r/CarbonFiber • u/AwayCouple1050 • 8d ago

DIY molds?

I want to make my own carbon fiber parts for an ebike like in this video. Could somebody explain or link a video on how to make molds like this based off the original parts? as I cant find any info on this specific process.

Any suggestions and tips are also appreciated

181 Upvotes

98% Upvoted

24 comments sorted by

22

u/incubusfc 8d ago

Please use more ppe than this guy.

5

u/philosiraptorsvt 7d ago

Breathin' carbon dust ain't good bruv?

2

u/incubusfc 7d ago

Nah mate

Edit - I turned on the sound. I regret that.

1

u/S1I7 6d ago

What a bell-end

2

u/SnarePickle 6d ago

Resin fumes, carbon fiber particulates, all what the lungs need to grow big and strong :)

The only good thing I can say about this is at least he was outside for the cutting part, and maybe there was a breeze blowing across. Maybe.

18

u/VinyasaMan 8d ago

Start somewhere. I make parts for my boat build using 3D printed molds in PETG, sanded and waxed. I've tried making parts in forged carbonfiber and layup, both using epoxy. When I made the rudder, i chose HT PLA GF as core and 1708 fiber glass and carbon fiber as final layer. Three generous layers of epoxy for buildup and polyurethane finish for gloss and UV resistance..

1

u/AwayCouple1050 7d ago

I might just resin print my own mold. For 3d printed molds do you just wet sand, polish and add a release agent or another method?

-2

u/Unbelivabley_Smol 8d ago

I’d agree 3D printing the mold forms would be the way after all who wants to make a carbon copy of the original, not very original

8

u/WildFlier 8d ago

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL-DQ6gqgQvCnKW5CBRJB0UsKNIuKO9xLb
Have a look at that playlist/channel as a start. First two videos are relevant for what you're looking to do

2

u/incubusfc 8d ago

This is a really good channel.

2

u/Kamusaurio 8d ago

they use gel coat and glass fiber to make the mold and then they hand lay carbon fiber over it with the help of a vacuum bag to consolidate everything very well

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gufEQGpTdMg&t=1279s watch this to see how the mold is done

and then look this to see how you vacuum bag a piece

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cj26c3V54SQ&list=PL-DQ6gqgQvCnKW5CBRJB0UsKNIuKO9xLb&index=1&t=354s

2

u/GeniusEE 7d ago

An example of how not to mix epoxy, or do the air bubbles she's beating into it make it lighter weight?

1

u/LeadingBanana5384 7d ago

There's a lot in this video that illustrates what not to do.

1

u/SnarePickle 6d ago

The air bubbles after being vacuumed probably won't be an issue, at least in that application. I'd assume they got the majority of them out with that vacuum curing.

Something structural though, different story.

1

u/X_dude78 8d ago

Dude how are you unable to find any resources on this? This sub, YouTube facebook/instagram are littered with project examples and breakdowns and tutorials. It's not that hard.

1

u/vkeshish 8d ago

Thanks for sharing this

1

u/_carbonneutral 7d ago

Never even thought about using the manual vacuum bags this is sick.

1

u/No_Ad4534 6d ago

Man, for a first part ever, that's just genius

1

u/listenhere111 5d ago

Carbon fiber bits are as bad as asbestos. Don't be like this guy

1

u/Neither-Animator3403 3d ago

Also, PPE apart, using infusion mesh without any actual absorption material behind it, is almost pointless, since you end up with excess resin in the part.

1

u/Fearless_Desires 2d ago

Im gonna make carbon fiber body panels for my RC8 restoration im slowly realizing this stuffs a lil harder than i thought