The Definition Of Carbon Fiber Fabric, Applications And USES In The 3D Printing

（1）What Is carbon fiber fabric?

Carbon fiber fabric is made of carbon fiber yarn through a specific weaving process. The carbon fiber yarn itself is a high-temperature carbonized polyacrylonitrile (PAN) fiber or other organic fiber. This process removes non-carbon elements from the fiber, leaving the fiber mainly composed of carbon elements. Form high-strength and high-modulus carbon fibers.
Carbon fiber cloth because of its light weight, high strength, high modulus and excellent chemical stability. It has been widely used in many fields. These properties make CFRP useful for aerospace and automotive manufacturing. High-performance materials indispensable to industries such as sporting goods and building reinforcement and shipbuilding. For example, in aerospace. Carbon fiber cloth is used to make aircraft fuselages and wings. To reduce weight. Improved flight performance; In the field of automobile manufacturing. Carbon fiber cloth is used in the manufacture of the body and chassis. To achieve light weight and improve fuel efficiency.
The manufacturing process of carbon fiber cloth involves many links such as raw material preparation and spinning, carbonization and weaving, and post-treatment. First of all. Carbon fiber yarn is made from polyacrylonitrile and other organic fibers by spinning method. Then, the yarn is carbonized. To convert it into high-strength and high-modulus carbon fiber. The carbon fiber yarn is then woven into a cloth-like structure using a braiding machine. At last. Post-treatment of carbon fiber cloth. Such as coating or coating. To improve its surface properties and durability.

The history of carbon fiber cloth dates back to the late 19th century. Especially with the invention of Edison with carbon fiber as the filament incandescent lamp. Carbon fiber is beginning to enter people’s vision. In the 20th century, the commercial production of man-made fibers such as acetate fiber and viscose fiber provided the basis for the further development of carbon fiber. By the mid-1950s. William F. Abbott, an American, invented a way to improve the properties of carbon fibers. The properties of carbon fiber such as carbon density and hardness have been significantly improved.
As technology continues to advance. High-performance carbon fibers are beginning to be developed. In 1959, the United States UCC company produced a low modulus viscose based carbon fiber “Thornel-25”. The same year. Akio Shindo of the Osaka Institute of Industrial Testing in Japan invented PAN-based carbon fiber. These technological breakthroughs have laid the foundation for the production and application of carbon fiber cloth.
Carbon fiber cloth is a fabric made of carbon fiber yarn. It has the characteristics of light weight, high strength and high modulus. Aerospace and auto manufacturing. And sports goods and other fields indispensable high-performance materials. Today, the production and application of carbon fiber cloth has been relatively mature. Widely used in various industries. To achieve the purpose of lightweight and improve performance.

（2）What Are the Properties of carbon fiber fabric?

Carbon Fiber Fabric possesses a range of remarkable properties that make it a highly sought-after material in various industries. Here are the detailed explanations of its key properties:

• 1.Lightweight:

• Carbon fiber fabric has an extremely low density. It is significantly lower than common metal materials such as steel or aluminum. This lightweight property makes it ideal for applications where weight reduction is critical. Examples include aerospace components for aircraft and rockets. As well as the manufacture of car bodies and chassis. Lightweight not only improves product performance. Such as acceleration and processing. It also reduces energy consumption and operating costs.

• 2. High strength:

• Carbon fiber fabrics have extremely high tensile and bending strength. Even more than many traditional metal materials. This high strength makes it perform well under heavy loads and shocks. Resistance to breakage or damage. Therefore. Carbon fiber fabrics are ideal for applications that require long-lasting extreme conditions. Examples include racing cars and aerospace structures.

• 3. High modulus:

  Carbon fiber fabric has a high modulus of elasticity. It shows that it has high stiffness. This means that carbon fiber fabrics maintain the stability of their shape and size under external forces. Resist deformation. Its high modulus makes it excellent in applications where shape and structural stability are critical. For example, bridge support. Building structures and aerospace components.

• 4.Excellent Corrosion Resistance:

  Carbon fiber fabrics have excellent corrosion resistance. Resistant to acids and bases. And chemical attack by salt and other chemicals. This allows it to be used in a variety of harsh environments. Examples include Marine environments and chemical plants and oil fields. Its corrosion resistance prolongs its service life. Reduced maintenance and replacement costs.

