Talk Composites - The Forum for Advanced Composites

Good looking phone case/sleeve

http://www.talkcomposites.com/Topic1611.aspx

By Pertabolis - 5/9/2012 1:13:57 PM

Bonjour everybody!

I would just ask for some advice on an application process to make a CF phone case. CF is obviously used mainly for the look rather that the reinforcment (although that's the main purpose of a case...).

I have first created a replica of my phone in basla wood (+ an extra thickness to put a liner in the case) and wrap it in PP sheet. I have tehn tryed to wrap a model with a standard CF fabric in 3 pieces (so that every edges are protected : 1st piece covering small sides and bottom, 2nd covering main flat part and bottom, then the 3rd was wrapped around all the sides, if that makes sense). I had a try with Diolen but I don't really like the very black color of this compared to CF

My best shot so far was to use EC's carbon fiber sleeve around the model and once it is cured, cut the bottom flat. Then I've used a  1x6cm CF piece of fabric on a flat support and laid the bottom of the case on top of that. However, this is mechanically not very good. I've done a crash test and the flat bottom cracked from the sleeve but I think I need to wait until full cure of the sleeve so that I can cut it flat though.

How would you guys do that  kind of sleeve/case ? Any ideas of a different method ?

Cheers!

Pierre
By Pertabolis - 5/20/2012 3:32:38 PM

...mainly because I didn't know that would exist...
Do you know any UK suppliers ?

Also I gave a try with the 40mm CF sleeve from EC and here is the result:

  

To obtain the flat bottom I've done the sleeve in 2 steps. First I have  put 2 layers of the 40mm sleeve around a balsa replica of my phone wrapped in PP sheet (cut to size and closed with a hot knife). the good thing about the PP sheet is that I didn't need any release agent, the epoxy just didn't stick to it. the sleeve length was much longer that the actual phone length so that I could cut straight and flat ends. then I've laid 2 small pieces of CF on a flat surface and put my sleeve on top of that. then cleaned around the edges etc... The last part was to cut the top flat, and the put some self adhesive felt inside to protect the phone.

the surface finish is a bit raw, on purpose. I have sanded the surface down to the CF sheet an didn't put any finish coat on top of that.
I bought a clear lacquer spray from a DIY superstore in UK but it is really difficult to avoid fish eyes so I'm giving up on that.

It was impossible to hold the pattern straight (can see waves on the surface). the waviness came when I have expanded the sleeve to the right size. Any ideas to solve that ?