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To explain, imagine one of those wooden mats used to make sushi. The mat is made from a bunch of narrow wooden rods that run parallel to each other and are bound together. The result is that it’s easy to bend the mat if you bend against the grain. If you bend with the grain, however, the mat will not bend easily at all because that would mean actually bending hard enough to snap the wooden rods.First, understand that both materials comprise lots of thin sheets of their respective fabrics, and only achieve real strength when they are thickened up using multiple layers of woven fiber.

No. The tight bonds in the carbon fiber are immune to oxidation because of the complex chemical processes used during manufacturing. The epoxy resins used to protect the carbon fiber from damage are inert, meaning it is safe from rust and other corrosion types.

So how strong is carbon fiber? Let’s just put it this way: there aren’t many materials in the world stronger than carbon fiber — especially not commercially available ones.Carbon fiber and aramid fiber (KEVLAR® is simply a brand of aramid fiber) are about equal in strength, although each has its advantages and disadvantages.When synthesized correctly, carbon fiber can be 10x as strong as steel. How strong is carbon fiber in its base form, though, and how can you maximize its strength? We’ll answer these questions and more in this post! I know you came for our awesome blog post, but we have to let you in on something. Our main business is a shop that sells a ton of unique and cool lifestyle and personal accessories made with REAL carbon fiber. KEVLAR®, on the other hand, is thicker than carbon fiber, and it is harder to penetrate. Because it is thicker, though, it is heavier and less flexible. It is also much less resistant to heat than carbon fiber.A single layer of carbon fiber is typically around 0.25mm thick, and is not very strong at all. In fact, at that thickness, carbon fiber is very easy to break. That may be counterintuitive to what you know about carbon fiber being strong, but the strength is created in the process of stacking multiple layers as well using the orientation and weave of the fibers, also known as the “layup.”

This is the process to make a single carbon fiber sheet, which is an extremely strong building material but can still be fragile and easy to break in some respects. For more info on how carbon fiber sheets become nearly unbreakable, see the section below on “Does Carbon Fiber Break Easily?”The processes bind together thousands of small strands and mix them with an epoxy. Those strands form a layer of carbon fiber, the strength of which is affected by the precise orientation of the strands and the types of fabric used in the layer.

Now imagine you glue two sushi mats one on top of the other, with the wooden rods of the bottom mat going one way and the rods of the top mat running the other way. Now, the mats support each other and keep each other from bending in either direction.Next, the carbon is stabilized and carbonized. This involves heating the burn-resistant carbon to high temperatures in the open air, then putting it into a furnace filled with chemical gases (but not oxygen) and cooking it even further.

In a woven fabric, each strand of carbon fiber will normally have somewhere between 1,000 and 12,000 individual filaments, less than the breadth of a human hair.That limited burning is caused by the resin combined with the carbon in the fiber, because carbon itself will not burn. The only reason the fiber burns is because the non-carbon components in it will burn. In woven sheets of carbon fiber, the filaments are woven together like the strands of a basket to hold together better. There are lots of different types of weaves which are used for a number of different reasons. It could be aesthetic, or it could be easier to work a particular type of material into a mold, and/or it could have more strength in multiple directions. The types of fabric being used and the orientation they are placed to control the strength, are all part of developing the layup strategy. Finally, an epoxy resin coating is applied to the sheet to protect the fibers from damage when used to make products. The composition of the coating varies based on the initial materials used for the fiber. There are different types of resin that can support different varieties of heat. A typical epoxy resin is good up to around 200 degrees Fahrenheit, but a high-heat resin will usually resist heat up to 400 degrees. Always check the specifications of the resin being used. Even when many layers are woven together, carbon fiber is very thin and light. It is also extremely strong, but it has trouble standing up to sharp objects like knives.Carbon fiber sheets are composed of a series of parallel rods, similar to the sushi mat. But in carbon fiber, the rods are made from treated fiber and are much stronger than wood. Because of this, it’s quite difficult to break a sheet of carbon fiber if you apply pressure in the same direction as the rods. One sheet of rods running in one direction is similar to a type of carbon fiber fabric called “unidirectional,” where all of the fibers run in the same direction..

First, a sheet of fiber and other polymers is heated to a very high temperature in a space free of oxygen. Since there is no oxygen, the fiber cannot burn but instead gets so hot that carbon atoms are all that remain.

