Hey All,

I'm just wondering whether the experts on here post cure their carbon fibre parts that are going to be exposed to UV rays even when they are going to 2K clear the part as well.

As I understand it, both methods will protect carbon fibre from UV exposure and stop the item getting soft in the heat so therefore is there a need to do both? 

+x

 

Warren (Staff) - 9/18/2020 2:25:44 PM

UV stability and Heat resistance are entirely different and unrelated.

An oven post cure is done usually to maximise the HDT of a part, especially where exposed to higher temperatures so that the part will not go soft when exposed to heat in service.

A UV protective clear coat is an entirely separate process.  The only overlap is if the lacquer also needs a postcure for heat reasons.

Thanks Warren, so am I correct in saying that the heat will cause the softening of the part and the uv rays will more likely cause the part to fade and discolour etc?

Ben