Carbon Fiber Sheets and Plates

Carbon Fiber Sheets FAQ

What sheet finishes are available and what do they look like?

DragonPlate sheets are available in gloss, matte, satin and texture finishes. See each product for options. We have created a comparison of DragonPlate Finishes image that shows the differences

What does quasi-isotropic mean?

Quasi-isotropic refers to a layup of individual carbon fiber laminates such that the final composite material has approximately equal stiffness and strength properties in all directions. If only 0 and 90 degree carbon fiber layers are used, the laminate is cheaper to manufacture, but weak along the 45 degree diagonal. DragonPlate utilizes 45-degree diagonal laminate layers to improve quasi-isotropy. For the majority of typical applications, quasi-isotropic carbon fiber has superior performance. For further discussion of this topic, please see the Carbon Fiber Sheets page.

How do you recommend cutting DragonPlate carbon fiber sheets? Is there any safety gear that I should use?

DragonPlate carbon fiber laminates are pre-cut to the specified sizes or slightly oversized. The sheets of carbon fiber are easily cut to final shape using a bandsaw, coping saw, drill, or dremmel tool. Recommended precautions include wearing safety glasses, a dust respirator, and protective clothing when cutting, sanding or drilling, to limit exposure to the dust, which is an irritant.

Do you offer custom cutting of your carbon fiber sheets?

Yes!  We can custom cut our carbon fiber sheets to your exact specifications.  Contact us for details.

Can I form DragonPlate laminate by heating it, such as done with plexiglass?

No. Epoxy is not a thermo-formable.

Does DragonPlate make after-market automobile and motorcycle parts?

No. Many other companies specialize in these types of carbon fiber parts. We focus on engineered components.

How much does a 4x8 sheet of carbon fiber weigh?

The weight of a 4x8 sheet of carbon fiber will vary depending on the specific type of carbon fiber used, its thickness, and the manufacturing process. Carbon fiber sheets are available in different grades and weaves; each variation has its own weight characteristics.

Referencing DragonPlate's EconomyPlate line, a 1/32" thick 4x8 sheet of carbon fiber weighs only 8.5 pounds, while a much thicker and stiffer 1/2" thick sheet of solid 4x8 carbon fiber plate from that same line weighs 114 pounds.

How much does a carbon fiber sheet cost?

The cost of a carbon fiber sheet can vary due to several factors, including quality, thickness, size, fiber modulus of elasticity, and maximum rated temperature. The main contributor to cost is the price of the raw carbon fiber fabric used to laminate the sheet. Larger sheets require more fabric, and thicker sheets need extra layers. Fabrics with high-performance or space-grade properties are more expensive.

Referencing DragonPlate's EconomyPlate line, a small 1/32" thick 6"x6" sheet of carbon fiber sells for as little as $15. On the other hand, a much larger and thicker 1/2" sheet of solid 4'x8' sheet of carbon fiber plate sells for around $4,500.

How strong is a carbon fiber sheet?

The strength of a carbon fiber sheet is determined by several factors, including the type of carbon fiber used, the manufacturing process, the weave pattern and orientation, the resin used in the composite, and the boundary/loading conditions of the application. Carbon fiber sheets can have a tensile strength that ranges from approximately 80 ksi to 300 ksi or more. In comparison, mild steel typically has a tensile strength of around 50 ksi, and high-strength steel can range from 100 ksi to 150 ksi.

Thus, carbon fiber sheets can have a tensile strength equal to or higher than high-strength steel at a weight roughly half of aluminum. However, it's important to remember that the actual strength of a carbon fiber sheet will depend on its specific composition, manufacturing process, and loading conditions. Always consult the manufacturer and test a carbon fiber sheet's performance for your application.