CFK – maximum rigidity with minimum weight
What is CFRP?
CFRP stands for carbon fibre reinforced plastic - a composite material made from carbon fibres (carbon fibres) and a plastic matrix (usually epoxy resin or Thermoplasticsconsists. CFRP is characterised by an exceptionally high strength-to-weight ratio, excellent stiffness, and corrosion resistance, and is used wherever maximum stiffness with minimum weight is required. CFRP therefore offers Plastic composite parts a lighter and more cost-effective alternative to Rubber-metal compounds.
CFK (carbon fibre reinforced plastic) possesses excellent mechanical properties such as high tensile strength and stiffness, coupled with low density, making it a lightweight yet strong material. It also exhibits good corrosion resistance and fatigue strength, but can be brittle under impact.
CFRP consists of two components:
- Carbon fibres - bear the mechanical load, extremely tensile strength, non-corrosive
- Matrix material - e.g. epoxy resin or thermoplastics, connects the fibres and shapes the component
Core characteristics of CFRP:
- Very high strength and rigidity with low weight
- Fatigue and Resistant to ageing
- Corrosion and chemical resistant
- Low thermal expansion
- Electrically conductive (depending on fibre orientation)
- CFRP is anisotropic - its strength depends heavily on the orientation of the fibres. The component design and fibre direction must be specifically adapted to the force flow
Die Anwendungsmöglichkeiten von CFK sind sehr vielfältig.
CFRP is used when conventional materials such as Steel or Aluminium are too heavy or not stiff enough:
- Aerospace technology e.g. wings, structural components
- Automotive industry e.g. monocoques, body parts, chassis parts
- Sports equipment e.g. bicycles, tennis rackets, skis
- Medical technology e.g. prostheses, orthopaedic elements
- Industrial technology e.g. robot arms, tool carriers, CFRP shafts
They are often manufactured using fibre composite technologies such as Prepreg autoclave process, winding technology, RTM (Resin Transfer Moulding) or pultrusion.