A carbon fiber filament is the individual string used on a carbon fiber fabric. Those strands are typically bonded together using a resin, which is the RP in CFRP (carbon fiber reinforced plastic). By pairing the material used to the carbon fiber’s exact chemical composition, engineers can create something even more durable, strong, and lightweight than its parts.All VIS Carbon Fiber Hoods and Trunks come with a VIS badge of authenticity. Please be sure to look for the badge when purchasing. Due to the unknown nature of the intended uses of these products, hood pins are required. These products are intended for off-road use only, unless your local and state laws state otherwise.

What is colored carbon fiber? Color tinted “carbon fiber” fabric is made with Kevlar. Anderson Composites carbon fiber fabric is woven with 3k 2×2, 100% carbon fiber, resulting with a black and grey appearance. We do not offer color tinted carbon fiber components. Our dry carbon fiber products do not have the UV protection and we recommend having them sprayed with an automotive grade clear coat with UV inhibitors if you do not plan to have them wrapped. Do you have hood, decklid and rocker installation videos for reference? Yes. Please visit our YouTube channel to view applicable videos for hoods, decklids, rocker panels, spoilers and fenders.

Do I need to have a professional install my carbon fiber components? We highly recommend a professional that is experienced with fiberglass and carbon fiber components perform installation for a quality fit.I just received my carbon fiber part, do I need to clear coat it before installation? No additional clear coat is required for our wet carbon fiber products. Our carbon fiber parts are manufactured by spraying a coat of marine grade resin with UV inhibitors on the mold, sheets of carbon fiber fabric are laid out across the mold and then a final coat of resin is applied on the fabric before being placed inside a vacuum sealed bag to cure (provides an excellent fabric-to-resin ratio). Once cured, the part is removed from the mold, trimmed and a final coat of gel coat with UV inhibitors applied and polished to protect the surface and increase the high luster finish.

Do I need to remove OEM hood struts when installing a composite hood? Yes. We always recommend the factory hood struts be removed when installing a composite hood. Factory struts are rated for a heavier hood.

If you cannot find the answer you are looking for, or would like further assistance, please contact us via e-mail: [email protected] or call us at 1-626-333-7024, Monday- Friday, 9-5:30 Pacific Standard Time.Do I need to install hood pins? Yes. All hoods require hood pins for safety reasons. Anderson Composites will not be liable for any damages to the product and the vehicle caused by not properly using hood pins. We offer hood pins on our website.

Can I add a custom wrap to my carbon fiber? Yes, you can have wrap material installed on your carbon fiber, however, too much heat used for installation or removal can damage the resin surface. Consult a professional installer for recommendations.

Buyer must inspect the packaging and the products carefully upon receiving them, even if the carton appears to be okay. Then accept the shipment and notate any damages and irregularities, such as crushed, torn, punctured, or broken parts on both the packaging and the product, on the freight bill or receipt at the driver’s presence. Buyer must retain all cartons, packing materials, and damaged products for the carrier’s damage inspector to inspect. Do not refuse shipment or return it without approval, because the buyer’s right to make a damage claim may be denied. A signed receipt without any notation indemnified the carrier as well as Anderson Composites from any further damage claims. Discovery of damages after a clear delivery becomes the responsibility of the customer.

All damages must be notified to carrier and the dealer within 24 hours. In cases of damage with proper notation on receipt, the carrier will determine whether to pay for repair cost or replacement value of the damaged goods after damage inspection. Replacement value is the amount the buyer paid to the distributor and is not negotiable. All disputes about the settlement amount should be addressed with the carrier. Anderson Composites, under no circumstances, shall be liable for the damaged product or for subsequent settlement of the claim with the carrier.

Can I paint over carbon fiber? Yes, you may paint over our carbon fiber components provided the surface is prepped correctly – free of dirt and grease etc. Consult with a professional painter for recommendations.Can I add a protective film to carbon fiber? Yes, you can add protective films to our carbon fiber components to help protect against abrasion and road wear. Consult with manufacturer or installer for recommendations.

I received a part that is damaged, what do I do? Contact the dealer and Anderson Composites as soon as possible. Document the product and box with at least 3 photos and email them within 24 hours. Email photos and information to: [email protected]. Add tracking number as the subject line.Do I inspect the product upon delivery? Yes. You have 24 hours to make a claim against the shipping company if the product is damaged. View our video here.

Can I add ceramic coating to the carbon fiber? Do not ceramic coat the carbon fiber components without consulting a professional installer. Many ceramic coatings require heat to cure. Verify that your installer does not use heat in the coating process.

