Descrizione
Composites have been around since ancient civilisations began making bricks from clay and straw. Glass fibre, carbon and aramid fibres are relatively recent innovations, yet today there are few competition cars that don’t have at least some components made out of one or more of these materials. However, while it is well known that glass fibre technology can be used in the home workshop, what may not be so widely realised is that carbon and aramid fibres also lend themselves to DIY methods.
In this second edition, Simon McBeath examines the materials and methods that can be used, and explains basic ‘wet’ and ‘dry’ laminating techniques, pattern making and mould construction, and the design and manufacture of components. He then goes on to consider material and technology upgrades, and how more advanced materials can be exploited to achieve improved properties and reduced weight. The use of thermoplastic materials, resin infusion methods and especially ‘pre-pregs’ in the home workshop are also discussed, as are the composite techniques used by top racecar manufacturers.
