Talk Composites - The Forum for Advanced Composites

Is This Possible? (Carbon Fiber Skinning Question)

http://www.talkcomposites.com/Topic30566.aspx

By allanx24 - 10/1/2018 6:26:47 PM

I'm about to embark on my first carbon fiber skinning project on the plastics of my dirt bike (fenders, side panels, etc). But after looking closely at some of the pieces, there are some that have deep indentations where the holes go for the bolts, which has me concerned. The largest ones are up to 5cm in depth and 3cm in diameter (see image of one of my side panels below).

My question is this: is it possible to skin these all the way down to the bottom of the holes, and if so, how would I go about it? I'd really prefer the carbon fiber to go all the way down since these holes are very visible and I want the parts to look like they're completely made of CF.

Any help is greatly appreciated!
By allanx24 - 10/6/2018 6:06:38 PM

 
PAUL S - 10/6/2018 8:23:43 AM
As the holes are too deep for the carbon to be able to drape fully into them have you thought of just applying strips of carbon around the holes inner perimeter first, slightly oversize, allow it to cure then shave it down until its flush with the main surface, then lay the main sheets over the top of the whole part and trim around the holes, the weave wont match but it will look continuous to a degree unless you get up really close.

That's a brilliant idea, thank you! Will give it a shot.

Cheers.