troyhm

Hi everyone

How do you laminate balsawood or plywood with carbon fiber ???

Any suggestions or links or sites that contain this information would be appreciated


Thanks

Troy

probligo

I have done this with small formers and wing boxes...I have used cf tissue, tow and prepreg, with prepreg the best IMHO.

Cut components to size and shape.

Sand surface(s) clean and reasonably smooth.

Apply one coat weak dope to seal (saves weight)

Apply slow epoxy (do not, never, use 5 minute epoxy, 30 minute slow cure is ok, prefer 2 hour laminating epoxy) to surface. if you are using prepreg, be reasonably generous.

Place epoxied surface on carbon. For tow, tissue and cloth, scrape out the epoxy through the cf. Apply more resin if necessary to ensure fully wetted out. Scrape/press out excess resin.

Place unit in saren (kitchen film) wrap, place between two sturdy smooth surfaces (I have used 1/4" plate glass, 1/2" plywood, and 1/4" steel plate depending upon how much pressure I want to put on the unit. For balsa core, ply or glass should be sufficient. You do not want to crush the core. The greater the pressure, the better the cf / resin ratio.

Apply weight in the form of books, bricks, concrete blocks, or clamps.

Leave for 24 hours minimum.

Remove from wrapping, trim and clean up.

troyhm

Hi

Thanks very much fro the information I will give it a shot tonight and Let you know how i go

Thanks

Troy