Cracks have appeared on my composite part, is this covered by any warranty? Cracks are caused by an outside force and not a result of the material we use or our manufacturing process. Common causes are slamming or dropping the hood, decklid or doors, re-installing gas shocks/dampers/struts on hoods and decklids or not installing a heat shield on the hood. Composite products will not sustain heavy force or weight, for they could be cracked by such force or weight.We say “carbon fiber,” but what we really mean is “carbon-fiber composite”—it’s not the only material in your frame. That’s because carbon fiber’s incredible stiffness properties come at a price: On its own, it is quite brittle and prone to splitting and cracking. To preserve its abilities, it’s suspended in a glue-like material called epoxy resin before it’s molded, forming a composite material. Most carbon fiber used in the bike industry comes in this form, which is called “pre-preg.”

Custom framebuilding is often associated with steel and titanium, but every carbon frame, wheel, handlebar, or other part made with carbon-fiber sheet requires intensive hands-on work, whether the frame is a custom model from a small builder like Crumpton, or a production model from Giant or Trek.Joe Lindsey is a longtime freelance journalist who writes about sports and outdoors, health and fitness, and science and tech, especially where the three elements in that Venn diagram overlap.

The resin accomplishes two tasks. First, it holds the carbon together—both the individual fibers within a ply and, once cured, the orientation of two plies to one another. Second, resin adds crucial toughness and durability. It’s slightly plastic, deforming under impact to help absorb sharp blows like a crash or a rock strike, without creating a crucial split between the fibers.But carbon fiber products can also be more obscure and mysterious than their metal counterparts. Here are 11 facts you might not know about the material.That classic, cross-woven, carbon-fiber look is actually not much of a performance attribute. A woven layer adds some stiffness, but one of its major purposes is to add a top sheet that’s okay to ding, scratch, and dent, since most of the structural properties of the frame or part come from the unidirectional fiber underneath.

It’s a sophisticated industrial process, and only a few companies worldwide have the capability to make raw carbon fiber. As of 2010, per a U.S. Department of Energy report, more than 90 percent of the world’s carbon-fiber supply comes from just six companies: Toray, Teijin (Toho Tenax), Mitsubishi Chemical Corporation, Zoltek, Hexcel, and Cytec. Toray, Teijin, and Mitsubishi account for almost two-thirds of global carbon fiber production. Zoltek, Hexcel, and Cytec are headquartered in the U.S. and make a little less than a third of the world’s carbon fiber.It’s relatively simple to create a mold from a real version of a finished frame (or even detailed photos of the product). But the materials, layup, and construction methods may differ completely. Many counterfeiters lack the sophisticated manufacturing capability and will use cheap filler materials to mimic the outward appearance of the real thing in counterfeit bikes. As Specialized’s former test lab director Santiago Morales said of counterfeits: “It’s not an engineered product in any way; it’s like a canvas that’s painted to look the same.”Even the post-cure process—where a frame is broken out of the mold, cleaned up, and painted—requires close attention. Expert workers examine the frame or part for problems like wrinkles in the carbon, or spots where the layers aren’t smoothly compacted, which could cause a failure.

The rise of carbon fiber has allowed an explosion of distinctive frame styles. It’s possible to identify a Pinarello or a Specialized just from a frame’s silhouette. But that distinctive industrial design also makes frames particularly susceptible to copying by counterfeiters.A good carbon-fiber frame has a blend of carbon fibers of different types, each used in different places in a frame for very specific purposes. High-modulus fiber is expensive (thanks to all that processing), so bike companies judiciously use relatively small amounts in key areas like the downtube, bottom bracket, and chainstays to resist pedaling forces and make the bike stiffer. But they’re placed in the mold along with standard- and intermediate-modulus and high-strength fiber to create the kind of durability, performance, and ride quality a good carbon frame has.

Engineers use sophisticated software programs that take into account the grade of carbon, the resin, the shape, size and orientation of the carbon-fiber ply, and even where it’s located in the mold. That’s how frames are optimized for extreme lightness or rigidity, or both, but those programs and the graduate-degree expertise to run them are expensive. That—and the cost of the High Modulus carbon needed to realize the most heavily tweaked designs—is what makes the nicest carbon-fiber bikes so much more expensive than even their mid-line peers.The individual plies of carbon are often cut from a sheet by a computer-controlled machine, but that’s about the only automated process throughout production: A carbon-fiber composite frame or part must be assembled in a mold precisely according to the layup schedule, a process that has yet to be automated. In smaller facilities, one person may lay up an entire frame. In larger ones, workers will create a layup for a specific portion of a frame, like a bottom bracket area, then pass the part along to other workers to lay up around tubes, and place in the final mold for curing.

