CARBON FIBER - the essentials & know the weaves

CARBON FIBER

  • Carbon Fiber crystal structure diagram

    Creation

    The creation of a single strand of Carbon Fiber involves multi, sophisticated, mechanical and chemical processes. It is not simple and consequently time consuming and expensive. It starts with a precursor, then spinning, stabilizing, carbonizing, surface treatment and sizing, At each stage manufacturers can add their guarded, proprietary techniques, design and additives.

  • Comparison of different weaving patterns: plain weave, 4-harness satin, 5-harness satin, 8-harness satin, and twill, showing carbon woven fabric structures.

    Weave

    Manufacturers combine single strands of carbon fiber strands into bundles which are called tows. These tows are rated according to their numerical filament content. For example, a 3K tow contains 3,000 carbon filament. The tows are then woven into a carbon fiber fabric with distinct weaves and individual characteristics. The most common weaves found in motorsports are plain, twill and harness satin.

  • Image of a FIA testing rig for a carbon fiber helmet

    Properties

    Carbon Fiber is renowned for its high strength to volume ratio. Depending on the orientation of the fiber, a carbon fiber composite can be stronger in a certain direction or equally strong in all directions. A small piece can withstand an impact of many tons and still deform minimally. The complex interwoven nature of the fiber makes it very difficult to break. Carbon Fiber has more to offer than weight-saving.

  • Detail carbon fiber helmet with its weave

    Bell Racing Carbon Satin Weave

    This distinctive satin weave is used on Bell’s Pro Racer RS7C LTWT helmet. Other helmets offer different weaves with a gloss finish

  • A carbon fiber helmet illustrating its weave pattern

    Zamp RZ-800 with the plain weave

    The new RZ-88O and RZ-88C Super Helmets comply with the Advanced FIA 8860-2018 safety standard.

  • Illustration of the carbon fiber weave on a Stilo helmet.

    Stilo Carbon with the twill weave

    Stilo ST6 Carbon helmets are offered in a GT or FN style - and all have a gloss finish.

    https://www.stilohelmets.com/blog/post/why_weight_matters_when_choosing_a_racing_helmet/

    FIA or SA2020

  • Illustration of the back of a FIA carbon fiber racing seat

    Pro-race cars are delivered with carbon fiber seats

    Carbon fiber significantly reduces the seats weight, yet will more than double the price of the seat.

  • Sparco kart rib protector

    Brands will often offer a carbon fiber alternative

    However, check that the carbon fiber is not a replica, and not just being used as a decorative finish

  •  G-Force Racing Gear carbon fiber helmet back

    Is it a true quality, carbon fiber helmet?

    Check all before you buy. The carbon weave can be top layer only; a carbon composite; heavy gel, weave defects