Carbon fibre parts can be produced with multiple processes. Some of the processes are highly common as compared to the others. Some processes like injection molding are used for an array of materials while some processes are specifically designed only for a few carbon fiber composites. Now, it depends on which carbon fibre parts manufacturing process you use. Other factors that will change your decision are budget, production volume, details of part design and the application. 

In most of the carbon fibre fabrication processes, some type of moulding to a form is required so that the product can be transformed into a final shape. However, the moulding processes can vary in complexity and tooling according to the requirements. Here is a list of processes that are commonly used for carbon fibre parts manufacturing. 

• Open molding 

Open moulding is a process commonly used for fibreglass composite fabrication. Some of the processes involved in open moulding are hand layup and alternatively, it can be sprayed and a semi-automated process. In the spray-up process, spraying catalyzed resin and fibre into the mould by adding chopped fibres into the resin stream. 

• Resin-infused carbon fibre fabrication 

Steps are taken in the spray-up process to reduce VOCs and EU limiting worker exposure to hazardous materials. Also, there is an increasing demand for carbon fibre production which leads to the automated development of the carbon fibre production process. There are multiple types of resin-infused carbon fibre fabrication processes present out there: 

• Resin transfer molding 

The process involves a two-part matched closed mould that is made up of metal or any composite material. In this process, the dry reinforcement is placed into the mould and then the mould is closed. The low-viscosity resin is mixed and measured and then pumped into the mould under pressure through injection ports. 

• Vacuum-assisted resin transfer molding 

The process involves drawing the resin into the mould with a vacuum as its name indicates. In this process, there is no requirement of heat or pressure. The process allows to creation of more complex parts less expensively and the overall processing cost is also reduced by manufacturing carbon using this process.