Carbon Reference

How carbon fiber is made, used, and repaired

Carbon Fiber Manufacturing Processes

Carbon Fiber Prepreg Inspection: Before Layup

Check carbon-fiber prepreg identity, exposure history, visible defects and handling behavior, then choose the tests needed for material acceptance.

By Elias Berg · 5 November 2026 · 5 min read

Latest

Carbon Fiber Part Design And Fabrication

Composite Layup: Planning and Assembling the Laminate

Plan a composite layup by load direction, ply order and geometry, then assemble, consolidate and inspect the laminate without losing those controls.

Carbon Fiber Material Comparisons

Carbon Fiber Density vs Aluminum: Compare the Laminate

Compare carbon-fiber and laminate density with 6061 aluminum, calculate equal-volume weight savings, and see how thickness changes the result.

Carbon Fiber Manufacturing Processes

Chopped Carbon Fiber: Properties, Processing and Uses

Understand chopped carbon fiber, how length and sizing affect performance, where molding and printing fit, and what to specify before buying.

Carbon Fiber Part Design And Fabrication

Fusion Splicer: Why It Won’t Repair Carbon Fiber

What a fusion splicer does, why it cannot repair carbon-fiber laminates, and how optical splicing differs from composite bonding and welding.

Carbon Fiber Fabrics And Weaves

Carbon Fiber Weaves: Plain, Twill, Satin and Alternatives

Compare carbon fiber weaves by drape, handling and fiber direction. See when plain, twill, satin, spread tow, UD or non-crimp fabric fits your layup.

Carbon Fiber Manufacturing Processes

Carbon Fiber Manufacturing: Choosing a Part Process

Compare carbon fiber manufacturing routes and identify the fiber, resin, layup, cure and inspection controls a finished composite part needs.

More articles

Carbon Fiber Resins And Epoxies

Pressure Pot for Resin: Uses, Selection and Carbon-Fiber Limits

Choose a pressure pot for resin by working pressure, mold clearance and cure time. Learn why pressure casting is not vacuum bagging or autoclave curing.

Carbon Fiber Resins And Epoxies

Molds for Epoxy Resin: Choose by Process, Heat, and Release

Choose silicone, sheet-built, composite, or metal epoxy molds by casting depth, cure temperature, finish, release geometry, vacuum, and production volume.

Carbon Fiber Fabrics And Weaves

Plain Weave Carbon Fiber: Selection and Layup Guide

Choose plain weave carbon fiber by load direction, drape, fiber grade, areal weight, sizing and process—not by its checkerboard appearance alone.

Carbon Fiber Fabrics And Weaves

Carbon Felt: Types, Uses and Selection

Choose carbon felt by precursor, heat treatment, atmosphere, density, purity, resistivity and surface state—not temperature rating alone.

Carbon Fiber Part Design And Fabrication

Modulus of Elasticity of Carbon Fiber: Fiber vs Laminate

Carbon fiber modulus ranges from about 230 to 588 GPa by grade, but laminate stiffness also depends on resin, fiber volume, orientation and geometry.

Carbon Fiber Colors And Finishes

Clear Carbon Fiber: Vinyl vs Resin vs Clearcoat

Distinguish decorative transparent vinyl from real carbon fiber under clear resin, then match wrapping, laminating or UV protection to the job.

Carbon Fiber Part Design And Fabrication

Carbon Fiber Joints: Types, Selection and Testing

Compare sleeves, clamps, inserts, bonded joints and bolted splices by load path, serviceability, failure modes and qualification evidence.

Carbon Fiber Material Comparisons

Carbon Fiber Fishing Rod: How to Choose by Technique

Match length, power, action, line and lure ratings to your technique, then compare measured weight, balance, components, warranty and price.

Carbon Fiber Resins And Epoxies

Fast Curing Resin: Cure Times, Uses and Limits

Pot life, tack-free, demold and full cure are separated, with temperature, batch mass and thickness kept visible for a defensible choice.

Carbon Fiber Resins And Epoxies

J-STD-001 Rules for Debris in Epoxy

The cited clause listings set no universal particle limit; use epoxy function, invoked revision, class, contract documents, and full requirements.

Carbon Fiber Buying Guides

How to Choose Carbon Fiber Bar Stock

Match round, square, and flat profiles to load direction; then compare fiber architecture, resin, tolerances, joints, machining, and dust controls.

Carbon Fiber Part Design And Fabrication

Carbon Fibre Propshaft: When It’s Worth the Cost

Mass reduction or extra critical-speed margin must solve a real need; check torque, RPM, balance, joints, heat, fitment and certification.

All 47 articles, newest first →