It’s a common misconception that once a carbon-fiber frame or part is damaged, it’s toast. But like a steel or titanium frame, a carbon-fiber frame can sometimes be repaired. The process isn’t much different: The damaged section is cut out and then bridged with new material that’s cured, sanded, and painted to match. With the most expert carbon repairs, you may not even be able to see the affected portion.

Carbon fiber comes in various forms: raw thread or sheet fiber (both continuous fiber), and short-tow fiber that can come as either sheets, or clumps of chopped, very short-length fiber. Chopped fiber is used in products like pedal bodies. Sheet style is most common in bike frames, and is what it sounds like: continuous sheets of carbon fiber (called plies), which look like bolts of fabric and are typically about as wide, coming wrapped on giant spools. Raw thread is far less common in the bike industry; only a handful of bike makers like Giant and Time have the technical capability to work with raw thread.Despite its reputation as an aerospace material, carbon fiber is actually as easy to work with on a small scale as metal tubes. Smaller American shops and even individual builders can work with carbon, and not just the finished tubes available from companies like Italy’s Dedacciai or Rock West in Utah. Builders like Craig Calfee, Nick Crumpton, and Matt Appleman, all of whom exhibited at the North American Handmade Bike Show, create their own frames from carbon sheet in much the same way that big builders like Giant do.Carbon fiber is a great bike material for two reasons. First, it’s stiffer at lower weight than almost any other material we know of. Second, unlike metal, carbon fiber’s stiffness can be finely manipulated; its stiffness properties apply only unidirectionally, or along the long axis of the fibers themselves, so stiffness can be tuned based on how the carbon-fiber composite is oriented, or placed in the mold. That’s called anisotropism. Metals, by contrast, are isotropic, exhibiting the same strength and stiffness properties along any axis of the material.

The key to carbon fiber’s properties is its unique microscopic crystalline structure. It is composed mostly of carbon atoms that are bound together in microscopic crystals which are linearly aligned and parallel to the long axis of the fibers. When carbon fiber is produced, thousands of thin strands of carbon are twisted together to form a yarn. This yarn is then woven into a flexible fabric that can be molded into many different shapes. To give you an idea of just how lean carbon fiber is, a single strand has a diameter of 0.005-0.010 mm, less than a human hair.

People often wonder what carbon fiber is, and its increased use in automobile and airplane construction have made them sit up and take notice. It is not difficult to understand what carbon fiber is and why it is highly valued as a favorite of luxury designers. Simply put, carbon fiber is a super-strong fabric that’s used to make diverse products, where light-weight, strength and modern looks are valued. Some examples would be Formula One, Ferraris and Lamborghinis, yachts, MotoGP, and even items from luxury brands such as Chanel, Gucci, Montblanc and more. Wow, you made it this far, nice job! Still interested in delving more into carbon fiber? Take a look at the below video that does a great job of explaining the history and future of the wonder material: Carbon fiber’s weight-to-strength ratio is astonishing, especially when you consider its formidable strength. It is stronger than steel and lighter than aluminum. The strongest carbon fiber is five times stronger than steel. The fact that it is lightweight and strong makes carbon fiber an excellent choice for producing vehicles such as cars, planes, and boats. Low weight reduces friction, increases speed, and decreases fuel consumption, this is good for both consumers and the environment. Carbon fiber also has other valuable qualities; It resists corrosion, is both moisture and heat stable and has super energy absorption. Its sleek appearance and unique woven texture give it a feeling of timeless luxury, as Carbon Fiber is the New Black™.

Nowadays, you don’t have to be a speed demon to rock a sweet hood. An influx of car buffs are adding carbon fiber hoods simply because they look fantastic on a lot of different models. What’s more, most aftermarket carbon fiber hoods arrive unpainted, meaning you have free reign to customize it how you see fit.

Carbon fiber is Hercules if you compare its strength to other materials. While expensive, carbon fiber’s strength-to-weight ratio is unparalleled — it’s stiffer and about 5x stronger than steel. Additionally, carbon can absorb energy at a much higher rate, making it safer if a collision occurs.Now that you know a little more about carbon fiber hoods and wraps, it really comes down to what works best for you. If reducing your car’s weight for better velocity and handling is most important, go with a carbon fiber hood. But if it’s just the sleek carbon look you seek, then look for the luxury carbon fiber wraps. It’s easy to see why carbon fiber hoods have become the standard for NASCAR, Formula One, IndyCar, and exotic sports and muscle car enthusiasts around the world. In fact, more and more luxury car makers are including carbon fiber hoods and/or other parts in their higher-trim packages. You have a high-performing machine that demands high-quality parts and materials to keep it looking and running its absolute best. One of those materials is carbon fiber, a fusion of remarkably light and strong strands that can be molded into practically any shape to produce parts, materials and more.

