What is Forged Carbon Fiber?
If you are a motorcycle enthusiast or someone who loves high-performance materials, you have probably heard of carbon fiber. It's that sleek, strong, and lightweight material used in various applications, from aircraft to luxury cars. However, there’s a new player in town: forged carbon fiber. In this blog, we will delve into what is forged carbon fiber, its manufacturing process, its advantages, and why it's gaining popularity in the motorcycle world.
The Carbon Fiber You Already Know
Traditional carbon fiber is known for its distinctive woven pattern. It is made by weaving carbon fibers into a fabric, which is then infused with resin and cured to form a rigid part. This process creates a material that is both lightweight and extremely strong, making it perfect for applications where strength-to-weight ratio is critical.
What is Forged Carbon, Also Known as Forged Composite?
Forged carbon fiber, also known as forged composite, differs significantly from its woven counterpart. Instead of using long carbon fibers, forged carbon fiber is made from a paste or tiny chopped fibers. These fibers are randomly oriented, giving the final product a unique, marbled appearance. This random orientation results in each forged carbon fiber product being unique.
How is Forged Carbon Fiber Made?
The manufacturing process of forged carbon fiber involves placing the chopped fibers into a compression mold. Resin is then infused, and the mixture is compressed under high pressure. This method is similar to forging metals, hence the name. The compression molding process allows for the creation of complex shapes and faster production times compared to traditional woven carbon fiber.
When Does it Make Sense to Use Forged Carbon?
There are specific scenarios where forged carbon fiber is the preferred material. One key reason is its ability to form complex shapes that woven carbon fiber cannot easily achieve. This is especially useful in the production of intricate parts like forged carbon fiber motorcycle components. Additionally, the compression molding process can produce parts quickly, making it ideal for high-volume manufacturing.
Is Forged Carbon Fiber Expensive?
The initial setup cost for forged carbon fiber manufacturing is high due to the expense of creating compression molds. However, this cost can be offset when producing large quantities of parts. For example, while a single mold might cost $25,000, the cost per part decreases significantly as more parts are produced.
Is Forged Carbon Fiber Better?
Whether forged carbon fiber is better than traditional woven carbon fiber depends on the application. Traditional woven carbon fiber offers superior strength and durability due to the alignment of its fibers. However, forged carbon fiber excels in applications requiring complex shapes and quick production times. Its unique aesthetic also makes it appealing for lifestyle products and certain high-performance parts.
Demand for Forged Carbon
The demand for forged carbon fiber has been rising, thanks to its unique properties and high-profile applications. In the motorcycle industry, forged carbon fiber fenders and other parts are becoming more popular due to their lightweight and aesthetic appeal. Turn1 are leading the charge by offering forged carbon fiber parts for various motorcycle brands, including Ducati, BMW, Aprilia, Kawasaki, Yamaha, Honda, Suzuki, Buell, Triumph, KTM, and Royal Enfield.
Conclusion
Forged carbon fiber is an exciting development in the world of high-performance materials. Its unique manufacturing process, ability to form complex shapes, and distinctive aesthetic make it a valuable addition to various applications, especially in the motorcycle industry. Whether you are looking for matte forged carbon fiber components or simply want to understand more about carbon fiber forged technology, forged carbon fiber offers a blend of strength, versatility, and style that is hard to beat.
If you are interested in upgrading your motorcycle with forged carbon fiber parts, Turn1 offers a range of high-quality components designed to enhance performance and style.
