Which wheel pants are preferable - fiberglass or carbon?

[meglin]

Which wheel pants are preferable - fiberglass or carbon? We believe that epoxy fiberglass obtained by vacuum molding with heating is the optimal solution. Such fiberglass is durable, light, resistant to ultraviolet and moisture, cheap, has a large life. However, now at the peak of popularity are products of carbon. Indeed, its unit strength is higher, the stiffness is also higher. As for the price, we have to offer carbon products 1.5 times more expensive when it is primed externally. When using decorative carbon with transparent coating, the price increases 2-2.5 times. We think it is too expensive. But fashion dictates its rules, wishing a lot. Maybe we are wrong and do not know something? 

[rgmwa]

Beautiful work! I would not pay the extra for carbon fibre. I don’t see much value in using it for wheel pants. 

[turboplanner]

Since these items take a beating and are easily scratched or broken, repairs and replacement are probable,  cost and skill level required is important.

The surface area is small so Carbon Fibre's weight saving is not a big advantage.

If a solid object is hit at speed the FRP will crack or split, but can usually be held together for the repair without going back into a mould whereas the Carbon Fibre one will be in a dozen pieces and non-repairable.

I'd prefer FRP.

[facthunter]

Carbon fibre is increasingly used in load carrying parts on aeroplanes and a lot on planes like the Boeing Dreamliner. It's probably increasingly the material of the future. If the price is OK just replace a damaged one. They get a lot of punishment on a rough runway. Nev

[turboplanner]

12 hours ago, facthunter said:

Carbon fibre is increasingly used in load carrying parts on aeroplanes and a lot on planes like the Boeing Dreamliner. It's probably increasingly the material of the future. If the price is OK just replace a damaged one. They get a lot of punishment on a rough runway. Nev

Carbon fibre is fine for many applications where it is not going to be subject to bangs and scratches, but take a look at what happens when it is used on a vehicle and there's an accident; it fractures into many pieces.       https://sagezander.com/2022/02/28/woven-chopped-carbon-fibre-cars-weight/#:~:text=The carbon fibre can be used to augment the aluminium,ride quality%2C and faster acceleration.

[RFguy]

I dont like carbon fibre at all if it is damaged-  mostly is not repairable, splintered, fractures along weave lines . Terrible stuff. 

 

Fibreglass would be #1 choice, especially with chance of needing repair/damage over the lifespan. 

 

As for fashion ? 

Customers need to be educated on the disadvantages of carbon fibre, and advantages of fibreglass. 

 

[meglin]

We don’t like carbon fibre because it produces sharp cutting edges when it breaks down. So we never make carbon seats.

[facthunter]

There have been laminates used also. It's dangerous stuff to work with but it's going to be around for sure.  Nev

[rodgerc]

https://issuu.com/raaus/docs/sport_pilot_34_may_2014/18
 

Article from a few years back may be relevant. Page 18

Edited April 1, 2023 by rodgerc

[meglin]

Thank you all for the opinions expressed.