Carbon Fiber: What Is It and How Is It Used?

Carbon fiber is a strong but lightweight material made from thin strands of carbon, which are woven or twisted together. It's five times stronger than steel but weighs much less. This material has been on the market for several years and it has many different uses. Manufacturers use it on aircrafts, boats, rifles, wheels and bicycles but most consumers focus on the way it's used with the automobile.

This material first appeared on racecars. It was used as a way to reduce the weight of the cars, which allowed them to go faster by increasing acceleration. Since this fiber is stronger than steel, it still protects the driver if there is an accident.

Many car manufacturers such as but not limited to BMW, Mitsubishi, Volkswagen, Mazda, Mustang, Ford, Acura, Subaru, Nissan, and GMC use this fiber on their new vehicles. These manufacturing companies understand the benefits real carbon fiber has to offer.

Common Uses for Vehicles

You can use this material on most all parts of the vehicle but the hood is the most common. You can buy carbon fiber hoods to fit many different types of vehicles to give your automobile a unique look that sits it apart from all the rest. It's the three dimensional look that seems to reach out and grab the attention of others. You can also use it on motorcycles to add beauty and to show off your unique personality.

Not only does this fiber have a distinctive look but it also has many other benefits. It provides any surface it's installed on with a tough outer coating that will help protect and extend the life of that surface. For example, a single carbon fiber sheet installed anywhere on a vehicle is tough and durable enough to protect the area from nicks, chips and scratches associated with everyday driving. It also has a UV protection to reduce fading.

Using this lightweight material will help to conserve fuel because it makes the vehicles lighter, so they require less energy to function. It also allows you to stop faster because the heavier a vehicle is, the longer it takes it to stop. This is one of the main reasons many automobile manufacturers are using it at the assembly line. It makes the vehicles more economical and reduces overall fuel consumption.

Why Is It Not Used More Often?

Since this material is so strong, durable and lightweight, you may wonder why it's not used more often and on even more products. The biggest problem associated with the carbon fiber sheet is the expense. It cost a lot to manufacture so it doesn't fall into the price range of many consumers.  

It's also difficult to work with and install. For this reason, the average person could not use this material at home so it limits its uses more than other materials. You would need to have the proper tools and a good place to work to install it. Even with its drawbacks, carbon fiber is an outstanding material that provides many benefits. Its uses continue to grow and expand because manufacturers are finding more ways to use it with different products.