Carbon Fibre Reinforced Rifle Barrels


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DIY GUY
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Hi
I have a project to construct a carbon fibre reinforced rifle barrel, these are commercially available at a hefty price. My plan is to take an existing barrel turn in down in the lathe to a require dimension then build it back up with carbon to an over size to maximise the rigidity and strength while not including the weight of steel.
I see my best option is to use a single tow varying the angles with each layer ie 90, 45, 45, 30, 30 degrees etc, over all laminate thickness will be between 5 - 6.5mm
My questions is would you recommend a wet lay up dipping the tow through a resin bath or a pre preg layup ?
Regarding pre preg (something I have never worked with before) how critical is the baking temps and times ? Do you have to use a special oven or is there other options ?
I see you have out of oven pre preg materials - does this mean it can be cured with out baking ?
Any advise would be greatly appreciated.
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DIY GUY
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Warren (Staff) - 2/12/2020 10:21:22 AM
Something Like that could be done pretty similarly to a mandrel wrapped tube - except the mandrel is the barrel and it is not removed. As already said, UD fabric down length of barrel and a single woven outer layer for durability and cosmetics is a good approach.

Mandrel wrapped tubes can be done with good results wet lay up with a shrink tape.  The shrink tape will provide a lot of consolidation.  Of course you can go to out of autoclave pre-preg too for good results.

In both cases you would want some kind of post cure, especially if it is a gunpowder based firearm (as opposed to an air rifle) due to heat generated during repeat firing.

Hi Warren
Thank you for the input it's very much appreciated. I'm definitely leaning towards the wet lay up, what are your thoughts on an infusion for this, or a wet lay up then vacuum bag ? Any advantages or disadvantages ?
I have an infusion kit purchased from you guys which I'm using for rifle stocks with great results
Also where would be the best place to find  information on post curing as you are correct this is a gunpowder based firearm.

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