Carbon Fiber, Specifications? Options

[Todd Enlund]

I want to make a few Carbon Fiber parts for my car... but I'm trying to decide on which fabric to purchase. Twill vs plain weave, weight, and tow size. I will be using the CF primarily for it's cosmetic value, so appearance is my primary concern. I believe that twill is my choice for weave, and I'd prefer as light a weight as possible... but I'm not sure what "tow size" is. I'm guessing that it has something to do with the size of the weave, and the heavier the cloth, the larger the tow. For example, 5.7oz cloth has a 3K tow, and 11oz cloth has a 6K tow. 5.7oz would be my preference, but I'm concerned that the weave may be smaller than I want as far as appearance goes, and I may be better off with 11oz.

Anyone have any experience, and can offer some advice?

I plan on vacuum bagging with epoxy resin.

[Sleepin]

Here are some fine examples of carbon fiber weave types.

[Todd Enlund]

Here are some fine examples of carbon fiber weave types.

Thanks, I'm familiar with the different weaves, but what this site tells me is that all they offer is 3K, so that makes me believe that it is the most popular. They also sell samples, so I might order a couple to compare.

I've considered the carbon/kevlar fabric as well... U.S. Composites has it in black/orange, which might work on my tangerine car...

[jd74914]

Here are some fine examples of carbon fiber weave types.

Thanks, I'm familiar with the different weaves, but what this site tells me is that all they offer is 3K, so that makes me believe that it is the most popular. They also sell samples, so I might order a couple to compare.

I've considered the carbon/kevlar fabric as well... U.S. Composites has it in black/orange, which might work on my tangerine car...

Watch out for Kevlar, you might have to deal with fuzzies if you go that route and they are supposed to be nasty (at least that's what I've heard from some composites engineers at PWC).