In terms of carbon fiber, there are dry carbon fiber and wet carbon fiber. Many people may don't know the difference between wet carbon fiber and dry carbon fiber without being directly informed. Some people think that there is no need to investigate. But they don't know that wet and dry carbon fiber is very different in design, manufacture, and maintenance. Each type has its own advantages and disadvantages. In this article, we will explain the difference between dry carbon fiber and wet carbon fiber.
"dry" and "wet" in carbon fiber refer to how the product is produced or manufactured. Dry carbon fibers are made with pre-impregnated or impregnated resin fibers while wet carbon fiber need to hand-coated with resin. Simply said, dry carbon fiber can be used directly, while wet carbon fiber needs to be coated with resin before use. They vary widely in weight, strength and other factors.
Dry carbon fiber is also known as pre-impregnated carbon. Dry carbon fiber is made by applying the right amount of epoxy to each specific braid (the resin is built into the fiber braid, not applied to the carbon cloth and then molded), and then put into an autoclave and cured under high pressure and high temperature. once the process is complete, it looks dry and fllat as there is no excess resin coating on top of the carbon cloth. If you want the dry carbon cloth have a glossy look, you can add a layer of clear coated.
About 70% lighter than wet carbon fiber due to limits the amount of unnecessary epoxy in the structure. Manufactured to reduce weight.
Stronger and more rigid to absorb impact.
Fewer pinholes due to dry carbon fiber was produced in the vacuuming environment.
Superior manufacturing process.
less sensitive to the effects of UV rays and temperature
make for a thinner product
costs more. Almost four times as expensive to produce
The production process is more complicated and time-consuming
Wet carbon fiber is produced by hand-laying carbon fiber into molds, applying resin to cloth, and then producing either by painting or infusion. This method of producing carbon fiber is cheap and fast. Painting is the cheapest option for manufacturers and consumers. The process involves applying epoxy to the woven carbon fiber structure and curing it with an external heat source. Infusion: This particular method involves the use of high pressure and vacuum. Regardless of the method of production, it usually leaves the final product with too much epoxy coating, leaving a glossy appearance. The glossy look can be made matte by sanding.
Weaker and heavier
more flexible
Will fade unless properly maintained
This method of producing carbon fiber is cheap and quick
wet carbon fiber is subject to having more air bubbles which can create weaknesses and wavy fiber weaves.
more sensitive to the effects of UV rays and heat.
The finished product is thicker and has less of a glossy appearance.
Wet carbon fiber looks glossy and wet. It is not easy to occur blemishes. If have, we can use carbon glaze or polish to remove water spots, hazing, and other blemishes.
We can use a matte kit like soap to wash as well as a sealant for long-term protection.
1. knock on the surface.
dry carbon fiber has a high pitch sound while wet carbon fiber is a dull sound.
2. Surface
dry carbon fiber has a smooth surface, but wet carbon fiber is usually rough.
3. Flexibility
Compared with wet carbon, dry carbon fiber is less flexible and basically not bendable due to it being harder.
Wet Carbon Fiber and dry Carbon Fiber have their own advantage and disadvantage. Customers can choose it according to what their concern is. The method of producing wet carbon fiber is cheap and quick, and it is popular in all industries. But the strength is also significantly weaker. If you want the lightest parts and can bear the high cost, dry carbon will the best choice.
If you have further information, welcome to contact Dronecarbon.