Talk Composites - The Forum for Advanced Composites

Logo inlays

http://www.talkcomposites.com/Topic20823.aspx

By andym - 3/18/2016 3:36:04 PM

I am currently in the brainstorming process of my first project. I am planning to build a set of automotive valve covers for my old car. I plan to make a mold from a set of valve covers that I have but don't like very much and I was wondering how to go about putting a design on the top. I could leave a recess to glue a design in but I would much rather like to have it incorporated into the final product. I can't seem to find any info/videos on doing this. Is it even possible? I plan to use the infusion method. Is this the proper method?  Please remember, I am a newbie carbon fiber DIY'er. 
By scottracing - 3/22/2016 2:09:56 PM

There are a few people on the japanese car scene making cam covers, mainly mx5 and nissans come to mind.
You will have to make sure you use a resin system that is heat resistant and also oil and chemical resistant so it doesn't deform or worse. If you want to add a 3d logo into the cam cover, I would suggest you get it machined into the current one, or you bond a logo on top, this will then be incorporated into your tool.
As you are on about using infusion, you will need to make sure that the dry material stack is located properly into any tight corners and other geometry, otherwise you will have lots of bridging and therefor resin rich areas.