Carbon fiber has been around for more than 150 years. However, during the last half-century, there have been many innovations in the process used for manufacturing parts. This has made carbon fiber one of the most common building materials used today.
Carbon fiber is used in the construction, aerospace, and automotive industries. It is especially useful for making strong, light parts, including fenders.
This article lays out the basics of carbon fiber fenders. It also covers the many advantages these products can bring. Keep reading to learn more.
What Is Carbon Fiber?
Carbon fiber is a material made from polycrylonitrile (PAN) or rayon that undergoes various treatments to purify it. The main one is carbonization. This heats the material to a very high temperature, removing all of the non-carbon elements and leaving carbon atoms behind.
The next step is oxidation. This involves exposing the material to oxygen, also at very high temperatures. This further improves strength and stability.
The final step is forming the carbonized material into thin filaments, or fibers. These usually measure no more than 5 to 10 micrometers in diameter. They are bundled together and then woven into sheets of fabric.
What Are the Advantages of Carbon Fiber?
There are many advantages of carbon fiber, including great design flexibility. You can easily mold it into intricate patterns that would be unachievable with other materials.
Next, carbon fiber is very strong and stiff. It can hold up well under stress and impact. It is also resistant to corrosion from moisture or harsh chemicals.
Carbon fiber parts also have a very high strength-to-weight ratio. That means can be as strong as steel, while only weighing a fraction.
Benefits of Carbon Fiber Fenders
Fuel efficiency standards have more than doubled in the last 50 years. That, of course, has much to do with the development of more efficient engines, including electric ones.
But that is not the entire story. It also has a lot to do with the ability of manufacturers to decrease the weight of vehicles. In fact, only a 10 percent reduction in a vehicle’s weight can result in a 6 to 8 percent boost in fuel economy.
The challenge is doing so without sacrificing safety. This is where materials like carbon fiber come in. It is useful in reducing the weight of various types of auto parts.
Carbon fiber is much lighter than steel or aluminum but can provide the same level of strength and durability. It is also corrosion- and heat-resistant. This is particularly advantageous for vehicles that are daily exposed to the elements.
Carbon fiber fenders (and other replacement car parts) can have distinctive woven patterns. This can bring a unique aesthetic to fenders that other materials–including metals–cannot produce.
Learn More About Carbon Fiber Fenders for Your Business
Now that you understand the basics of carbon fiber fenders, you can determine if they are the right option for your project. A qualified carbon fiber manufacturer can further advise you on the best materials and production processes available.
At SMI Composites, we offer a complete solution: from design and engineering to customized tooling of carbon fiber materials for each project. This allows clients to be involved in every step of the production process. Contact us today for a free quote or to discuss the types of auto parts we make.
