  |
| Carbon fibres are
extremely light |
|
|
|
|
 |
|
|
|
|
|
CARBON FIBRES
Carbon fibres are thin fibre strips of pure carbon. An individual
fibre is thinner than a human hair. In the longitudinal direction
the fibres are extremely rigid and able to bear heavy loads.
Carbon fibres are embedded in the resin during processing. The
appropriate fibre orientation gives the desired fabric strength.
When making a monocoque body, carbon fibre mats are applied
layer by layer. The carbon fibre resin compound is then heated
to seven bars in the hot air pressure oven (autoclave) and allowed
to set.
Advantages and drawbacks of carbon fibre
Carbon fibre has impressively light weight and strength, easily
beating aluminium and steel in this regard. The strength resides
in the compound. In combination with other high performance
materials, carbon fibre materials have maximum rigidity. But
this may also have a negative effect. Once a carbon fibre laminate
has been damaged, as a general rule it can no longer be repaired.
Moreover the production of carbon fibre mouldings is very complex
and hardly worthwhile for series production purposes.
Applications of carbon fibre
The versatile range of applications extends from aircraft construction
via golf clubs to prosthetics and medical implants. Carbon fibre
enjoys particular success in Formula 1 racing where many of
the chassis parts are made from this material. In ordinary automobile
engineering on the other hand aluminium continues to lead the
field as it is more resistant to external influences and less
complex to maket. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
PaucoPlast AG
Talstrasse 14
8852 Altendorf
Fon +41 55 451 11 44
Fax +41 55 451 11 49
info
|
|
|
