Learning
Understanding Carbon Fiber
Carbon Fiber is a lightweight yet extremely strong material, it's widely used in industries such as motorsport and aerospace. This page is dedicated to educate you on the different types of it and the qualities available.
Chapter 1
Types Of Carbon Fiber Processes
Pre-Preg Lay-Up
Also known as "Dry Carbon," pre-preg carbon fiber is manufactured by layering sheets of resin-impregnated carbon fiber into a mold and curing it with heat. This process results in the lightest and strongest possible outcome, making it the preferred choice for motorsports applications.
Vacuum Infusion
Vacuum-infused carbon fiber is created by placing dry carbon fiber fabric into a mold. A vacuum bag is then used to cover the part, allowing a vacuum to be formed. Resin is fed through a tube into the vacuum, fully saturating the fibers. Once the part is completely infused, it is clamped off and left to cure. This technique is commonly used for large automotive panels.
Wet Lay-Up
Wet-laid carbon fiber is made by placing dry fabric into a mold and manually applying resin using a brush or similar tool. Once the resin is applied, the part is left to cure. This cost-effective method is popular for cosmetic applications due to its lower entry cost and minimal skill requirements.
Compression Molding
Also known as "Forged Carbon Fiber," this process uses strands of carbon fiber placed into a compression mold with resin. Once the material is in place, it is compressed under high pressure within the mold and left to cure. Compression molding is ideal for high-volume production and is often used for structural and cosmetic parts.
Resin Transfer Molding
Also referred to as "RTM," this method involves placing dry carbon fiber fabric into a closed mold. Resin is then injected under pressure to saturate the material before it is left to cure. This process is excellent for creating parts with a flawless finish on both sides and is commonly used for precision components.
Chapter 2
Scams To Watch Out For
Fake Carbon Fiber
"Fake Carbon Fiber," also simply known as plastic, is a method some brands use to deceive their customers. Often, it is a plastic part with a printed texture resembling a 2x2 carbon fiber weave. Some parts are even covered in vinyl to mimic the appearance of woven or forged carbon fiber. Always verify the material to ensure authenticity.
Fiberglass Cores
These products may appear to have a real carbon fiber surface, but the structural part is not carbon fiber, but instead is fiberglass. Fiberglass is weaker, heavier, and less durable than true carbon fiber. While these parts may be slightly cheaper than authentic carbon fiber components, they are often overpriced for the lower quality they deliver.
Exaggerated Claims
Beware of advertisements and promises like "ultralightweight" at suspiciously low prices. Many of these parts compromise safety and durability by using less material or lower-quality carbon fiber. Always research the manufacturer’s claims to ensure you are purchasing reliable and high-performance parts.
How We Ensure Quality
At Carbon Pitstop, honesty is our top priority. We exclusively use 100% authentic carbon fiber to ensure every product delivers exceptional performance and aesthetics. Each item undergoes rigorous testing and quality checks to guarantee it meets and exceeds the expectations of our clients.
Always Make An Informed Decision
Whether you're upgrading your car for performance or aesthetics, understanding the materials is crucial. Reach out to us with any questions about our carbon fiber products and we'd love to answer any inquiries you might have.
