The carbon fiber industry is projected to grow from an estimated value of 3.7 billion dollars to 8.9 billion by 2031. That’s over double within a decade!
Carbon fiber composites were quite expensive and associated mostly with the aerospace and automobile industry. Therefore, now they are becoming widely used, this is in part due to the emergence of cost-effective methods for manufacturing them.
If you’re looking to start your career in a promising industry, carbon fiber compositing is the place to be. Still not sure? Keep reading to learn more about carbon fiber composites and how they’re changing the world.
What Is Carbon Fiber?
Carbon fiber is a long chain of carbon atoms bonded together. This long chain of carbon is extremely durable, being stronger than steel, but weighing five times less.
On top of this, carbon fiber is resistant to chemicals, has a very low expansion rate when heated, and can endure extreme temperatures. Carbon fiber can combine with other materials to create composites.
Applications
Carbo fiber and carbon fiber composites are used in a variety of ways, below are just a few of the many applications.
- Aircraft like planes, drones, rockets, and even space shuttles have components made of carbon fiber composites.
- MRIs and X-Rays require carbon fiber tables for patients to lay on as other metals interfere with imaging. Prosthetics and medical implants made with carbon fiber work well with biological organs as they do not irritate them as some metals do.
- Sporting goods like tennis rackets, golf clubs, fishing poles, bats, and helmets use carbon fibers.
- High-performance automobiles such as Formula 1 cars, race cars, and advanced service vehicles use this material to achieve efficient results.
- Military applications are found for personal gear, vehicles, and surveillance equipment.
Manufacturing Methods
Autoclave Curing
An autoclave is a tool that uses high pressure and temperature levels to create high-quality carbon fiber components that do not have air voids. Therefore, this is good for creating large, high-quality components.
Out of Autoclave Curing
Out of autoclave curing or OOA methods use less pressure and less heat in the process. Therefore, the method becomes more efficient and cost-effective, but often viewed as being less than perfect compared when using Autoclaves. This method works well for creating smaller more detailed components.
Bladder Molding
This method uses an inflatable bladder and a mold. Sheets of the composite wrapp around the bladder which then inserts into the desired mold. Then, the bladder inflates and the composite material heats until conformed with the mold.
Compression Molding
Composite materials place inside the mold which creates high temperatures inside the oven. Then, large amounts of pressure exerts on the mold to ensure the composite forms properly.
Cast Molding
Cast molding works similarly to bladder and compression molding. Heat and a carbon fiber cast create a component.
The Carbon Fiber Composite Industry
If you’re looking for new opportunities in manufacturing and you have what it takes to work with the latest carbon fiber technology, check out SMI and begin your journey in a growing industry.
So, if you need a manufacturing partner for building with carbon fiber composites, SMI has your back. SMI provides numerous manufacturing services and composite products all while delivering quality service.
