Why Use Carbon Fiber At All?
Carbon fiber is a type of graphite that has long and thin sheets. They may remind you of graphite ribbons. The name “carbon fiber” comes from the tendency of these ribbons to group together to form fibers. These fibers are so strong that they surpass aramid fibers in strength!
These fibers are not utilized on their own. They are instead utilized to strengthen materials such as epoxy resins and other thermosetting polymers. Because they have many components, we refer to these reinforced materials as composites. Composites with carbon fiber reinforcement are incredibly strong for their weight. They are significantly lighter and frequently stronger than steel. As a result, they can replace metals in a variety of applications, including golf clubs, tennis rackets, and parts for airplanes and the space shuttle.
Carbon Fiber vs Aluminium
Comparing carbon fiber’s characteristics to those of steel or aluminium is difficult. But, let’s have a try!
- Carbon fiber components gain strength and rigidity by strategically positioning fabrics. The manufacturer has to have potential, but they must have extensive knowledge and skill as well.
- Carbon fiber has greater stiffness at lower densities, therefore the product may be thicker for the same weight, which alone will improve stiffness. Thanks to the usage of carbon fiber, the potential for weight reduction is quite huge.
- Utilizing carbon fiber to reduce weight is not only feasible but also desirable, particularly for applications where directional strength is important. Composites, unlike metals, do not exhibit uniform strength in all directions. In fact, it’s during the production process, that the decisions on the direction are taken – the direction of fabrics (when using one-direction fabrics), as well as the direction that will deliver the most strength and which places will end up sacrificing their strength. With this approach, it is possible to further reduce the weight of carbon fiber parts.
- Due to carbon fiber’s low heat expansion compared to more conventional materials like steel or aluminium, design engineers are becoming more and more persuaded by its many benefits. In this aspect, carbon fiber has exceptional characteristics, making it particularly ideal for high precision elements like optical devices, 3D scanners, telescopes, and others where minimal low thermal expansion is important.
Bottom Line
Carbon fiber is utilised in industries that require a high level of strength and rigidity in relation to weight. For instance, automated devices, racing vehicles, competitive bicycles, and medical equipment.
Because of its distinctive shape, carbon fiber is also used to make high-end products like watches, wallets, etc. This is the component that sets a product apart from the competition in the realm of luxury and elegance.
