How to Cut Carbon Fiber Fabric
Anything made out of carbon fiber materials first began as an uncured piece of raw carbon fiber product. Among these carbon fiber raw materials, carbon fiber fabric is one of the most commonly used. Multiple layers of carbon fiber fabric are required to build up the strength of the final carbon fiber product. Carbon fiber fabric is available in unimpregnated fabric and impregnated fabric. Impregnated fabric is treated with a heat-cure resin and is simply referred to as prepreg. Prepreg is stored under refrigeration until it needs to be cut and used. Before cutting refrigerated prepreg, it should be brought up to room temperature.
Other People Are Reading
Things You'll Need
- Measuring tool
- Large working surface
- Razor sharp cutting tool
- Scissors, utility or hobby knife
Instructions
-
-
1
Take accurate measurements before readying the carbon fiber fabric for cutting. Carbon fiber begins to cure when it is exposed to air and warmth, though air curing may proceed slowly.
-
2
Remove a piece of carbon fiber fabric from its protective packaging after it has reached room temperature. Lay it over a clean flat surface, like a large work table. Measure out and mark the carbon fiber fabric with a cut according to the required measurements.
-
-
3
Cut the carbon fiber fabric along the cut marks with any sharp cutting utensil, such as a pair of scissors, a utility knife or a hobby knife.
-
4
Use the cut piece of carbon fiber fabric immediately after cutting it.
-
1
Tips & Warnings
The most commonly used carbon fiber fabric used is pre-preg fabric. Cutting tools that are used with this material should be used only to cut pre-preg carbon fiber fabric so that carbon fiber resins do not contaminate other projects.
