Did you know carbon fiber is five times stronger than steel? Carbon fibers make up more than 90% carbon content. It is mainly known for its’ high tensile strength, high stiffness, and low density.
Due to its high strength and density, carbon fiber sheets have a wide variety of uses in the manufacturing world. It’s an ideal manufacturing product. So, what are some of the carbon fiber applications that utilize these properties?
Keep reading to learn five major manufacturing uses of carbon fibers.
1. Automotive Uses
Carbon fiber’s strength and durability make them valuable in the automotive industry. Therefore, car manufacturers use it in the construction of vehicle frames.
Mostly used on luxury cars such as the Mercedes-Benz. For instance, carbon fiber reduces vehicle weight by removing unnecessary metal pieces. This reduces fuel consumption and CO2 emissions.
Carbon fiber also makes vehicle manufacturing cheaper. Other materials like aluminum would significantly increase the production costs.
2. Décor and Interior Design
Designers can create new shapes and models using carbon fiber. This allows them to make innovative and functional decor items like watches.
Its strength makes it ideal for kitchen utensils and furniture elements.
Carbon fiber sheets are commonly used for making picture frames and light fixtures. The material has a unique look compared to other materials. It gives a modern, futuristic feel to rooms, without the harshness metal or glass brings.
3. Sporting Equipment
Many professional athletes use carbon fiber sheet in their sporting equipment. This includes helmets, golf clubs, bicycle frames, bicycle wheels, and others.
Carbon fiber application in sports is due to its lightweight.
It is lighter than metal, plastic, and wood. This makes it easier for athletes to carry their equipment. Athletes can therefore run faster, and swim farther.
Powered by carbon fiber, faster and stronger tennis racquets were made in 2015.
4. Carbon Fiber Sheets Use in Aerospace
Carbon fiber is widely used in the aircraft industry. The first successful use of carbon fiber in an aircraft was in 1940. This was done by Lockheed Corporation, who created a new model of the P-38 fighter plane.
In recent years, carbon fiber has reduced the weight of airplanes.
5. Military Equipment
Military-grade armor such as ballistic shields and armor use carbon fiber for production. They reinforce high-strength parts such as struts, doors, and cabins.
The US Department of Defense (DOD) has been using it for decades. When creating guns or knifes out of carbon fiber, they cut the desired shape out of the carbon sheet. The edges are then smoothed down to ensure safety and fit together nicely.
Finally, pieces are placed into the oven and baked at high temperatures until cured. Therefore, resulting with strong, lightweight pieces of equipment ready to be used.
Apply Carbon Fiber Technology
Manufacturers and entrepreneurs continue to research resourceful ways to use carbon fiber sheets. Rapid technological advancements will make it possible.
SMI Composites committs to manufacturing advanced composite materials like carbon fiber. We use autoclave manufacturing methods, which reduces costs. So, contact us today for more information on composite production.
