Understanding the Difference: CFRP vs. Dry Carbon Fiber

Hello, and welcome to our corner of the carbon fibre world! If you’re new here, you might be wondering about some of the terms we use, especially when we talk about CFRP and dry carbon fibre. Fear not! We’re here to break it down for you in the simplest way possible.

First off, let’s talk about CFRP, which stands for Carbon Fiber Reinforced Polymer (otherwise known as wet-carbon). This is a type of material that combines carbon fibre with a polymer (think of it as a sort of glue) to bind the fibres together. The polymer gives the carbon fibre its shape and durability, making CFRP an incredibly strong yet lightweight material. It’s used in a variety of products and industries, from automotive parts to sports equipment, because of its high strength-to-weight ratio.

Now, onto dry carbon fibre. The term “dry” might be a bit misleading because it doesn’t mean the material is literally dry. Instead, it refers to the method used to make the carbon fibre parts. Dry carbon fibre is made by using a pre-preg (pre-impregnated) method where the carbon fibre is impregnated with resin before it’s molded. Then, it’s cured in an autoclave (a high-pressure oven) which makes the parts extremely lightweight and strong. Dry carbon fibre is often considered a more premium option because of its superior strength and lighter weight compared to CFRP, but it also tends to be more expensive.

So, what does this mean for you, our beloved customer? Unless specifically stated, all the carbon fibre parts we sell are CFRP. We choose CFRP for its fantastic balance of strength, durability, and cost-effectiveness, ensuring you get high-quality parts without breaking the bank. However, we also understand the unique benefits of dry carbon fibre, especially for those seeking the ultimate in performance and weight reduction. For these select items, we’ll make sure it’s clearly stated in the product description that you’re looking at a dry carbon fiber part.