Carbon Bits - A Unique Carbon Fibre moulding process
Carbon-bits .com develop all their carbon fibre composite products to suit the application. The now renowned aeroscreen has superior wind deflexion properties and our exhaust shield incorporates special insulation to considerably reduce the temperature. This thought goes through our complete range, even in as far as our tunnel top design where we have considerably improved the heat build-up in the Caterham 7 / Lotus Seven footwells.
Our moulding system is based on Pre-Preg Technology but Carbon-bits .com has progressed the system into the 21st century. We manufacture all our products from a choice of resins, impregnating the laminate “in house”. This gives us the ability to adapt our process rapidly, depending on clients or product demands.
For our standard laminate we use Aerospace epoxy resins to impregnate 2 layers of 2x2 twill Carbon of 204 gms /m2. Sandwiched between these 2 layers is a thin layer of glass-fibre with randomly orientated fibres of 220gms/m2. By creating a sandwich we increase the structural rigidity considerably compared to the equivalent all carbon laminate. This has additional advantages such as a reduction in weight plus of course we are able to offer parts at a more competitive price (please note our panels made with this construction bear no resemblance to products that have 1 layer of carbon just for looks and are then reinforced with glass-fibre which are considerably heavier and do not have the integral rigidity created by a sandwich structure).
Our other carbon laminating constructions that we use on certain products are:
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For exterior side skins, bonnet, scuttle or where stated we use 4 layers of 2x2 twill carbon of 204gms/m². This construction is utilised wherever an extremely flat large surface is paramount.
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A small range of products have a 3 layer laminate of carbon. This is normally where a reduction in thickness is important e.g. the fitting kit for external panels.
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For crash protection and within our floor construction Kevlar is used. This product has amazing properties and will resist impacts considerably more than carbon. It is used in the manufacture of armour plating for tanks and bullet proof clothing. It is extremely tough and very difficult to cut. For those of you familiar with RiF’s 7 you will know that his panels were black and yellow in construction. This was a weave of both Kevlar (yellow) and carbon (black). RiF used this to compliment the yellow of his car, although it would have added improved resilience in an accident or if the prop shaft failed compared to just carbon or aluminium. Carbon-bits are able to advise the most suitable construction for your purpose.
Alternative constructions are available on special request.
The Caterham 7 / Lotus Seven product range is also known within the Lotus 7 Club as RiF or Richard in France carbon bits. This is because our industrial chemist who developed our process is a Lotus 7 Club member with a Duratec Caterham Seven.
Richard has an extensive knowledge of resins, materials and development of unique processes. Originally involved back in 1975 with the manufacture and development of resin systems for companies such as Lotus Cars while working in the R&D department for a resin manufacturer. He then was at the forefront of developing sandwich composites together with vacuum assisted injection by the late 70's. In the last 15 years many of these materials and technologies have become widely used. Richard has used his extensive knowledge of processes and materials to develop many new products over the years. These include clean room pipe cladding systems, instant repair/mould DIY products and now he has turned his attention to improving Chapman’s 7 design.
Our moulding service is open to anyone requiring low volume special composite parts, not only Caterham 7's. Usually we require an original piece so that an inexpensive mould can be formed.