Hi,

I am exploring ways of creating patterns which I can use to directly layup carbon fabric with epoxy resin to given me the carbon component. The pattern relates to a small part the length and breadth of an A5 piece of paper.

I have created one pattern with balsa wood and pine then adding some P38 filler to achieve a smooth surface.

My next step is to prepare the surface of the pattern ready for laying up. I am very interested to hear what product would be best suited to achieve this. I do not need a perfect surface finish but would like a surface that allows for easy mould release from the cured epoxy resin/carbon fabric that I will be using.

Would the Epoxy Coating Resins be suitable here? Then once set to the pattern would the only other step be to coat in wax?

Similarly I may make the same pattern in machined acrylic. However, I would still need to use P38 filler to fill in gaps and so I wandered if I still need a sealing coat on top or if just a wax would do? In the case that I still need a surface coat do you think that the same Epoxy Coating Resin would work well here?

I should add that I have polyester resin as another option of achieving a surface finish in both the wood and plastic pattern - would this be advisable considering I am laying up with epoxy resin with carbon fabric?

Thanks,
Kristoff

Hi Matt

Thanks alot for your advice - this is much appreciated!

Its good to hear about the other options and I particularly like the idea of the release film as a designer trying out many prototypes fast. So I will get some supplies in and give them ago.

Cheers,
Kristoff

You're welcome. I forgot to add a link to the Unperforated Release Film and also you might be interested to take a look at this video where you can see the release film being pulled tight over a repair. It's not the way you'll be using it (you'll be wrapping the part and then laimating over the top of the film) but it does show you how you can pull the film tight:

http://youtu.be/Xm2Ezo70vFI?t=6m39s - This link will jump you right in at the part with the film.

I hope it goes well.

--Matt

Matt Statham
Easy Composites / Carbon Mods - Technical Sales