Similarly, 4×4 Twill will pass over 4 tows then under 4 tows. As the 2×2 name implies, each tow will pass over 2 tows then under two tows. It is used in many cosmetic and decorative applications, but also has great functionality, it has both moderate formability and moderate stability. The longer distance between tow interlaces means fewer crimps compared to a plain weave and less potential stress concentrations.Ģ×2 Twill is likely the most recognizable carbon fiber weave in the industry. The over/under pattern creates a diagonal arrowhead look, known as a “twill line”. If you follow a tow strand in a twill weave it passes over a set number of tows and then under the same number of tows. Twill has good pliability and can form to complex contours, and it is better at maintaining its fabric stability than a harness satin weave, but not as good as plain weave. Twill serves as a bridge between a plain weave and the satin weaves we will discuss next. The harsh crimp can create stress concentrations which can weaken the part over time. One drawback to this weave pattern is the harsh crimp (the angle the fiber makes when woven, see below) in the tows due to the short distance between interlaces. Generally, plain weave fabrics are suited for flat sheets, tubes and 2D curves. Due to this high level of stability, plain is not well suited for layups with complex contours, it will not be as pliable as some of the other weaves. Fabrics stability is the ability for a fabric to maintain its weave angle and fiber orientation. The short space between interlaces give the plain weave a high level of stability. In this weave the tows are woven in an over/under pattern. The most common are Plain, Twill and Harness Satin, and we will go into more detail for each.Ī plain weave carbon fiber sheet looks symmetrical with a small checkerboard style appearance. Because of this there are many different weaves used for carbon fiber fabric. This large number of high-strength fibers bundled together is what makes carbon fiber such a strong material.Ĭarbon fiber typically comes in the form of a woven fabric, which makes it easier to work with and can give additional structural strength depending on the application. A 6k tow has 6,000 carbon filaments, a 12k has 12,000 filaments, and so on. 125” wide, so that is a lot of fiber packed into a small space. The “k” refers to a thousand, so a 3k tow is made of 3,000 carbon filaments. Common tow ratings are 3k, 6k, 12k and 15k. These fibers, or filaments, are then bundled together in tows which are identified by the number of carbon filaments they contain. The precursor fibers are chemically treated, heated and stretched, then carbonized, to create high-strength fibers.

Carbon fiber comes in many different weaves and each one serves a different purpose, and it isn’t just cosmetic.Ĭarbon fibers are made from precursors such as polyacrylonitrile (PAN) and rayon. If you have ever wondered why one piece of carbon fiber might look different from another piece of carbon fiber, you’re not alone.

6k carbon fiber fabrics