Carbon Fiber Multiaxial Weaves
Carbon fiber multiaxial weaves are used in a variety of industries because of their strength, stiffness, and light weight. They are used to make components and products across a wide spectrum of applications, including aerospace, defense, marine, industrial and medical.
Carbon fiber is used to create a high-strength material with a light weight, thanks to its strong and rigid nature as well as its energy absorption and resistance to cracking. Carbon fiber multiaxial weaves are created when multiaxes of continuous carbon filaments are interwoven together, creating a fabric-like material. This fabric is then aligned in multiple directions and the appropriate resin is placed within it. This process allows the composite material to gain strength and stiffness.
The multiaxial weave offers a great number of advantages, from its automated-processing capabilities to its appealing looks and great strength-to-weight ratio. The multiaxial weave can support a higher load per unit weight when compared to other types of fabrics or tapes. Also, because of the continuous fibers in its structure, the multiaxial weave offers a more homogeneous load distribution.
The multiaxial weave is available in a variety of forms and shapes, such as triaxial (three axis) and unidirectional (ONE AXIS). With the triaxial structure, two layers of fibers are orthogonally arranged and form a sandwich-type structure. The unidirectional fiber uses the same resin infusion process but in a single direction. The veiling techniques vary from manufacturer to manufacturer, with the most common being combination techniques where the uni-axially infused fibers are combined with the multiaxially infused fibers.
The multiaxial weave is usually combined with thermosetting resins to create a thermoset composite material, as this ensures maximum strength and toughness as well as temperature stability. This combination allows for finite control over the grades and makes the material quickly available after curing.
Carbon fiber multiaxial weaves are used in a range of industrial applications. The aerospace and defense industries have been the main users of these materials, primarily due to the increased strength and weight properties of the composite material. The multiaxial weave is also used in the maritime industry, primarily for the production of propellers, boat hulls and decks, as well as for seacraft repair and maintenance. For these industries, the multiaxial weave is also used as a protective coating for components to prevent weather corrosion.
Carbon fiber multiaxial weaves are also commonly used in medical applications, mostly for the production of prosthetic braces and medical implants. The combination of lighter weight and increased strength makes the material ideal for medical use and ensures maximum patient comfort and safety.
The production process of carbon fiber multiaxial weaves is very simple and cost-effective, often done in automated processes in industrial plants. The process requires skill and practice, but with modern machines, it is possible to manufacture quality products in a short time and with consistent results.
In conclusion, carbon fiber multiaxial weaves are used across different industries – aerospace, defense, industrial, marine and medical – with the main focus being on their light weight and increased strength properties. These materials are cost-effective to manufacture and offer a great combination of strength and lightness, making them ideal for various applications. Thanks to their automated processing capabilities, they are also highly efficient, allowing for rapid and consistent production.
