes are moulded the other way where the laminates are placed over a tubular mould, this way the expansion works in your favour as the internal steel/metal mould will shrink when cooling and release away from the new carbon tube. Then the carbon tube will need surface work to get the finish you want.
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