Talk Composites - The Forum for Advanced Composites

Symmetrical pattern - Dry Carbon Fibre (Not Prepreg)

http://www.talkcomposites.com/Topic31539.aspx

By Lenny - 1/7/2019 11:34:53 AM

I am going to skin an existing panel and want to create the symmetrical matching effect down the middle.  As I am using dry carbon fibre how do you cut and align the edges to ensure you can get a perfect match. 

I was thinking of using some very light tack tape to hold the weave whilst I cut the carbon to size (Otherwise it just frays and you end up with loose strands).  Once I have applied the base coat and its got tacky, then lay on the carbon and pull off the tape.

Is there any other way this could be done ?

By Furrari - 1/7/2019 6:54:51 PM

Lenny. To get a symmetrical patern similar to what I think you are trying to achieve I would use the 220 profinish. I find this gives a more marked patern. I give just a flash of adhesive where I want the joint and makes it easier to position. Across the joint I have used 3 or 5 rows of cf tow again with a whiff of adhesive on to stop it fraying. As an alternative to the adhesive I have used some clear transparent tape just overlapping the last row I want to use and cut to this. It goes tape down so it doesn’t show.

When this is given a good polish finish it looks fantastic.

Best of luck on the learning curve.