Carbon Fiber Limb Laminations

[Mike L.]

Hey guys, I’ve noticed a few bowyers that have a design that has carbon fiber on the visible outside of the limb.  I’m wondering if they’re using this in lieu of glass or is it under glass?  And does anyone know of a source and how it compares to fiberglass as far as thickness?  I think it’s a cool look and I’d like to make one.  I have been using the unidirectional carbon lams for awhile and the stable kore product, but what I’m looking for is the carbon fiber weave look on the outer limb.  Anybody know anything about this?

[Flem]

Here you go. There is a lot of options on this page!

https://compositeenvisions.com/rigid-composite-tubes-rods-plates/rigid-composite-plates/

[Mike L.]

Whoa, there is a ton of stuff on there.  Have you used any of it before?  Can you use it instead of fiberglass?

[Flem]

I buy a lot of products from them, but I have not used any of the preformed sheets. Prefer to do that myself. I would guess some of it could be substituted for glass composite, one way to find out!
Be sure to report back on how it works

[Mark R]

morrisonarchery.com

[Mike L.]

Thanks for the tip.  I talked to Brandon a bit about it, and learned that they use two types of carbon on the outside of the limb, one on the belly and a different one on the back.  They actually use them on the outside of the glass, which is .030 Gordon’s core tuff glass.  Makes more sense that way come to think of it, being on the outside of the glass, and it also seems like the carbon would have more of an impact on limb performance placed on the outside of the stacks.  They sell the carbon lams too, but they’re out of the 1.5” long ones.  Thanks for the leads. 

[Flem]

I had to look at what Morrison had.
Ouch, $63. for one 1.75" X 68" piece!!! 
Considering that price, I think I would buy a 24"X 72" piece, rip it into 13- 1.75" strips or 15-1.5" strips, buy a membership here at Tradgang and sell them on the classified for $25. shipped and cover all my costs, plus whatever I decided to keep.

[B-JS]

Hello.
I'm new Here.
May i ask, what kind of Carbon Plate you want to Cut in slices?
If you want to use ordinary 90/0 Carbon, you won't bei pleased by the Results.
Despite of the Looks, maybe.

[Flem]

B-JS, welcome!

Be sure to read entire thread, so you don't miss any pertinent info. The OP is looking for a carbon twill or weave, something with visual appeal. Personally I have no intention of slicing up any carbon, it was only a suggestion for the sake of economics.

[B-JS]

Just asked, because it was in Relation to the "expensive" Morrison stuff.
I'm pretty sure, that's 45/45 with UD Carbon underneath.
For Just nice Looks, i absolutely agree.
A thin 90/0 plate cut Into Strips, May be the way to Go.
Or using Carbon-look-adhesive Foil.

[Mark R]

Yes the carbon is pricey compared to glass, I have only used the prescribed carbon backing  in the .040 range in place of similar thickness glass only on the back of the bow with a similar thickness glass belly, and in my designs it has made a good difference in performance versus a glass backing, still in all, different core layups and bow designs will determine optimal performance. Morrison is the only place I know of that carries the carbon backing I'm interested in, the other bowyers I got it from in the past are no longer alive or carry it anymore. I do not know anything about the carbon Flem is refering to, if it is material that has been tested and used for bows already and can be verified.  I use what has already been tested and used by others. I only make a few bows a year and so I only need a couple of pieces if and when I decide to use carbon backing. I don't have the time and money to do alot of R&D that my have already been done so I keep within what I know has worked and tweek as I see fit. Hope this helps, only my humble opinion.

[Longcruise]

The stuff Morrison sells looks exactly like the stuff sold in sheets by the outfit that Flem linked.  Way more economical to buy in sheets and cut.  They also have some interesting looks if that matters.

[B-JS]

Don't judge a book by it's cover.
There is way more going in in a propper Carbon Lamination, than Just the Top layer.

[Longcruise]

Don't judge a book by it's cover.
There is way more going in in a propper Carbon Lamination, than Just the Top layer.

What I was saying is that I think that is the source that Morrison is using.

[B-JS]

You can buy Carbon weave, looking Like this all over the world.
The question is, how do you combine the layers and how do you use it.
I have a Role of Carbon weave looking similar here, but that does Not making me able, to build a Lamination Like Morrison or Border or whoelse builds them.

A propper Carbon Lamination is Not Just Made of one Type of Fabric.
It's a Combination of 45/45 and/or 90/0 and UD fibers, that are baked Into a performing Lamination.

[Longcruise]

I have a roll also but I'm not looking for the effects that most are.  I'm wanting a better option than stabilcore for stability. 

[B-JS]

Hehe.
Using it for the same reason.
Under Glass 45/45 for torsional Stability.
Helps a lot more, than the "nice black line" that Stabilcore contributes.

[Longcruise]

Hehe.
Using it for the same reason.
Under Glass 45/45 for torsional Stability.
Helps a lot more, than the "nice black line" that Stabilcore contributes.

That's good to see.  I want to get skillful enough at wetting out that i won't have to pre cook it.

[Flem]

I can just about guarantee that Morrison does not make their composites and they don't list anything but Twill fabric, which is not bi-axial or UD. The link I provided is for carbon sheet, no fiberglass. I was saying Morrison was pricy compared to buying bulk.

B-Js, what and who are you using for carbon lams, or are you making your own?

[B-JS]

I still Test to find the best Option.
Made my own from 90/0 Weave on top for optics with UD and 45/45 fibers underneath.
Testing ready Lams with 45/45 on Top and UD underneath in Back an Belly. (Nice stuff)
Tested Lamination from a Producer in Italy, that's pretty similar to my Selfmade. Also good, but pricy.