Jump to content

carbon parts - how to make them


rudi-h

Recommended Posts

I've been playing around with the idea of making something from carbon fibre, and maybe one day when i'm big i'd like to build my own frame.

 

Anybody have any experience of how to do it, where to buy the carbon and resin etc?

Link to comment
Share on other sites

where abouts are you? you can get from a place in Umbilo road (Durban). It's not too expensive, but you limited to the weight of cloth available in South Africa. Actually using the stuff is pretty simple, easier than fiberglass. what's important to know is that layers of carbon fibre don't "stick" together, which is why most manufacturers use vacuum systems, also the orientation of the fibre's make a big difference strength wise.. Loads of youtube videos, mostly for car parts but still the same. otherwise check out bruno's site here for how he built his carbon fibre bike

 

http://www.bmeres.com/images/carbonbike.jpg

 

and instructables. good luck.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

"Before wrapping, I perforated the tape with a pin over the whole surface. This squeezed out excess resin after wrapping."

 

that must've taken him forever!!

Link to comment
Share on other sites

"Before wrapping, I perforated the tape with a pin over the whole surface. This squeezed out excess resin after wrapping."

 

that must've taken him forever!!

 

not really, if you get injection needles, preferably as a 18 gauge, you should be able to push it to the core of the roll from the outside with a bit of force thus perforating the whole roll quickly

Link to comment
Share on other sites

where abouts are you? you can get from a place in Umbilo road (Durban). It's not too expensive, but you limited to the weight of cloth available in South Africa. Actually using the stuff is pretty simple, easier than fiberglass. what's important to know is that layers of carbon fibre don't "stick" together, which is why most manufacturers use vacuum systems, also the orientation of the fibre's make a big difference strength wise.. Loads of youtube videos, mostly for car parts but still the same. otherwise check out bruno's site here for how he built his carbon fibre bike

 

http://www.bmeres.com/images/carbonbike.jpg

 

and instructables. good luck.

 

the only thing i'm curious about is how did he remove the polystyrene from the inside of the finished frame, or was it just left there?

Link to comment
Share on other sites

i think he left it in there, added little in terms of weight but did improve stiffness i think

Link to comment
Share on other sites

the only thing i'm curious about is how did he remove the polystyrene from the inside of the finished frame, or was it just left there?

 

Sounds like it stayed in there :)

 

anyone know if someone has turned normal road rims into Carbon Deep Sections? How would one bond the Carbon to the Alloy rim?

Link to comment
Share on other sites

anyone know if someone has turned normal road rims into Carbon Deep Sections? How would one bond the Carbon to the Alloy rim?

Since it's non-structural, the epoxy resin would provide enough bond to keep it in place.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Where would one find, things like the drop outs and bb shell etc if you decided to build up a frame

Link to comment
Share on other sites

the only thing i'm curious about is how did he remove the polystyrene from the inside of the finished frame, or was it just left there?

 

The polystyrene can be removed by pouring acetone into the frame, which will dissolve the polystyrene. A jelly type substance will then pour slowly out of the frame. One just need to make sure that the resin or epoxy used is acetone resistent.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Where would one find, things like the drop outs and bb shell etc if you decided to build up a frame

 

I am sure there are a few broken frame lying around your LBS that they would be happy to part with for a few rand.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

just keep in mind that you can't bond metal direct to carbon fiber, you need a buffer of fiberglass or else you get corrosion at the joint.

 

@brad890 parts can be ordered from columbus tubing or henry james.

 

I'd love to build my own carbon frame but doubt it will happen any time soon. Am just finding this thread interesting.

 

and who knows maybe one day i might just build my own lol

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now
Settings My Forum Content My Followed Content Forum Settings Ad Messages My Ads My Favourites My Saved Alerts My Pay Deals Help Logout