Structural Carbon over foam skinning


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jamesw
jamesw
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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
Edited 9 Years Ago by jamesw
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Hanaldo
Hanaldo
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Again, depends on the dimensions. I infuse 4" internal diameter intake pipes in one shot, though this is about as small as I would go when infusing. Any smaller and removing the consumables becomes near impossible. 

Making each half separately is an option, it just depends what sort of forces this part will see and how good a bond you can get. Obviously if you need to fill the part with foam then you can't make a bond joggle, so you will be relying on the laminate thickness as a bonding surface. If your laminate wall is smaller than 3mm then I would say it may be insufficient, but again that depends on how structural this part actually is. 

What is the part for, perhaps then myself or someone else can offer a bit better advice? 
ChrisR
ChrisR
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Where's f1rob when you need him!

You haven't mentioned how big the part is so any advice will be purely just general ideas and advice.

i.e. It's a big of an exaggeration but if it's an aerofoil for a hydroplane 4m long and 1m deep then the advice will be completely different than if you are making a 200mmx50mm radio controlled plane wing.

In fact, you may want to look at how model plane foils are built, they use a mylar wrap sometimes to provide good compression and a smooth surface, then bag it up

I've seen sailboat rudders made using a 2 part mould, laid up and cured separately then the moulds are joined and 2 part foam poured into the void.

Without more details they there are 3000 ways to skin a cat  
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