What did we learn in 2017?
- basics of creating a mold
- basics of using carbon fiber
- layering foam between layers improves the strength of the carbon fiber
- this layering is extremely difficult unless the layers above the foam are cut into smaller strips
- cleaning epoxy is a challenge, even with all the acetone in the world
- cutting carbon fiber is easier if you take out a strand and cut in that empty space which will be a straight line
- fibrous mat gets literally everywhere keep it wrapped up most of the time if you don't want it on your clothes
- when making molds brush in the same direction so it is smooth
- wear masks when dealing with gelcoat
Improvements For 2018:
- longer seat backs to improve driver comfort
- practice on fiber glass
- improve mold making skills (for carbon fiber and fiber glass) in order to create more complex seat designs
- improved communication with the rest of the team so we don't end up in the situation again where our finalized seat doesn't fit with the pre-existing attachment connecting the seat and the rover
- cleaning strategy
- more thorough shopping
- another more random note we still can't open that giant blue tub of acetone...
- more thorough measuring epoxy ratios
- capitalize institutional knowledge
- making nice smooth edges
Questions for 2018:
- should we use composites for only our seats?
- should we use composites for the seats?
- carbon fiber or fiberglass? Carbon fiber is stronger but will the less expensive fiber glass get the job done just as well?
- fibrous mat molds or other kinds of molds?
- look into vacuum sealing?
Composite Inventory
Carbon Fiber vs. Fiberglass
Mold Making with Foam
Notes: 9/18/17
Nomex Honeycomb
Dodson Composite Advice
Making Fiberglass Molds Full
Composite Workshop Knowledge