Carbon Fiber - 0050 Types of carbon fiber

Composite manufacturing can be broadly classified into two categories based on how the fibers are treated and when the resin is introduced.

 

Category 1

  • Bare fibers
  • Protected by binder or size
  • Wet-out (resin application and encapsulation of filaments) during manufacture.

Loose fibers

Category 2

  • Fibers pre-impregnated with resin.
  • Unidirectional (One direction only), woven

Unidirectional

Woven


Important Notes

Carbon fiber fabrics can be either dry (without any adhesive or resin matrix) or pre-impregnated (Prepreg) with a resin matrix.
In the case of Prepreg, the resin is partially cured to the B-stage, where it becomes gel-like but hasn’t fully hardened, making it ready for use by the manufacturer.
Prepreg is often preferred in cycling manufacturing because it offers lower void content, better control over fiber volume, and more precise laminate thickness.