Features of CFRP and its superior performance

Contents

Introduction
Basic Structure of CFRP
CFRP Features
CFRP Application Areas
Conclusion

Introduction

CFRP (Carbon Fiber Reinforced Plastic) is a composite material based on carbon fiber that is valued in a variety of industries for its strength and lightness. CFRP is used in numerous fields ranging from aerospace, automotive, and sporting goods to defense-related applications, where its superior performance is attracting attention. In this column, the features of CFRP will be explained in detail, and its advantages and applications will be introduced.

Basic Structure of CFRP

CFRP is a composite material that combines carbon fiber and resin (polymer). Carbon fiber has extremely high tensile strength, which greatly increases the strength and rigidity of CFRP as a whole. Resin serves to solidify the carbon fiber, improving moldability and protecting it from external shock and vibration.

CFRP Features

Lightweight

CFRP’s greatest feature is that it is extremely lightweight compared to metals with the same strength. For example, it is about 1/4 the weight of aluminum and 1/6 the weight of steel, making it possible to reduce the weight of structures. This characteristic is particularly important in the aircraft and automotive industries, where it contributes to improved fuel efficiency and performance.

– Aerospace: Weight reduction using CFRP improves the fuel efficiency of airplanes, enabling them to travel longer and operate more cost-effectively.

– Automotive industry: Weight reduction has a direct impact on driving performance and fuel efficiency improvement. CFRP is also used in electric vehicles to maximize battery efficiency.

High Strength and Rigidity

CFRP has very high tensile strength and rigidity due to its carbon fibers. These characteristics ensure high load carrying capacity despite its light weight. This makes it particularly suitable for use in structures that require high strength.

– Sporting goods: Used in bicycle frames, golf clubs, and tennis rackets, CFRP is an ideal material that combines high strength and light weight.

– Aerospace: Used in aircraft structural components and engine parts, CFRP provides a balance between lightweight and strength.

Corrosion Resistance

CFRP is extremely corrosion resistant compared to metals. It exhibits excellent resistance to moisture and chemicals, and will not corrode or rust even after long-term use. These characteristics make it suitable for use in harsh environments.

– Marine Industry: CFRP used in ships and offshore structures is very useful to prevent corrosion caused by seawater.

– Chemical plants: CFRP is also used in some industrial equipment because of its ability to withstand chemicals and hot, humid environments.

high elastic modulus (Young’s modulus)

CFRP has a high elastic modulus and is not easily deformed. This is especially important in structures where vibration must be suppressed. Vibration suppression improves machine stability and provides long-lasting performance.

– Automobiles: High modulus of elasticity contributes to improved vehicle stability and driving performance.

– Aircraft: By creating a structure with less vibration, it improves maneuverability and comfort.

freedom of design

CFRP has excellent formability and can be processed even for parts with complex shapes. By adjusting the direction of the fibers, it is possible to provide strength in a specific direction for optimal design. This makes it suitable for products that require complex designs.

– Automobiles and aircraft: The use of CFRP allows for more efficient and advanced designs as well as weight reduction.

– Sporting goods: Designing for specific strength areas can maximize the performance required for sporting goods.

CFRP Application Areas

The outstanding characteristics of CFRP are utilized in a wide variety of industrial fields. The following are typical application areas:

– Aerospace Industry: CFRP, with its light weight and high strength, is widely used in aircraft structural components, engine parts, and interior materials. It contributes to improved fuel efficiency and reduced operating costs.

– Automotive Industry: CFRP, with its combination of light weight and high strength, is used in sports cars, electric vehicle parts, and even racing car chassis and frames.

– Sporting goods: CFRP is also used in sporting goods such as bicycle frames, golf clubs, and tennis rackets to achieve both lightweight and strength.

– Defense: CFRP, with its high strength and light weight, is also used in military applications, where it is particularly important as a material for aircraft and bulletproofing.

Conclusion

CFRP is finding applications in a variety of fields due to its properties such as light weight, high strength, corrosion resistance, and high design freedom. From the aircraft and automotive industries to sporting goods and even the defense sector, CFRP is demonstrating its superior performance and contributing to improved performance and cost reduction. In the future, demand for CFRP is expected to further expand and more advanced technologies will be developed.

