The technological progress is one of the attributes of human evolution that we can be proud of these days. Advanced engineering appears in sectors that are tech summits such as Formula 1 or aviation, and it is there where designs and developments are tested to verify whether or not their performance is applicable on a large scale. In this sense, carbon fiber is the cutting-edge material from which most of the mechanical parts that compose the main architecture of products in these industrial sectors are made.
Carbon fiber goes together with fiberglass within composite materials. These materials are distinguished by high mechanical strength and minimum specific weight. This excellent ratio in terms of mechanical properties is due to its structural composition in the form of braided threads.
Typically, carbon fiber is served in 0.13 mm thick sheets that are deposited and subsequently cured on the surface of the mold or die. That way, the carbon fiber and epoxy resin mixture is hardened and takes on the shape of the final part. Although this is cutting-edge technology, it is considered a craftsmanship process that is hard to see in other industries.
Here at Round Corner, we specialize in the design of carbon fiber components as well as in the development of the necessary patterns and molds for their manufacture. In addition, we can assist in the design and manufacture of aluminum direct tooling.
The following video shows how to manufacture a carbon fiber tube using a splitted mold:
Aston Martin F1 render by Fawaz Bukht Majmader.