Since we are on the Carbon Fiber Topic, here is some more information I'll share. For no particular reason other than I think it helps understand the 2 different types. Just some things I have read I thought helped explain ....
Dry Carbon Fiber is made by impregnating carbon fiber fabrics with a controlled amount of resin, usually epoxy or phenolic, in a factory setting. The resin is partially cured to allow easy handling and storage. The prepreg material is then cut into sheets or rolls and stored in a cooled area to prevent complete curing. Prepreg carbon fiber requires an oven or autoclave to cure fully and form the final composite part.
Dry Carbon Fiber has several advantages over Wet Carbon Fiber, such as:
- Higher fiber-to-resin ratio, resulting in better mechanical properties and lighter weight
- Better control over resin content and distribution, resulting in consistent quality and performance
- Less waste and environmental impact, as excess resin is removed during the impregnation process
- Cleaner and safer working environment, as resin exposure is minimized
Wet Carbon Fiber is made by applying resin to dry carbon fiber fabrics by hand or machine in a mold. The resin can be epoxy, polyester, or vinyl ester. The wet lay-up process involves placing the resin-coated fabrics into a mold and removing air bubbles with a roller or a brush. The resin transfer molding (RTM) process involves injecting resin into a closed mold that contains dry fabrics under pressure. The wet carbon fiber is then cured at room temperature or with heat.
Wet Carbon Fiber has some advantages over prepreg carbon fiber, such as:
- Lower cost, as wet lay-up and RTM processes use cheaper materials and equipment
- More flexibility, as wet lay-up and RTM processes can accommodate complex shapes and large parts
| Application | Dry Carbon Fiber | Wet Carbon Fiber |
| Aerospace | Airframes, wings, propellers | Fuselage panels, interior components |
| Automotive | Body panels, chassis, spoilers | Bumpers, hoods, fenders |
| Sports | Bicycles, golf clubs, tennis rackets | Kayaks, surfboards, helmets |
| Medical | Prosthetics, orthotics, implants | Wheelchairs, braces, splints |
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