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How To Choose Carbon Fiber Fabric?

Views: 0     Author: Site Editor     Publish Time: 2025-10-14      Origin: Site

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Choosing the right carbon fiber fabric is essential if you want to achieve the best performance, appearance, and production efficiency in your composite projects. Each application has its own structural and aesthetic requirements, so the fabric you choose directly affects the strength, weight, and durability of your final product.

At Jlon, we understand that every detail matters. That’s why we provide a full range of carbon fiber fabrics designed to meet your exact needs — whether you’re optimizing for stiffness, flexibility, surface finish, or process efficiency. Our materials help you achieve superior results while keeping your production precise and consistent.


Carbon fiber fabric



Understanding the Differences

Different types of carbon fiber fabrics vary in fiber orientation, weave pattern, resin compatibility, and mechanical properties.
By understanding these distinctions, you can select the most suitable material for your project’s performance and appearance goals.

Below, Jlon presents a detailed guide to the main types of carbon fiber fabrics and practical tips on how to choose the right one for your specific application.



1. Woven Carbon Fiber Fabric


Woven Carbon Fiber Fabric


Overview:
Woven carbon fiber fabrics consist of interlaced warp and weft fibers, providing balanced strength in two directions and excellent dimensional stability.
Common weaves include:


Plain weave: tight, stable structure with a fine pattern

Twill weave: flexible, smooth surface with a distinctive diagonal appearance

Satin weave: soft and drapable, suitable for complex shapes


Technical Data:

Fiber Type: T300 / T700 / T800

Areal Weight: 200–300 gsm

Thickness: 0.25–0.35 mm

Width: 1000–1250 mm

Resin Compatibility: Epoxy, Vinyl Ester, Polyester


Mechanical Properties:

Tensile Strength: 3500–4900 MPa

Elastic Modulus: 230–245 GPa

Density: 1.76 g/cm³


Processing Method:

Suitable for hand lay-up, vacuum infusion (VARTM), and RTM

Works well on flat or moderately curved molds


Recommended Applications:
Automotive body parts, sports equipment, drone shells, molds, and decorative panels.


Selection Tip:
Use plain weave for stability and twill weave when both flexibility and surface aesthetics are important.



2. UD (Unidirectional) Carbon Fiber Fabric


UD Carbon Fiber Fabric


Overview:
UD fabrics align all fibers in one direction, maximizing strength and stiffness along that axis. They are ideal for reinforcing parts subjected to directional loads.


Technical Data:

Areal Weight: 150–300 gsm

Thickness: 0.2–0.35 mm

Fiber Alignment Accuracy: High


Mechanical Properties:

Tensile Strength (0°): 4000–4900 MPa

Modulus: 230–240 GPa

Elongation: 1.5–2.0%


Processing Method:

Suitable for prepreg, pultrusion, and vacuum infusion

Often layered in alternating 0°/90° orientation for structural balance


Recommended Applications:
Aerospace structures, wind turbine blades, UAV arms, and structural reinforcement panels.


Selection Tip:
Choose UD fabric when load direction is clearly defined and maximum directional stiffness is required.



3. Carbon Fiber Kevlar Cloth


Carbon Fiber Kevlar Cloth


Overview:
Hybrid fabric combining carbon fiber (for stiffness) and Kevlar aramid fiber (for toughness), offering a balance between strength, impact resistance, and durability.


Typical Ratio: 50% Carbon + 50% Kevlar
Common Colors: Black/yellow, black/red, black/blue


Technical Data:

Areal Weight: 200–280 gsm

Thickness: 0.3–0.4 mm

Density: 1.5–1.6 g/cm³


Mechanical Properties:

Up to 40% higher impact resistance compared to pure carbon fabric

Excellent tear and abrasion resistance


Processing Method:

Compatible with hand lay-up and vacuum infusion

Kevlar is non-conductive, suitable for insulation applications


Recommended Applications:
Motorcycle fairings, racing shells, protective gear, and abrasion-resistant panels.


Selection Tip:
Select Carbon Kevlar cloth when components require both lightweight strength and high impact resistance.



