Introduction
Carbon Fiber Reinforced Plastic (CFRP) is an ultra-lightweight advanced composite with remarkable structural integrity. One of key elements supporting its performance is polymer resin—the backbone of CFRP. Polymer resin acts to stabilize the carbon fibers, determining their shape and protecting them from environmental damage.
This column describes the types and properties of polymer resins used in CFRP production.
Types of Resins Used in CFRP
There are two major types of resins used in CFRP: Thermosetting resins and thermoplastic resins.
Thermosetting Resin
Thermosetting resins are irreversibly cured under controlled temperatures. Once hardened, they cannot be remelted or reshaped.
– Main Types: Epoxy, Polyester, Vinyl Ester
– Features:
High strength and rigidity
High chemical and heat resistance
Excellent dimensional stability after curing
– Applications: Aerospace, automotive, sporting equipment, and construction or building materials
Thermoplastic Resin
Thermoplastic resins soften when heated and solidify upon cooling. Their superior recyclability and processability have driven increasing adoption in recent years.
– Main Types: Polyether Ether Ketone (PEEK), Polyamide (PA), Polyphenylene Sulfide (PPS)
– Features:
High shock absorption and impact resistance
Easy to mold and process
Recyclable
– Applications: High-performance and cutting-edge aircraft, automotives, and medical equipment
Role of CFRP Resin
In CFRP, resin functions as more than just a binding material—it plays a critical role in determining the product’s overall performance and integrity.
– Carbon Fibers Stabilization: Maintains fiber orientation and enables efficient load transfer.
– Environmental Resistance: Protects carbon fibers from humidity/moisture, chemicals, and UV exposure
– Shock Absorption: Mitigates the inherent brittleness of carbon fibers and improves durability
CFRP Resin Selection: Key Considerations
Selecting the appropriate resin for the product application and specifications is critical in CFRP manufacturing.
– Balance of Strength and Stiffness:
Epoxy Resins: High-strength-critical applications.
Thermoplastic Resins: Applications requiring superior impact resistance
– Processability and Cost:
Thermoplastic Resins: High-volume manufacturing Thermosetting Resin: Precision molding and complex shapes
– Environmental Resistance: Thermoplastics such as PEEK are offer excellent thermal stability, making them well-suited for in applications exposed to high temperature environments.
Summary
In CFRP, polymer resin functions as more than just a binding material—it directly influences the overall performance and integrity of the end product. Thermosetting resins, such as epoxy resins, remain the mainstream choice; however, the adoption of thermoplastic resins is steadily increasing due to their superior recyclability and processability. Selecting the optimal resin according to the application and required characteristics is the key to maximizing the CFRP performance.
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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.
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
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
【開発】
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
CAD / CAM
CATIA V5 : 2 / THINK DESIGN : 1 / MASTER CAM : 4 / Other 3D/CAD : 3 / Other 2D/CAD : 5
Markforged - 3D Printer
Video Library
In the following video, we provide a detailed overview of our manufacturing process. Please feel free to watch and learn more.
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