Why Are Carbon Fiber Parts So Costly?
Carbon fiber is increasing in use as an alternative to aluminum, steel, as well as other metals, thanks to its properties in the mechanical realm and its light weight. Carbon fiber’s flexibility and customizability add to its seemingly endless possibilities as technology in materials science and manufacturing techniques is constantly evolving.
Carbon fiber is regarded as being costly when compared to other materials such as aluminum and steel. However, the carbon fiber substance alone isn’t the sole reason why carbon fiber products can be expensive. It’s also the manufacturing procedures and the requirement for skilled labor, along with other elements used in the production of carbon-fiber components.
Read on to discover what makes carbon fibre parts expensive than the other kinds of materials.
Processing and Economies of Scale
Carbon fiber is often compared to metals such as aluminum and steel because of their similar capabilities. Carbon fiber production is different than metal production. Whenever you wish for breaking news about composites, navigate to this website.
Materials like steel and aluminum are derived from raw ore which is made into a final product or made into an aggregate material, to be formed later or made to create an end-product. The methods involved are time-tested, standardized processes that have been refined throughout the centuries.
The production of carbon fiber but, it is a complex process. Carbon fibers are produced by manipulating organic polymers’ structure atomically in small, long strands through mechanical and chemical processes. The tows of carbon fiber are incorporated into a matrix resin in order to create composite materials. The composite manufacturers create various types of laminates by using unique processes and materials.
Carbon fibers can be considered to be unique in terms of volume, dependent on the end item or performance requirements for the application is.
It is common for custom designs to address specific material needs for a given project. The “standard items” available from manufacturers likely were initially designed as a custom idea to replace metal or other material for better performance, but could offer a wider adoption to the market.
Metals are usually regarded as a commodity with prices determined by supply and demand. Steel is utilized in huge amounts for construction of civil structures and shipbuilding. It directly affects economies of magnitude. The global production of aluminum and steel is measured in millions of tonnes, while carbon fiber production is many thousands of tons. The increasing use of carbon fiber in aerospace is beginning to reduce this distance. Metals, however, will be manufactured in higher volumes for applications that require carbon fiber will not benefit.
Return on Investment and Performance
Materials’ properties as well as their use and their integration into end applications are well-known and have been utilized for a long time. Metals’ properties and the costs associated with them can be predicted and well-known. As of now, carbon fiber has not been defined as clearly.
Aerospace companies evaluate the expense of carbon fiber against the benefits including a wider flight range and a more lightweight aircraft. Long-term the cost savings associated with carbon fiber can be justified by the extra manufacturing costs.
For industrial automation, the expense per unit is evaluated against the benefits of lightweight materials like improved speed, lower wear on motors and actuators and reduced energy consumption. Given the enormous benefits gained, the cost of carbon fiber can easily be recouped due to the longer life-cycle and improved performance.
