How to Use Carbon Fiber
Carbon fiber is a strong, lightweight fiber made of almost pure carbon created by placing various organic materials under great temperatures. When treated with resins, the fiber is often used for creating air and spacecrafts. Carbon fiber may be used for many things including making string instrument bows and the instruments themselves.
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Things You'll Need
- Ventilation hood
- gloves
- apron
- goggles
- part mold
- white and blach carbon fiber
- sharp scissors
- resin and hardener
- large flat paint brush
- mold release agent
- wooden stick
- scale
- lint-free cloth
- paper cups
Instructions
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Using Carbon Fiber
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1
Use protection when working with carbon fiber in an industrial setting. Wear gloves, an apron and goggles so that you don't breath in carbon fibers or splinter your fingers with them.
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2
Heat layers of carbon fiber if you are using the material to create various items. For instance Luis and Clark instrument makers use carbon fiber to create cellos. Generally, these instruments are made by creating the back first through successively placing layers of carbon fiber into a mold, glued together with a special liquid. These layers are then heated within the mold. The front of the cello is made using a similar process. The other parts like the strings, bridge and endpiece are added later by a luthier.
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3
Use a layering technique to create other items from carbon fiber. The British company carbonmod.com has a kit for making such parts. This is done by first putting release agent on a lint-free cloth and applying it to the interior surface of the part mold. Be careful to get the liquid agent into all crevices. Wait 20 minutes until it is dry to the touch.
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4
Place a paper cup on a scale and zero it. Pour resin into the cup, followed by the hardener. Add 2 parts resin to 1 part hardener. Look at the manufacturer's instructions for suggested volumes. Make sure to add these liquids accurately for good results. Mix the resin and hardener thoroughly and then use the flat paint brush to evenly spread it onto the interior surface of the mold. Wait 2-3 hours for this layer to dry.
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5
Cut carbon fiber fabric with scissors and gently place it into the interior surface of the part mold. Press the fabric into the mold crevices carefully with your fingers so that bubbles do not form.
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6
Add resin using the paint brush pressed firmly into the carbon fabric so that the bristles fan out. Do this throughout the mold. Blow dry the newly added carbon fiber. Then use your fingers to press into the material to make sure it is fitted into all the mold corners.
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7
Repeat steps 4 and 5 with additional layers of carbon fiber material. Cut off all excess material that extends past the edges of the mold. Leave it over night to dry then release your newly created part from the mold.
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