 Carbon
Fiber Laminate
FAQ's & Notes:
Also Referred to
as Carbon Fiber Sheet / Carbon Fiber Veneer
 Working
With Carbon Fiber Laminates (Carbon fiber Sheet, Veneer,
Panel, Plate, etc)
Carbon Fiber Sheets can be cut with standard tools, ranging from scissors and razor knives for thinner sheets, to abrasive cutting wheels and dremel tools. For cutting many carbon fiber sheets, we recommend the use of carbide tools, abrasive type cutters, or diamond crusted tools. Regular steel tools will cut carbon sheets just fine, but due to the abrasive nature of all carbon sheets, standard tools will wear down fast with heavy cutting use. The carbon fiber panels are easily edge sanded by hand or belt sanders allowing the fabricator to trim close and sand to final dimensions for a smooth, clean edge. (see our additional information below specific to each panel thickness)
Carbon fiber dust is not toxic, however, it is a mild irritant to the skin, eyes, and lungs, much like fiberglass. We recommend that fabricators wear gloves and a dust mask to minimize any itching or irritation, especially when cutting or sanding in quantity.
Carbon fiber sheets can be cut by machines to make difficult cuts and repeatable designs. Some people have used CNC machines to cut carbon fiber panels, but it can be difficult to hold the carbon fiber sheets in the machine. Most people use a water jet machine for complex, intricate shapes, or high volume parts manufacturing. Our 3M high performance adhesive can be applied BEFORE water jetting your carbon fiber parts, as the water will not harm the adhesive, leaving a nice clean edge on both the carbon fiber sheet and the adhesive. (check with your local sheet metal fabricators or machine shops if you want to water jet your carbon fiber parts)
Carbon Fiber
Panels are generally not heat formable. You can get a
limited amount of permanent curvature in one direction with
high heat (over 200F), but due to the difficulties of this,
we neither recommend it, nor do we support it. Carbon
Fiber Laminates will NOT stretch like plastic. Several
users have reported successfully installing our carbon fiber
veneers with adhesive sheets on mufflers and exhaust tips,
however we have not tried this ourselves and can't advise it
or make any specific recommendations for applications over
200F. You are welcome to experiment with heat, but be
advised, it is totally at your own risk.
Summary of Our Standard
Carbon Laminate Sizes:
(All Length x Width measured in inches)
3.5x3.5 sample sizes and
sample kits
4x11, 4x22,
4x33, 4x44
11x11, 11x22, 11x33, 11x44, 11x66
22x22, 22x33, 22x44, 22x66
33x44, 44x44, 50x100
We now offer Carbon Fiber Veneer, Sheets, and Panels as large as 50 x 100 inches!!
Summary of Our Standard Thicknesses:
0.25mm (.010") Glossy one
side
Our very thinnest carbon fiber veneer.
Very flexible carbon fiber sheet, used as a thin veneer over other substrates.
Veneer can be bent around a 1 inch diameter pipe. This can be cut with a pair of scissors or razor knife.
This laminate is so thin,
and our resin is so clear that you can almost see through the weave intersections
if you hold it up to the light.
0.5mm (.022") Glossy one side
Our standard thin carbon fiber veneer/sheet.
Fairly flexible carbon fiber veneer and
can be bent as around a 4 inch diameter pipe.
Sheet can be cut with a pair of good scissors or sharp razor knife. Most jobs requiring a decorative lamination over another stiff panel can use this thickness.
1.0mm (.038")
Glossy one side
Medium carbon fiber sheet.
Somewhat flexible, but typically used in flat form. Used for durable surfaces or mounting control panels that have some backing support. This carbon fiber panel can be bent around a 12 inch diameter pipe. While tin snips can cut through this carbon fiber sheet, it typically should be cut with standard cutting tools,
like a hacksaw, coping saw, or a dremel tool. This panel can be cut with multiple scoring actions with a razor knife, but a carbide saw or abrasive cutoff wheel is faster and cleaner.
1.3mm (.052") Glossy one side
Stiff carbon fiber sheet.
Only slight flexibility, this carbon fiber panel doesn't need much backing to support gauges and controls mounted to it. It can be cut with a carbide saw or abrasive cutoff wheels.
Use of common metal cutting tools will work but note that steel tools will wear down after a few panels are cut. Many
carbide, bimetal, and diamond coated cutting tools are available at
hardware stores (and for fairly cheap at Harbor Freight).
1.7mm (.068")
**Textured BOTH sides
Structural Panel -
Very Stiff carbon fiber sheet.
Rigid, this carbon fiber plate doesn't need a backing to support gauges and controls mounted to it. It can be cut with a carbide saw or abrasive cutoff wheels. Standard dremel tools can be used to cut features but plain steel tools will wear down after a few panels are cut. Many diamond coated cutting tools (can be used for all panel sizes) are available at stores like Harbor Freight for low cost.
2.4mm (.093")
**Textured BOTH sides
Structural Panel -
Rigid carbon fiber plate.
Very rigid, this carbon fiber plate doesn't need a backing to support gauges and controls mounted to it. It can be cut with a carbide saw or abrasive cutoff wheels. Standard dremel tools can be used to cut features but plain steel tools will wear down after a few panels are cut. Many diamond coated cutting tools (can be used for all panel sizes) are available at stores like Harbor Freight for low cost.
3.1mm (.122") **Textured
BOTH sides
1/8" thick
Structural Panel -
Rigid carbon fiber plate.
Very rigid, this carbon fiber plate is rock solid. It can be cut with a carbide saw or abrasive cutoff wheels. Standard dremel tools can be used to cut features
but you should only use carbide or diamond coated tools. Many diamond coated cutting tools (can be used for all panel sizes) are available at stores like Harbor Freight for low cost.
Custom thicknesses available by special order,
but minimums apply such as 10 pieces each size. We have custom made solid carbon fiber plates as thick as 10 millimeters (almost 1/2 of an inch).
Buy Clear Glossy Carbon Fiber Sheets Online!
 
|