Also known as carbon fiber film, wraps are ideal for those who want the high-end appearance of carbon fiber without the higher cost. You can have it professionally installed on your hood, mirrors, spoiler or wherever you please. Wrapping your hood costs below $500, and it’s easy to take on and off for a variety of cool looks — matte, chrome, diamond print, tiger print and many others.Changing the hood of your car might be tricky, depending on the model. If you ever plan to replace your carbon fiber hood for aesthetics reasons, keep in mind you’ll need to store the original hood in a garage or shed; otherwise you’ll end up paying for a new original equipment manufacturer (OEM) hood.There’s no way of getting around the high cost of carbon fiber — depending on style and brand, you can spend anywhere from $500-$1,000 for a carbon fiber hood. You’ll spend even more if you go with carbon fiber wheels and other parts. However, if you’re not sold on buying an all-new hood, consider an exclusive alternative that will save you serious money: carbon fiber wraps.Your ride will definitely get recognized, making it a hit at car shows and anywhere it’s on the road. And if you really want to roll big, add lightweight carbon fiber wheels for huge visual impact and carbon fiber wings to increase your vehicle’s aerodynamics and high-speed handling.

While carbon fiber can be built for the entire car body, including various engine parts, carbon fiber hoods and carbon fiber wraps have become very popular among car enthusiasts, and for good reason: they add stunning, head-turning style, and can decrease the total weight of your car by up to 50lbs for increased speed and handling.Because carbon fiber doesn’t corrode like steel, it ages more gracefully over the lifespan of your car. Less rust usually means limited damage and, thus, the higher cost of carbon fiber may pay for itself over the course of time. And if cost isn’t an issue, going all-in on carbon fiber parts and accessories will take your ride to the next level of lightweight machinery.

Damian Mason, head of Upgrade, says that they have seen forks in very poor condition, where the protective coating of paint over the fork to steerer junction has been damaged and galvanic corrosion has degraded the steerer tube.It’s really important to keep your bike clean and have it checked out if there are signs of corrosion or damage such as bubbly finish — and especially cracks.It’s a particular issue with forks with carbon blades and aluminium steerers. Upgrade Bikes has recently recalled a number of its older Racelight forks for this very reason.Paul started writing for Cycling Weekly in 2015, covering cycling tech, new bikes and product testing. Since then, he’s reviewed hundreds of bikes and thousands of other pieces of cycling equipment for the magazine and the Cycling Weekly website.

There are a host of factors which could influence a frame’s lifespan, starting with the simple act of riding it. Carbon frames are well able to withstand the day-to-day flexion required to negotiate bumpy roads.No frame exists without metal parts attached to it and many bikes have forks with alloy steerer tubes. Unless metal to carbon-fibre connections are fully sealed and kept scrupulously clean and dry, there’s a risk of galvanic corrosion setting in, particularly on wet, salted winter roads or when using a turbo.

Paul started writing for Cycling Weekly in 2015, covering cycling tech, new bikes and product testing. Since then, he\u2019s reviewed hundreds of bikes and thousands of other pieces of cycling equipment for the magazine and the Cycling Weekly website.

Of more significance to UK riders is the effect of riding on wet roads, particularly in the winter when road spray could contain salt from road gritting. Sweat dripping onto the frame when riding on a turbo can also be a problem.

Treat a modern carbon frame well and there should be limited potential for degradation over a bike’s working life. But any damage, including to the paintwork, needs to be looked at.A carbon bike frame is a matrix of two different materials: the carbon fibres which give the frame its structural strength, and the resin which binds the carbon together.

Internal damage to frame tubes may not immediately be evident and carbon repairers will use specialist techniques such as ultrasound and X-rays to identify deeper damage.Of course, the same problem can occur with any metal components attached to a carbon frame, such as bottom bracket bearings. But since these are not structural, the potential for catastrophic failure is less — it’s more likely to end in a bill to replace an expensive component than a complete failure.

Although salt is not damaging to carbon composites, where the carbon-fibre meets metal parts, salt water acts as an electrolyte, setting up an electric cell between the carbon and the metal which can, over time, oxidise and erode the metal.

He’s been cycling for a lot longer than that though and his travels by bike have taken him all around Europe and to California. He’s been riding gravel since before gravel bikes existed too, riding a cyclocross bike through the Chilterns and along the South Downs.