Shaun Evans

Hi,

Where are you guys getting your carbon plate (for reinforcement of bulkheads, etc.) from?

Aero65

My Feedback: (2)

Hey Shaun

My friend David showed me some carbon plate the other day that looked real good and he said he made it himself! He said that it was no big deal, just got some glass plates, mylar, epoxy, and carbon cloth.

Ill have to ask him the detals but, I think he just cut a bunch of cloth up and epoxied it on the mylar and used the plates to make the surfaces flat. Stuck it in the oven (low heat) and he had some plate. Looked real good too.. don't know if was pulling my leg or not, and im sure some of the composite experts might chime in here, but I don't think that it is too hard to do. To make super duper strength might be, as you have to be more carefull of the weave of the cloth and it orientation. But if you don't need the ultimate, it did not sound too hard to make.

Aloha Duke

dbarrym

My Feedback: (47)

Both CST (https://www.cstsales.com/Carbon/carbon-plate.htm) and ACP (http://www.acp-composites.com/acp-gp.htm) sell carbon plate, and you can also get from a number of "robot supply" shops online, such as http://www.robotcombat.com/marketplace_carbonfiber.html.

I make my own, much as Duke inferred. It is not hard to do but to get the best results you should use two thick pieces of tempered safety glass - at least 1/4" - not "regular" (cheap) and thin picture frame glass (it will break), and a good mold release. You don't need to post-cure (i.e. at higher temps, between 180 to 200 degrees), but it will increase strength (check your resin's data sheets). You can make hollow core, balsa core, mixed layups (CF/kevlar or glass), etc. to fit your specific need.

Barry

maxvertical

The guys at CST are really good to work with, don't think you can go wrong with that. Lots of online choices too. They are out of the SoCal area and have always shipped promptly.

CR

Shaun Evans

Hi,

Thanks, fellas! See you at CA Jets!

c/f

My Feedback: (1)

If you figure out how to vacuum bag it in an oven you could then be near Aerospace grade carbon plate. Static oven cure does not address trapped air and weakness generated from too much resin versus carbon ratio.

Autoclaved carbon process versus described above process is big differances in strength and weight, but that may not be usefull in your application just a point to consider the varying process versus costs and benefits from differant suppliers.

FWIW did you know Mcmaster Carr sell C/f plate stock????

GSR

My Feedback: (145)

Here are acouple with good selection and price. Dragon plate has some unique shapes. Scott
http://www.robotcombat.com/marketplace_carbonfiber.html
http://dragonplate.com/