The Strength of Patterned Carbon Fiber Fabrics

Patterned Carbon Fiber Fabrics aren't just for cosmetic applications. These First Quality fabrics are as strong if not stronger than standard carbon fiber weaves.

Carbon fiber is desirable for many reasons. It is very strong, light and looks great. Typical fabric weave patterns include: plain weave, twill weave, and harness satin weave. But, what about patterns that aren't industry defined? Fibre Glast carries 6 unique carbon fiber patterns, and since these styles of Patterned Carbon Fiber aren't widely used, little is known about their physical properties. To understand the properties of these carbon fiber patterns it is important to understand general specifications and terms used to describe composite fabrics.

Filament - equal to a single strand of carbon fiber. Thousands of filaments make up a Fiber/Yarn.

Fiber (Figure 1) – Made up of thousands of filaments that are grouped together.
Tow (Figure 1) – A reference term used to denote the amount of continuous filaments per fiber bundle.
Note: Tow is measured in K (1,000). Example: A 3K means there are 3,000 carbon filaments per fiber. A 12K means there are 12,000 carbon filaments per fiber.

Warp (Figure 2) - The fibers running the length of a woven fabric.
Fill (Figure 2) – The fibers running the width of a woven fabric.

Ends (Figure 3) – Refers to the fibers in the Warp direction.
Picks (Figure 3) – Refers to the fibers in the Fill direction.
Note: Ends and Picks are measured per linear inch. Example: a 12x12 fabric means there are 12 fibers in the Warp direction per inch and 12 fibers in the Fill direction per inch.

Patterned Carbon Fiber Properties

• The final properties of the Patterned Carbon Fiber Fabrics are in no way negatively affected by the pattern itself. These Patterned Carbon Fiber Fabrics are simply woven in a way that creates a custom look that does not affect the fiber strength.
• Bi-directional tows are aligned in linear fashion, just like a twill or plain weave.
• No twisting or bending of tows out of axis to achieve patterns
• No distortion of tows in warp or fill direction
• Because these patterns have more "floats" (areas where yarn being woven in one direction floats on top of yarn being woven in another direction) there is less bending in the yarn compared to a typical plain weave pattern.
• Heavier filling density in #3222 Wasp gives higher tensile strength in the fill axis
• #3225 Roswell, #3220 Rook and #3224 Atomic offer greater drapability and flexibility due to twill-weave-like features incorporated into the patterns

View all of the Patterned Carbon Fiber Fabrics