Carbon fiber is revolutionary and the benefits of the composite cannot be exaggerated. Qualitatively exceeding the properties of traditional materials in terms of structural strength and low weight, the composite is everywhere from aerospace to automation, orthopedic parts in the medical industry to outdoor equipment. Carbon fiber products are amazing and have proven their incredible properties in various uses. But there are also some applications which are often impractical as they do not necessarily benefit from carbon fiber’s incredible properties but can improve functionality with only the use of carbon fiber skin or layer. In this blog, let's explore carbon fiber skinning in detail.

What is Carbon Fiber Skinning?

Skinning or wrapping is the process of adding a thin layer of protective material. This is done to enhance the appearance of a product but also add certain protective properties depending on the material. As a wrapping technique, carbon fiber skinning deserves much more praise as the unique process produces distinctive results. The eye-catching deep black color and unique woven pattern have a special aesthetic appeal that many associate with high-quality or premium products. Beyond a mere cosmetic improvement, an added layer of protection and strength that only carbon fiber composite can offer. Carbon fiber veneer sheets are the go-to material for performing carbon fiber skinning.

Advantages of Carbon Fiber Skinning

Carbon fiber skinning is associated with two major advantages- cosmetic and functional.

Cosmetic purposes of carbon fiber skinning mean enhancing the look with rich black color and different types of bi-directional and uni-directional weaves along with matte, satin and glossy finish.

Carbon fiber skinning is also functional. The corrosion-resistant, rust-resistant and chemical-resistant properties added with the high strength-to-weight ratio make the perfect layer for various products and parts.

Industries that Use Carbon Fiber Skinning

Automotive Industry

Racing cars and high-performance vehicles have parts made of carbon fiber, especially the hood, bumpers and spoilers. However, other parts can do with just carbon fiber skinning. This is because the specific parts do not directly benefit from the properties of the composite or make sense in terms of cost-effectiveness. Car manufacturers or owners choose to use carbon fiber to give their vehicles a uniform and smooth look. Many choose to work on the car interiors to refine the sophisticated look.

Sports Industry

In the outdoor sports industry, carbon fiber skinning carbon fiber veneer adds strength, support and structural resistance to vital pieces. From skateboards to hunting parts, golf clubs to other equipment, carbon fiber products as well as layers of the composite providing functionality as well as aesthetics.

Similarly, orthopedic medical parts can benefit from carbon fiber skinning. The composite is now used in practical accessories such as helmets, wallets, phone cases, suitcases and other consumer goods.

Steps of Carbon Fiber Skinning

Step 1. Prep Work

Before carbon fiber skin is placed over a surface, it is first stripped down and ready for application.

Step 2. Base layer

For the carbon to adhere to the substrate below, a sticky resin base to allow the carbon to bond. To work with tricky contours and surfaces a vacuum is used.

Step 3. Carbon Application

Now the carbon fiber is carefully applied and left to cure. Special care is taken not to distort the weave. This is one of the most critical stages of the process.

Step 4. Resin Infusion

Multiple layers of resin are used on the apple carbon fiber to build a smooth finish and to set the carbon fiber properly.

Step 5. Trimming and Sanding

Once set, the composite needs to be trimmed to shape, and the resin is sanded down to give a smooth and uniform finish.

Step 6. Further Refinement

The process requires many stages of sanding and resin to obtain a good surface leveling.

Step 7. Curing

To ensure the part will stand the test of time, it needs to be cured for a set amount of time and temperature.

Step 8. Post Cure Prep

Once cured, the next step is to go forward with a UV-resistant clearcoat.

Step 9. Lacquering

To work on a proper finish, lacquering with clearcoat is done. This step ensures that the composite will stand up to UV rays.

Step 10. Final Inspection

Once the part has been finished in the lacquering department, flat, polish and seal with a high carnauba content wax.

Want to know more about the incredible material, explore NitPro Composites. A reliable name in the carbon fiber manufacturing industry, NitPro takes pride in the latest technology. The state-of-the-art equipment is used to manufacture carbon fiber sheets in various thicknesses, weaves, and finishes depending on the properties of the product and their uses. In addition, the product range includes rods, tubes, CNC parts, and even carbon fiber fabric. All products are available in a wide range and can also be customized according to requirements.

Source by- https://medium.com/@nitprocomposites/what-is-carbon-fiber-skinning-debb467ea193