Carbon fibre has become one of the most sought-after materials in engineering, aerospace, automotive, and even consumer products. With a strength-to-weight ratio unmatched, along with a super-cool aesthetic, it is considered a "wonder material." Inevitable myths and misconceptions accompany the ever-increasing popularity of carbon fibre material.
From its cost and durability to its applications in manufacturing, carbon fibre has numerous myths surrounding it. In this blog post, we are going to debunk myths about carbon fibre and help you understand what carbon fibre really can do and what it cannot.
Myth 1: Carbon fibre is fragile
Probably the most common misconception about carbon fibre is the idea that it is fragile due to its ability to shatter or crack when overloaded. Carbon fibre behaves differently from metals when subjected to extreme stress; however, labeling carbon fibre as fragile is misleading.
While carbon fibre is very strong under tension and extremely stiff, it does not deform to failure like metals. This does not mean that carbon fibre is weak; it just fails differently. If a carbon fibre structure is well-engineered, it can surpass the tensile strength and durability of steel and aluminum.
Myth 2: Exceptional Price, Everyday Use
Not too long ago, carbon fibre was a luxury material still found in high-end aerospace and racing applications. As manufacturing advantages and demand continued to grow, the costs of carbon fibre have steadily decreased. Now, whether it's bicycles, laptop cases, drones, or furniture, carbon fibre can be found in everyday products.
While carbon fibre is still considered a high-end material, it's more cost-effective than plastic or aluminum. However, its longevity and justifiable performance often outweigh the price tag. Furthermore, the weight savings can lead to energy savings in transportation, either in vehicles or aircraft, which can offset upfront costs.
Myth 3: Carbon fibre cannot Be Machined or Cut
Another common misconception is that once you make an item using carbon fibre, it can't be altered. When it comes to carbon fibre, sheets or plates are easily machined. However, this requires specialised tools for machining carbon fibre.
For example, if you need a Carbonplatte bearbeiten (carbon plate), there are a few key considerations to keep in mind, such as using diamond-coated tools and utilising a built-in dust collection system for added safety. Most machining is done with specialised CNC Machines used in an industrial capacity for Precision cutting without fraying or delamination.
Myth 4: There's No Customisation of Carbon fibre
Most people believe that carbon fibre is offered in a standard weave and can't be customised for specific shapes and designs. In reality, carbon fibre can be one of the most flexible materials in all of composites. Carbon fibre can be molded, layered and shaped to fit complex structures.
Furthermore, processes such as carbonplatten fräsen (milling carbon plates) enable fabricators to create carbon fibre plates that can be customised to requested shapes and tolerances, making them usable for a wide range of applications, from drone frames to prosthetics.
The Bottom Line
Carbon fibre is not magic, but it is essentially magical. Carbon fibre is not necessarily a solution for every engineering problem, but dismissing it due to outdated myths does a disservice to the product and its amazing possibilities. With correct design, machining, and application, carbon fibre is a lightweight, tough, and customisable material that can offer solutions across multiple industries. Understanding the facts enables engineers, designers, and consumers to unleash the true potential of carbon fibre.