4. Carbon Spread Tow Fabric


Carbon Spread Tow Fabric


Overview:
Spread tow fabrics use flattened carbon fiber tows to create a lightweight, smooth weave with minimal crimp. This improves mechanical performance and surface finish.


Technical Data:

Areal Weight: 150–250 gsm

Thickness: ~0.2 mm

Width: 1000–1500 mm


Mechanical Properties:

10–15% higher tensile strength than standard woven fabrics

Excellent surface flatness and low resin consumption


Processing Method:

Suitable for vacuum infusion and autoclave curing

Produces high-gloss, aesthetic surface finishes


Recommended Applications:
High-end automotive panels, drones, electronics housings, and sports products.


Selection Tip:
Ideal for projects that demand both high performance and premium appearance.



5. Color Carbon Fiber Fabric


Color Carbon Fiber Fabric


Overview:
Color carbon fiber fabric incorporates colored fibers or coatings into carbon fiber fabrics, combining mechanical strength with decorative appeal.


Coloring Methods:

Colored fiber blending

Metallic coating

Transparent surface films


Common Colors: Red, blue, silver, gold, green, and more


Performance Features:

Excellent UV resistance and color stability

Durable surface finish without fading


Recommended Applications:
Decorative panels, consumer electronics, automotive interiors, and design products.


Selection Tip:
Best choice for aesthetic or branding-oriented applications where visual impact matters.



6. Carbon Fiber Fabric Prepreg


Carbon Fiber Fabric Prepreg


Overview:
Prepreg carbon fiber fabric is pre-impregnated with a controlled amount of resin, offering superior strength, precision, and consistency.


Technical Data:

Resin System: Epoxy / BMI / Cyanate Ester

Resin Content: 35–40%

Glass Transition Temperature (Tg): 120–180°C

Curing Conditions: 120°C / 2h or 135°C / 1h


Processing Method:

Must be stored in low temperature (freezer)

Requires autoclave, compression molding, or oven curing

Excellent fiber-resin ratio control


Recommended Applications:
Aerospace parts, racing car chassis, bicycle frames, and high-performance UAVs.


Selection Tip:
Choose prepreg for precision-engineered, high-strength components where performance consistency is critical.



7. Multiaxial Carbon Fiber Fabric


Multiaxial Carbon Fiber Fabric


Overview:
Multiaxial fabrics are non-crimp laminates with fibers oriented in multiple directions (0°, 90°, ±45°).
They provide multi-directional reinforcement and superior fatigue resistance.


Technical Data:

Configuration: Biaxial / Triaxial / Quadraxial

Areal Weight: 300–600 gsm

Thickness: 0.4–0.8 mm


Mechanical Properties:

Balanced strength in multiple directions

Excellent fatigue and delamination resistance


Processing Method:

Ideal for large-scale vacuum infusion and RTM processes


Recommended Applications:
Wind turbine blades, yacht hulls, bridges, and heavy structural components.


Selection Tip:
Select multiaxial fabric for large structures requiring balanced load distribution.



Comparison Table


Fabric Type

Structure

Key Strengths

Recommended Applications

Woven Fabric

Bidirectional weave

Balanced strength

Automotive, sports goods

UD Fabric

Unidirectional

Maximum stiffness in one direction

Aerospace, reinforcement

Carbon Kevlar

Hybrid

Impact and abrasion resistance

Protective components

Spread Tow

Flat tow weave

Lightweight, smooth finish

Automotive panels

Color Fabric

Colored fiber blend

Decorative and strong

Design and consumer products

Prepreg

Resin pre-impregnated

High precision and consistency

Aerospace, racing

Multiaxial

Multi-directional layers

All-directional strength

Marine, structural parts



Conclusion


Selecting the right carbon fiber fabric means understanding how each type supports your project’s goals — whether you prioritize stiffness, flexibility, impact resistance, or visual appeal.
With Jlon, you don’t have to decide alone. Our experts help you evaluate material options, processing methods, and mechanical requirements, ensuring your composite solutions deliver top performance and long-term reliability.
From aerospace to automotive, Jlon is your trusted partner in advanced carbon fiber technology.

the Differences of carbon fiber fabrics


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