A Brief Carbon Fiber Design and Application Guide

You probably know that the carbon fiber market has been experiencing rapid growth in recent years, but do you know how much the market is worth?

In 2020, it was worth $3.7 billion. It is expected to more than double by 2031 to $8.9 billion.

With the growing demand for carbon fiber products, new customers are reaching out to manufacturers for all sorts of carbon fiber product requests.

To assist with using carbon fiber in any industry, we have compiled a brief guideline. Keep reading to learn about the carbon fiber design process and application possibilities.

What Does Carbon Fiber Design Entail?

Creating a carbon fiber product is not just a matter of swapping one material for another. Carbon fiber has its own unique strengths and properties. Product designers and engineers have the expert knowledge needed for successful product manufacture.

Designers create product design and process plans based on the customer’s requirements. The final plan also considers the cost and product volumes requested.

The designers also decide the direction, density, and location of fibers within the product. These elements determine where the product is strongest and stiffest. The plan will also note the carbon fiber thickness and what resins to use.

The design process generally also includes details about the tools and curing methods best suited for the product.

One of the benefits of carbon fiber is that it will take on the shape of a mold. The creation of custom tools can further ensure that class A requirements are met.

Production can begin following approval of the design plan.

What Are Common Carbon Fiber Applications?

Due to its versatility, carbon fiber is becoming popular in many industries. With a variety of carbon fiber and resin combinations, composite materials can be used in medical products as easily as in luxury goods.

The aerospace industry uses about 30% of all carbon fiber produced. The material’s strength and light weight make it ideal for a variety of applications here.

For example, the Boeing 787 Dreamliner’s carbon-fiber fuselage means better fuel economy and no corrosion. The strength of the composite allows for much larger windows, giving passengers a luxury experience.

Carbon fiber is also an ideal material for the medical industry. Hospital applications include x-ray and imaging machines since the composite appears transparent in these images. Carbon fiber technology is also excellent for producing lightweight and attractive prosthetics.

There is also extensive application of carbon fiber in the luxury goods market—everything from panels on high-end cars to the ultimate golf clubs to elegant yachts.

The sleek, modern look of carbon fiber makes it an ideal material for luxury goods of any type.

Carbon Fiber for All Your Needs

Carbon fiber is incredibly versatile and strong. Manufacturers use it to produce a wide range of products ranging from large airplane fuselages to sunglasses.

In the creation of a new product, the manufacturer will put together a carbon fiber design plan to ensure the final product meets all the customer’s requirements.

SMI Composites uses advanced curing and molding methods to suit a wide range of products. We also produce our own tools for unmatched quality control: a capability that not all carbon fiber product manufacturers offer. The result is exceptional products for the customer.

Contact us today for a quote or more information.

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