Known as “black gold” for its exceptional strength-to-weight ratio, carbon fiber is a top choice from aerospace to high-performance vehicles. For creating high-volume, precision custom carbon fiber parts, compression molding is a leading method. Here’s a simplified breakdown of the process for your carbon custom projects.
Step 1: Design & Mold Prep
Every custom carbon piece starts with a CAD design. A high-precision mold, typically steel or aluminum, is then created. Applying a release agent is a critical first step to ensure the final part demolds perfectly.
Step 2: Material Selection & Layup
The choice of material defines the part’s properties. Key options include:
Prepreg: Pre-impregnated fibers for top performance.
Sheet Molding Compound (SMC): A fiber “blanket” ideal for complex shapes.
Wet Layup: A manual process using liquid resin for cost-effective prototyping.
Layers of carbon fiber are then precisely cut and oriented in the mold to meet specific strength requirements for your carbon fiber parts.
Step 3: Molding & Curing
This is the core of the process. The mold is closed in a hydraulic press under high heat and pressure. This forces out air, compacts the fibers, and cures the resin, solidifying the part’s structure.
Step 4: Demolding
Once the cure cycle is complete, the new, rigid custom carbon fiber part is carefully removed from the mold.
Step 5: Post-Processing & QC
The demolded part is refined through trimming, drilling, and surface finishing. Rigorous quality checks, including visual inspection and dimensional measurement, ensure the custom carbon fiber parts meet the highest standards.
Why Choose Compression Molding?
This method is ideal for carbon custom manufacturing because it offers:
High Efficiency: Perfect for larger production runs.
Excellent Consistency: Produces repeatable, high-quality parts.
Superior Finish: Provides smooth surfaces on both sides.
Compression molding transforms raw materials into precise, high-performance components, making it a cornerstone technology for producing durable and complex carbon fiber parts.
