When you think of strength and durability you might default to metals such as steel. Though a highly recognizable and undeniably strong material, steel is not the strongest material available and may not always be the right material for your project. There are many things to consider when choosing a material to use in the manufacturing of your product and strength is only one of them. In this post, we will outline why carbon fibre is a great choice for many applications and why it could be the right material for your product.
How Much Stronger is Carbon Fiber Than Steel?
Steel is strong. So strong in fact, that it is commonly used in construction and many other industrial settings. But some may be surprised to learn that steel is not the strongest material around. Carbon fibre is one such material that is stronger than steel and can be used in a vast amount of applications.
So how much stronger is carbon fibre than steel? Carbon fibre can be up to ten times stronger than steel. Though carbon fibre is incredibly strong, one of its most valuable features is its lightness. Along with being stronger, carbon fibre is five times lighter than steel. This makes it a much more versatile material and allows it to be used in scenarios where steel simply would not be appropriate due to its weight. For its strength, durability and lightness, carbon fibre is commonly used in a wide range of commercial applications such as in the aircraft and automotive industries.
When Is Carbon Fibre My Best Choice?
Carbon fibre is ideal in any scenario where you desire strength and durability but need lightness. Some common uses for carbon fibre include sporting goods, medical composites, and industrial applications. A familiar example of where carbon fibre is used on a regular basis is in hockey sticks. Though the standard material used for hockey sticks in the past was wood, carbon fibre sticks are a lightweight option that is more durable and less likely to break than wooden hockey sticks. Other applications for carbon fibre in sports include tennis rackets, helmets and bikes.
Carbon fibre is an extremely versatile material and can be used in a wide variety of ways in many different industries. If you are considering using carbon fibre in the manufacturing of your product, there is a good chance it could be the right material for you. Consider reaching out to the experts at Spartec Composites to discuss your project. We can assist you with composite engineering as well as composite manufacturing, all in-house. And if you are interested in learning more about what are composites, check out our full guide in our learning center.
Is Forged Carbon a Better Choice?
If you are in the process of deciding what material to use for your product you may be wondering, is forged carbon stronger than carbon fibre? The answer to this question will depend entirely on your application for the material. Standard carbon fibre manufacturing may be a better choice for some applications, while forged carbon fibre may offer more versatile applications depending on your needs. It is always a good idea to consult with an experienced composites manufacturer before making decisions about your project. Spartec Composites is a carbon fiber manufacturing company with over 40 years of experience in the design and manufacture of advanced composites. We are here to assist you with taking your project from start to finish. We are experts and would be pleased to assist you with any stage of your composite manufacturing project.