• 5. High temperature resistance:

  Carbon fiber fabrics maintain good performance at high temperatures. No deformation. It doesn’t melt. This characteristic makes it suitable for a wide range of high temperature applications. Including aerospace vehicles. And thermal protection systems for automotive engine components and high temperature furnaces. The high temperature resistance of carbon fiber fabrics ensures reliable performance and safety in extreme environments.

• 6. Excellent electrical conductivity:

  Carbon fiber fabric has good electrical conductivity. Making it a potential candidate for use in specific electronic devices and components. For example, it can be used for electromagnetic shielding. As well as electrostatic protection and conductive coatings. In addition, the electrical conductivity of carbon fiber fabrics can be used to make batteries. As well as supercapacitors and other energy storage devices.

• 7.High Thermal Conductivity:

  Carbon fiber fabric has high thermal conductivity. It can transfer heat effectively. This property gives carbon fiber fabrics an advantage in heat dissipation applications. For example, radiators. Heat exchangers and heat pipes. High performance electronic devices that require efficient heat dissipation. As well as automotive engines and aerospace equipment. The thermal conductivity of the carbon fiber fabric ensures a stable temperature during long periods of operation.

• 8. Thin and light:

  Due to its thin and light characteristics. Carbon fiber fabrics can provide additional strength and stiffness to structures without adding significant weight or volume. This property makes carbon fiber fabrics ideal for applications where lightweight is Paramount while maintaining structural integrity. For example in sports equipment. Marine ships and building reinforcement.

• 9. Easy to install:

  Carbon fiber fabric is easy to install. No need for large machinery, wet work. Welding or field fixing facilities. This allows for fast and flexible deployment during installation. In addition, carbon fiber fabrics are highly processable. Allows cutting, bonding and curing. To meet various engineering requirements. This ease of installation makes carbon fiber fabric a reinforcement and repair project. As well as a popular choice for building retrofits and temporary structural Settings.

（3）What Are Different Types of carbon fiber fabric?

Different types of carbon fiber fabric can be classified based on various criteria. Here are some of the key classifications with relevant details:

• 1. By Fiber Direction:

  Plain Weave Carbon Fiber Fabric: Fibers are woven in horizontal and vertical directions, forming a grid pattern. This type is commonly used for applications requiring high strength and stiffness.
  Twill Weave Carbon Fiber Fabric: Fibers are woven at a 45-degree angle, providing better flexibility and scratch resistance. It is suitable for applications with curved or complex shapes.
  Non-Crimp Fabric (NCF): Fibers are randomly oriented, providing excellent conformability and drapability. NCFs are used in composite laminates for aerospace, automotive, and other industries.

• 2. By Fiber Weight:

  Lightweight (200g/m² or less): Suitable for applications requiring lightweight structures, such as aerospace models and components.
  Medium Weight (200-300g/m²): Commonly used in automotive, marine, sports equipment, and building materials.
  Heavyweight (300g/m² and above): Ideal for applications requiring high strength and rigidity, such as racing car parts and high-strength components.

• 3. By Carbonization Difference:

  Graphitized Carbon Fiber Fabric: Able to withstand temperatures up to 3,000°C. Used in high-temperature applications.
  Carbon Fiber Fabric: Typically able to withstand temperatures around 1,000°C. Widely used in various industries.
  Pre-Oxidized Carbon Fiber Fabric: Capable of enduring temperatures between 200°C and 300°C. Less commonly used.

• 4. By Textile Type:

  Woven Carbon Fiber Fabric: Includes plain weave, twill weave, and satin weave. Used for various applications based on their properties.
  Knitted Carbon Fiber Fabric: Provides flexibility and conformability. Used in applications requiring complex shapes.
  Braided Carbon Fiber Fabric: Offers high strength and stiffness in a specific direction. Commonly used in cables and ropes.