ABOUT UCHIDA - 55 years since our founding

We leverage a wealth of technical expertise as a CFRP molding and processing manufacturer using FRP, GFRP, and CFRP materials. We offer a one-stop solution, encompassing design, analysis, manufacturing, secondary processing, assembly, painting, quality assurance, and testing.

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UCHIDA's equipment

We have cutting-edge equipment to ensure that we can address even the most advanced challenges of our customers.

DMG森精機 - VS1000/40/2050
X軸：2,050mm（ストローク）／ Y軸：1,000mm ／ Z軸：600mm ／テーブル作業面：2,250×1,000mm

ASHIDA MFG Co., Ltd.
Autoclave Oven 2
Size : Ø1,150x1,000mm / Operating temperature : at normal temperature - 400℃ / Design pressure : 2.0Mpa (maximum working pressure) / Vacuum system : back suction system / Vacuum units : 5

ASHIDA MFG Co., Ltd.
Autoclave Oven 3
Size : Ø3,000x6,000mm / Operating temperature : at normal temperature - 200℃ / Distribution accuracy : ±2.5℃less / Heating rate : 4.0℃/min. (empty furnace) / Cooling rate : 4.0℃/min. (empty furnace) / Design pressure : 0.99Mpa (maximum working pressure) / Working pressure : 0.7Mpa less (if no specification from the manufacuturer 0.3Mpa around) / Pressure accuracy : ±0.02Mpa（for pressure setting of ０ - 0.99Mpa/cm²） / Boost pressure accuracy : 0 - 0.03Mpa/min / Pressure source : compressed air (regular use) / Vacuum system : back suction system / Vacuum units : 10

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Oven
Size : W1,000xH1,000xD1,000mm / Temperature range : Environmental Temperature +20 - 300℃ / Temperature elevation capability : Environmental Temperature (20 - 40℃) - 300℃ / 45min less / Vacuum system : back suction system / Vacuum units : 10

ESPEC CORP.
Temperature & Humidity Chamber

INSTRON
Static Universal Testing Machine 5985

Oven
Size : W7,000xH3,000xD2,000mm / Temperature range : Environmental Temperature +20 - 300℃ (Max) / Temperature elevation capability : Environmental Temperature (20 - 40℃) - 300℃ / 60min less / Vacuum system : back suction system / Vacuum units : 10

NEO
X axis : 4,000mm (stroke) / Y axis : 2,000mm / Z axis : 1,200mm / C axis : 0° - ±270° / B axis : 0° - ±110° / Table working place : 4,000x2,000mm

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3Dプリンター | Markforged

Painting booth
Various painting, and clear finish is done in dedicated painting booth

Adhesion, Finishing, Coating Room
Finishing process, such as trimming, drilling, and bonding, surface treatment of the molded product type and is done in a private booth

Toshiba Matrixeye EX (Ultrasonic flaw detector)
Matrix-Arrey : 32

AMETEK CREAFORM Metra
SCAN750 Elite (3D scan)

Olympus Corp.
Inverted Microscopes

Oven
Size : W450xH450xD450mm / Temperature range : Environmental Temperature +20 - 650℃ / Temperature elevation capability : Environmental Temperature+50 - 650℃/120min less

Cutting Plotter Table working place : W1,500xL3,500mm

SHIMA SEIKI MFG., LTD
Cutting Plotter

KUKA
Robot

Krauss Maffei
Epoxy resin injection machine Resin 60L ／ Hardener 25L

Krauss Maffei
630t Press machine Height total 5,200mm ／ Length max 1,500mm ／ Width max 1,200mm ／ Whole cycle time per component part 240sec

DMG森精機 - NV5000B/40
X軸：1,020mm（ストローク）／ Y軸：510mm ／ Z軸：510mm ／テーブル作業面：1,320×600mm

Big sized clean room
JIS B 9920 cleanliness class maximum concentration (Pcs/m³） / Class 5 : 100,000m³ / Capacity : m² (16,000x16,000mm) 760m² (16,000x16,000x3,000mm) / Temperature and humidity condition : Temperature : 23℃±3℃, Humidity 65% less / Ambient conditions : Temperature 35℃ during summer, Humidity 70% less / Ambient conditions : Temperature 35℃ during summer, Humidity 70% less / Temperature -5℃ during winter, Humidity 40% less