New, and working with carbon fiber

[Central]

I've been learning how to create carbon fiber parts (from molds, or overlayed onto current pieces) for watercraft lately, and, having been one who's always wanted a good set of Mjolnir armor, I was considering trying to find molds to use. I'm not sure if carbon fiber (Painted over, of course) would work or not, but from my experience with it, it's incredibly light, and very strong - quite hard to break after the proper application of resin between layers.

What do you guys think?" Would a set of carbon fiber armor be worth trying to learn how to do?

 

[ventrue]

I see this is your first post, so, welcome to the 405th.

What you're talking about is basically what most people here do, except they use cheap glass fibres (in connection with polyester resin) instead of carbon fibres. Carbon may have certain advantages, but prop armour isn't really the most demanding application of fibre reinforced plastic and the price will heavily outweigh those advantages. Where I live, for example, glass fibre textile is five times cheaper than carbon. However, you can use any fibre and resin you like of course.

I suggest you look through the various tutorials on the topic. There are also FAQs that will help you with the terminology used around here and you may find Adam's introductory video informative as well.
Already being familiar with building plastic boats is certainly going to be an advantage for you, the process is quite similar. Probably this even easier, because the stresses imposed on a piece of armour are a joke compared to what a boat/bike/plane/car/whatever has to take. That's why you will find nobody here calculating the precise amount of fibres or aligning them right. Just put it in, it'll hold.

 

[Brandon McClain]

The difficulty with most Mjolnir molds, is that they are generally small, have many small intricate details. Not sure if you use vacuum bagging in the procedures you have used before, but the methodology that is currently widespread amongst us at the 405th makes it pretty much impossible to vacuum bag (although a positive pressure push to force out the resin might work). So it may be possible, but would be extremely difficult to lay the carbon fiber mesh in the molds and even more difficult to achieve the detailed clean results that you are looking for. That being said, if you can find a way to do it, more power to you! You would find yourself in a unique niche for certain!

 

[Central]

The intricate details are what certainly would get me, carbon fiber HAS gotten cheaper, but the issue is I don't know if I would be able to fit it into all the crevices required - if I even find a mold, that is.

 

[UNSC Leatherneck]

The intricate details are what certainly would get me, carbon fiber HAS gotten cheaper, but the issue is I don't know if I would be able to fit it into all the crevices required - if I even find a mold, that is.

You're probably going to have to fabricate the mold yourself. Most of the molds used are designed for casting with urethane plastic.

 

[Brandon McClain]

I may be able to send you something simple like a handplate mold to start with, but that wouldn't be for a while

 

[ventrue]

The intricate details are what certainly would get me, carbon fiber HAS gotten cheaper, but the issue is I don't know if I would be able to fit it into all the crevices required - if I even find a mold, that is.

Regardless of whether or not you can afford carbon fibre: It would be total overkill and unless you write "Carbon" onto the back of your suit, nobody will ever know the difference. It's your decision of course, but I personally think it's a waste of money. Better invest it in more material, some good tools or some ice cream and use glass fibres (the twill woven kind, not the fleece-kind). Working with them is quite similar.

 

[Terrag Shugo]

I've been learning how to create carbon fiber parts (from molds, or overlayed onto current pieces) for watercraft lately, and, having been one who's always wanted a good set of Mjolnir armor, I was considering trying to find molds to use. I'm not sure if carbon fiber (Painted over, of course) would work or not, but from my experience with it, it's incredibly light, and very strong - quite hard to break after the proper application of resin between layers.

What do you guys think?" Would a set of carbon fiber armor be worth trying to learn how to do?

I recently saw an episode of "How It's Made" that involved the use of carbon fiber. It was an episode detailing the crafting process of snow skies. After watching it I imediately thought of obtaining some of the carbin fiber material and working into my finished armor parts.
The problem is that I can't find a retailer that will sell it to me.
So to answer your question...YES!
Yes we should be able to do that, I dont see why not? Why not make your armor as ..combat ready..as possible? The stronger it is, the better it is, the longer it lasts. I love the idea of using Carbon Fiber in making this kind of armor.
I'd love to talk to you more about the kind of work you do.
I'll send you an add and pm.
Great topic!
/salute
T.

 

[ventrue]

Yes we should be able to do that, I dont see why not? Why not make your armor as ..combat ready..as possible? The stronger it is, the better it is, the longer it lasts. I love the idea of using Carbon Fiber in making this kind of armor.

Then at least use aramide fibres
You can get those, along with resin, tools and other kinds of fibre at specialised stores that sell supplies for making reinforced plastics. Try looking on ebay and then locating the sellers' own shops. They often have additional items for sale there.

But make no mistake: You will with none of these fibres create anything that is actually bulletproof or combat-ready. These things are and will stay props.

By adding some layers of carbon fibre into your suit you may indeed make it stronger - but you can achieve pretty much the same result with glass fibres. What's making the difference here is that you add more layers, not that you add carbon fibres.

 

[Templar 320]

Hmmm... This is interesting. I will have to do a little research on this. Maybe this is the key to creating real paintb.... I mean, um... more realistic armor. Must do more research... I'll keep you posted with my findings.

 

[WhiteWolffe]

I've been learning how to create carbon fiber parts (from molds, or overlayed onto current pieces) for watercraft lately, and, having been one who's always wanted a good set of Mjolnir armor, I was considering trying to find molds to use. I'm not sure if carbon fiber (Painted over, of course) would work or not, but from my experience with it, it's incredibly light, and very strong - quite hard to break after the proper application of resin between layers.

What do you guys think?" Would a set of carbon fiber armor be worth trying to learn how to do?

I have found a great supplier, FibreGlast, they have samples and resources as well as several types of Fibres. if you get on the email list, they give you a heads up in the clearance section and coupons.
I thought of doing my armor with the Blue-Kevlar-Carbon that they carry to give a good color and texture. but I havent had the space to do so yet.
Unfortunately they don't carry the Blue Kevlar anymore.

I have seen Imperial Stormtrooper armor sets done very well in Carbon Fibre, they were pretty cool looking

Hope this helps

White Wollfe

 

[FlyinPhil]

I have found a great supplier, FibreGlast, they have samples and resources as well as several types of Fibres. if you get on the email list, they give you a heads up in the clearance section and coupons.
I thought of doing my armor with the Blue-Kevlar-Carbon that they carry to give a good color and texture. but I havent had the space to do so yet.
Unfortunately they don't carry the Blue Kevlar anymore.

I have seen Imperial Stormtrooper armor sets done very well in Carbon Fibre, they were pretty cool looking

Hope this helps

White Wollfe

I don't think he's too concerned about that now, as that post is over 5 years old. I see you're new here, so please take a read through the sticky on the new recruits forum. Also please refrain from necroposting (posting on threads over 3 months old) as it bumps down newer content.