UNI-CARBON FIBER LAMINATES

ACP manufactures both unidirectional and woven fiber laminated sheets of carbon or fiberglass fibers cured with heat and pressure in an epoxy base. Laminates in widths from 1/4" through 1" have been Water Jet Cut to offer a smooth edge and a dimensionally accurate laminate. The unidirectional carbon fiber laminates are used to add stiffness to almost any material (ie fiberglass, foam, and balsawood). In all the unidirectional, laminates the fibers are oriented parallel to the length of each strip. To achieve maximun stiffness each strip should be installed with proper fiber orientation. For example, to reinforce a wing, the laminates should be placed lengthwise from root to tip on the top and bottom of the wing. Typical carbon fiber laminates have the following properties:

NOTE: All data generated at 0 degrees.

We offer laminates from .003" thick through .060" thick. The .003" or the .007" thick laminates CLX or CL1 are idealy suited for reinforcing lightweight structures such as free flight and electric aircraft. The .014" CL2 through the .060" CL6 thick laminates can be used to reinforce areas where higher loads are expected. For example, the .022" CL3 or the .030" CL4 thick laminate can be used to reinforce either built up or foam wing gliders approximately 100" in wing span or for jets and pylon racing aircraft that require greater stiffness and strength. The .045" CL5 and .060" CL6 thick laminate should be used where maximum strength in one direction is desired as in quarter or giant scale aircraft and formula one racers.

The laminates can also be used for a variety of other applications such as aircraft and rocket fuselages, surfboards, boat centerboards and guitar necks. The thinner laminates CLX - CLZ can easily be stripped by cutting lengthwise with a razor knife and a straight edge. These laminates can be taped to the cutting surface to prevent shifting under the straight edge. When thicker laminates are required, purchasing the exact size needed is recommended, since cutting the thicker laminates is difficult. Slow set CA or 5 minute epoxy adhesive can be used to bond the laminates. At least one side of the laminate has been purposely roughened to facilitate bonding to the substrate. If bonding to both sides of the CLX's or CL1's is required, the smooth side should be roughened up with sandpaper. The CL2's thru CL6's are roughened on both sides.

Tapered Laminates are available in single or double taper . Single tapered laminates taper from one end to the other, i.e. they are thick at one end and thin at the other. Double tapered laminates taper from the center out, i.e they are thick at the center and thin at both ends. The tapered laminates should be applied to the wing so that the thicker cross section is closer to the root where higher loads are generated.


Woven (bidirectional) laminates CLW are ideally suited for reinforcing the sides of fuselages, bulkheads, and especially trailing edges.


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