Talk Composites - The Forum for Advanced Composites

Structural Carbon over foam skinning

http://www.talkcomposites.com/Topic20249.aspx

By jamesw - 1/15/2016 7:07:46 PM

Have some weight bearing aerofoil shaped supports to make, which will have metal milled inserts bonded in for the hardpoints at each end. I can 3D mill the foam core, has anyone tried carbon skinning in an application that requires some strength? Would I be best doing it under a vacuum? Could I infuse? How would I ensure a cosmetic finish (I guess at the very least it'll need flatting back plus lacquer)

Any experiences/tips would be great to hear!

http://www.talkcomposites.com/Uploads/Images/0e792fe0-2060-4655-849a-b115.png
By Fasta - 1/17/2016 12:37:40 PM

I have made quite a lot of foils for boats using all sorts of techniques.

If this part is loaded where that angle is trying to open up then you can imagine there will be quite force trying to peel apart the two sides right on the bend so if that were the case then I would not recommend just gluing two halves.

Ideally for me I would use pre pregs with split metal moulds and an internal bladder, vac bag or silicone intensifier. 

If you had a suitable foam core shaped up you could also use this with a pre preg  layup and vac bag/cook. Maybe do most of the layup first and cook, then give it a smooth up and add one more final cloth for a nicer cosmetic finish.