• 5. By Carbon Fiber Type:

  PAN-Based Carbon Fiber Fabric: The most common type, accounting for over 90% of the market. Used in various applications due to its excellent properties.
  Rayon-based carbon fiber fabric: Less common. But has specific properties suitable for certain applications.
  Pitch-based carbon fiber fabric: Used in specialized applications requiring high modulus and thermal conductivity.

• 6. By Fiber Count:

  1K, 3K, 6K, 12K, 24K, etc. Carbon Fiber Fabrics: Denoted by the number of filaments per tow. Higher numbers indicate thicker fabrics with increased strength and stiffness.
  These are some of the main carbon fiber fabric types classified according to different standards. The choice of carbon fiber fabric type depends on the specific application requirements. Such as strength and weight. And high temperature resistance and compliance.

（4）What Are the Different Advance Applications of carbon fiber fabric?

Carbon fiber fabric, due to its excellent properties such as high strength, high modulus, high temperature resistance, and corrosion resistance, has numerous applications in various fields.  Here are some advanced applications of carbon fiber fabric, categorized by different industries:

• 1.Aerospace Industry:

• Space vehicle body and. And the rudder and the rocket engine housing. And the manufacture of missile fairing and other components. Application of carbon fiber fabric in aerospace industry. Effectively reduce the weight of the structure. Improved flight performance.

• 2.Sports Equipment Industry:

• Manufacturing auto parts and motorcycle parts. Fishing rod and baseball bat. Ski poles and boats. And sports equipment like tennis rackets. Carbon fiber fabric reduces weight at the same time. The strength and stiffness of the equipment are significantly improved. Meet the athletes to lightweight materials. And high strength requirements.

• 3.Industrial Sector:

• Manufacture engine parts and fan blades. As well as transmission shaft and electrical components and other products. The application of carbon fiber fabric in the industrial field improves the product performance. Extended service life.

• 4.Construction Industry:

• The building load increases and the use function changes. And reinforcement works when the material is aged or the concrete strength is lower than the design value. Carbon fiber fabric is used to treat structural cracks. Repair and protect parts in harsh environments. In particular, it shows excellent effect in seismic reinforcement. The adhesion of carbon fiber fabric to concrete surface significantly improves the bearing capacity and seismic performance of the structure.

• 5.Fire Protection Industry:

• Suitable for military and fire protection. And steel mills and other special professional production of high-grade fireproof clothing. The Class A fire resistance of carbon fiber fabrics provides increased safety for high-risk occupations such as firefighters.

• 6.Medical Device Industry:

• Carbon fiber fabrics are widely used in the manufacture of medical devices. Like bone braces and artificial joints and hospital beds. Biocompatibility and lightweight properties of carbon fiber fabrics. These make medical devices more comfortable and safe.

• 7.Other Fields:

• Carbon fiber fabrics in the automotive industry and the energy sector. It also has applications in Marine engineering and other fields. For example, in automobile manufacturing. Carbon fiber fabrics are used to make body structures. The engine cover. Doors and other parts. To achieve weight reduction and fuel efficiency.

（5）How Does 3D Printing in Aerospace Industry Used carbon fiber fabric To Create Different Part?

In the aerospace industry. 3D printing technology uses carbon fiber fabric to make various parts. This has resulted in significant improvements in design and performance. Carbon fiber fabric because of its high strength to weight ratio. Praised for its excellent stiffness and chemical resistance. When combined with 3D printing. These advantages will be further enhanced. Thus revolutionizing the manufacture of aerospace components.
By 3D printing. Carbon fiber fabrics can be used to make parts with complex geometrics. This is difficult to achieve with traditional manufacturing methods. Besides. The lightweight nature of carbon fiber makes it possible to produce more efficient components and improve the performance of aircraft.
In aerospace. 3D printing of carbon fiber fabrics is already widely used in engine nozzles. And the manufacture of key components such as satellite components and aircraft wings. These parts have excellent mechanical properties. It can be produced quickly. Reduce production cycles and costs.
Although the cost of high-performance 3D printers and carbon fiber materials is still relatively high. But with the continuous progress of technology and research. These costs are expected to come down. In the future, the combination of 3D printing technology and carbon fiber fabrics will play an increasingly important role in the aerospace industry. To drive continuous progress in aerospace design and manufacturing.