Composite Materials (I)

Abstract

"More and more modern products are made from materials that are stronger and yet lighter, than the more common materials like steel or aluminum. Today, everything from bicycle frames to aircraft components are made from composite materials like Carbon Fiber. With the growing interest in these new high-tech materials, there are more and more individuals looking for how-to help in building their own components from composite materials. Most of us assume that building components from carbon fiber requires special skills and tooling found only in big commercial shops and well-equipped industrial facilities. Nothing could be farther from the truth. Professor of Industrial Design and well-known author John Wanberg uses 176 pages and over 400 images to explain and illustrate the latest techniques and tools that readers need to make their own components from composite materials. Whether it's a simple piece that requires no mold, or a more elaborate fabrication project that requires both a mold and vacuum bagging, all the necessary how-to information is contained in this new book. John's new bible contains the latest information available regarding both the raw materials, and the techniques used to convert those materials into useful items--everything you need to fabricate one-off parts in your own garage or small shop."--Back cover. First, the basics: What is a "composite"? -- Health, safety, and shop setup -- Getting started with composites -- Moldless composites -- Designing successful molds -- Fabricating and using molds -- Improved composite techniques -- Demolding, trimming, and finishing processes -- Repairing composites.