Laminate Sample #37: Vacuum Bagged Chopped Carbon / Epoxy

[@GrantOakes]

As I was watching this video I was making comments to myself, sort of a commentary, stating what difficulties you were going to have, and a few seconds later you'd state the EXACT SAME THING! I started laughing out loud. Sorry, but it was funny. This is a perfect example of where a void needs to be filled.

[@ExploreComposites]

It's funny to try to narrate these after they're done and edited and I know what's going to happen - or not happen. Probably not the best way but it's fast and I try to keep myself to only a few hours average per sample. Glad you weren't thinking to say something too different - means I must not be too far off!

[@fredygump5578]

This is interesting. It probably isn't the right thing for me, but I'd like to know more about how it is done and what it can be used for. The best example I found right away is a Lamborghini video that shows a process with pre-preg sheets stamped in a big press. (BTW, thanks for responding to my questions about a CNC routers and mold making. I went ahead and ordered a new ShopSabre 23.)

[@ExploreComposites]

Yeah this was really more of a subtle illustration of the pointlessness of using "forged" type composites for flat things! I am not super into using a less effective process to make things just because it looks neat. The stamping/compression molding is very interesting though - going to try to get into this in a video in the future. It bridges a gap between cast or machined metal and injection molded plastic that is pretty awesome!

[@ExploreComposites]

Good luck with the new router! I had a Shopsabre once and it was a great machine.

[@fredygump5578]

@@ExploreComposites I am interested to see your experiments! If this compression molding is even remotely close to plastic injection molding for cost over a short run, it is very intriguing! I might have a use for this! :)

[@garydeandeery]

Iv just had same problem on car front splitter. The fibre looked just like fiery did vac bag but still just dry and not all stuck. So going to sand if off and go again

[@cliffwalker8078]

It would have been interesting to see a stiffness comparison between similarly chopped glass and similar layup procedure. Dispersing resin evenly or evenishly might be done by drizzling resin as evenly as possible and then overlaying with peel ply or plastic sheeting and then roller squeegeeing.

[@ExploreComposites]

I'd like to play with this more and try to make it more consistent - this is a mess. I think infusion is going to be the best way though for anything that isn't going to be squished into a casting type geometry... Easy Composites has a great video that discusses the strength of chopped carbon. They include directional tow too which is a good idea.

[@davidcoupalbergeron2]

I wonder if the dust is dangerous like silicium and amiante

[@ExploreComposites]

It isn’t good! Cutting dry fiber in direct sunlight is always an eye-opener - lots of little glass or carbon “sparkles” floating around. Dust mask or respirator is a good choice. Not asbestos (amiante) level dangerous though.

[@iestihajarhanapi6728]

hi, is it electrical conductive plate? if no, then we can modify the epoxy with any other conductive material to enhance the conductivity ?

[@ExploreComposites]

I don't know - probably a little. There are additives that improve the conductivity of composites and make them more uniform - chopped carbon or metallic fibers/powder. I don't know much about this and have never tested it.

[@iestihajarhanapi6728]

What type of paper that u use to cover it before cover it in vacuum plastic ?

[@TWX1138]

They don't always turn out nice, but that's OK when you're teaching both yourself and the rest of us about what kinds of things lead to what particular results.

[@ExploreComposites]

I agree - this isn't about showing off - just showing! Fun to do too.

[@xkratosxxxx7426]

Out off curiosity where can I find rolls of CF like the one you have in this video ?? Please and thank you

[@ExploreComposites]

I got a bunch of rolls with some surplus material I bought. Sometimes shows up on ebay. Companies that manufacture it will sell it to you but probably not single rolls.

[@xkratosxxxx7426]

@@ExploreComposites awesome thanks for taking the time to get back at least. Just chop is ridiculously overpriced by the pound. I’ll keep looking 🤘🏼🙏🏼

[@domenicozagari2443]

Could have used a piece of plywood to squash it flat.

[@ExploreComposites]

Yes, with more pressure that would probably work well - like hydraulic press level pressure. With just a vacuum bag, I am pretty sure the fiber unevenness would not get spread out with the 14psi max that the bag/atmosphere will produce. I have tried this before in similar situations with less than ideal results... with a more uniform fiber like the recycled material in sample #47 a "caul plate" like you suggest would probably work well.

[@MontanaBallistics]

“See air through” lol. Light. A couple of tips, firstly you didn’t use nearly enough epoxy. Second, after you’ve gotten it uniform, don’t try to mash it down. Just put the first piece of plastic on top, then roll it out. Pick up the plastic and make sure you don’t see any air lol. If you do see through, put a few shreds on, place plastic back down and roll again. Repeat until uniform. THEN, vacuum seal.

[@ExploreComposites]

Air - didn't notice that - come to think of it, I see air everywhere! Your idea about squishing between plastic and checking for uniform coverage and adding more as needed is great! I've never made anything this way before and was really just playing around to see. All my "chopped carbon" stuff has been prepreg or infused/injected so you saw me being pretty clueless here. Your advice is always welcome - thank you!

[@09123188528]

dude , can you name all the matterial and data about them , those papers

[@ExploreComposites]

Not sure I understand… like datasheets?

[@BooshMcNasty]

You should have it inside of a form problem solved

[@ExploreComposites]

Yes, that would have helped. Most of my "chopped" fiber work has been with compression molding inside tooling so this was kind of a challenge to try to make a somewhat even plate. Didn't come out great, but shows the material and process a little.

[@DullPoints]

I love it!

[@carbonfibercreationswashin7213]

Must have been a big cat to cough that up. Jk