The Different Types of Carbon Fiber and Their Characteristics

[MTNRCKT]

Hey guys, new to the forum and for my first post I thought I'd at least try to make it a good one. I had read somewhere on this forum where someone suggested starting a thread like this, and I thought it was a good idea, so I figured I'd give it a shot.

I've done a lot of reading on these frames and carbon fiber, in general over the past few months and will attempt to layout the different kinds of carbon fiber, and a few things you need to know about each, below.

First of all, you have the outer visible layer that can be in one of three different "weaves" and all three either be matte or glossy. So you ultimately have 6 finishes to choose from. The choice is PURELY cosmetic, one is not better/stronger/lighter than another.

You have UD finish, 3k finish, and 12k finish, and like I said, glossy or matte in either of the three.

UD Matte


UD Glossy


3k Matte (my personal fav)


3k Glossy


12k Matte


12k Glossy


Will continue in next post with different characteristics of the actual carbon fiber that lies below these outer cosmetic layers. There are a few different kinds and variables, and unlike the weave selection, they do vary in strength/durability.

[Andy]

Great pics.  Thanks MTNRCKT.  I like the 3k weave too however my favorite is the 3k gloss.  There's just something about that shiny, Clear gel coat that appeals to me.  But they all look cool to me, heck I just love carbon! 

[raph662]

Check out yoeleo site for better understanding carbon weave.
http://www.yoeleobike.com/blog/difference-of-carbon-fiber-weave-3k-12k-ud/

When we refer to 3K ,12K , UD weave, it just the cosmetic looking, the inner contructure is all UD.

[jokage]

... the inner contructure is all UD.

That's not what I understood. It's true that the outer most layer is usually for the cosmetic purposes, but a frame (or a rim) should utilizes various weaves at certain areas and layers based on the calculated forces, e.g., if an area is expected to receive forces for one specific direction, it might be more efficient with UD. If there will be forces from various directions for an area, it might be good to have a combination of certain weaves. CMIIW.

This is what I found from a quick search: https://www.elevatedmaterials.com/carbon-fiber-weaves-what-they-are-and-why-to-use-them/

[jokage]

It will be nice if this thread could also explain the differences between various tensile strengths and tensile modulus, e.g., T700 T800 T1000.

[Otter]

Hi everyone — I’m new here and glad to be part of the community. I saw this post and wanted to comment because I too have spent a lot time reading about carbon lately. Feel free to correct me where I’m wrong.

The “T” stands for tensile strength, and the number is a shorthand for how strong the fibers are. As the number goes up, you generally get higher strength and stiffness.

   •   T-700 is strong, has a bit more give, and is easier to work with.
   •   T-800 has higher tensile strength and stiffness. It’s lighter for the same strength and more efficient at transferring power, but a little less forgiving.
   •   T-1000 (and above) pushes stiffness and strength even further. It’s extremely high-performance, but also more brittle and expensive.

Carbon grade alone doesn’t decide how a frame or wheel will perform. The layup — how fibers are oriented, layered, and bonded with resin — is just as important. The same grade of carbon can feel completely different depending on the layup pattern. Brands usually have some fancy marketing term for their layups.

Whatever, whatever, but think of carbon layup like arranging toothpicks. If you place them all side-by-side, they’ll bend a certain way when you push on them. If you take the same toothpicks and crisscross them, the feel changes completely. Same material, different structure, very different performance.

From what I gather, most direct from factory frames do not discuss the layup. However, brands just slap a marketing term on it without actually saying anything about the layup. The result is the same. You don’t know what the layup is, and even if you did, you’d probably need it explained to you. I know I would.

Most good designs don’t use just one grade. You might see T-700 in areas where impact resistance matters, T-800 where stiffness counts, and T-1000 in strategic areas. The perfect frame will blend grades to get the feel and performance the bike needs for its purpose.