Carbon Fiber Batman Cowl

[mydigitalvoid]

I only use clear epoxy resin. It gives a very clear and high gloss finish, gives a better quality part, and most importantly does not have the nasty fumes associated with other types of resins. Once I have the carbon fiber in place I then wet it out with epoxy resin. After I have left this to cure for atleast 24 hours and give it a quick rough sand all over just to knock down the high spots. After this I give it a wipe down and then apply another layer of clear epoxy resin. After allowing the epoxy to partially cure (around 6 hours) I apply another layer of epoxy resin.

After all of this I begin the sanding process working my way thru the grits, and finishing with polishing compound and wax.

Thank you so much for the explanation.

 

[Lucius Fox]

Man, if you aren't working in the CF industry you should be because this is incredible hand laying work. Even though it's a display piece that couldn't be worn it's just jaw dropping to look at when that realization kicks in that it's real CF and not vinyl or hydrographics. I'm just getting started with doing Bat stuff in carbon fiber but I started out with a batarang, nothing this ambitious. I'm planning on doing an entire suit with kevlar plates sandwiched between CF.

Are you using an epoxy compatible spray adhesive to stick the weave in place on the bust while you trim and arrange the fibers? That's the only way I can figure that you're getting so much of the detail of the bust and still have time to get the joints so clean strand by strand.

 

[technogeorge]

Hopefully the next 10,000 will be up to spec. Well, at least you'll get a discount and have spares.

 

[mxer911]

Man, if you aren't working in the CF industry you should be because this is incredible hand laying work. Even though it's a display piece that couldn't be worn it's just jaw dropping to look at when that realization kicks in that it's real CF and not vinyl or hydrographics. I'm just getting started with doing Bat stuff in carbon fiber but I started out with a batarang, nothing this ambitious. I'm planning on doing an entire suit with kevlar plates sandwiched between CF.

Are you using an epoxy compatible spray adhesive to stick the weave in place on the bust while you trim and arrange the fibers? That's the only way I can figure that you're getting so much of the detail of the bust and still have time to get the joints so clean strand by strand.

Thanks alot for the kind words. I'm actually not in the CF industry at all, but rather sit behind a desk all day :facepalm. That being said I'd love to turn the CF thing into a full time profession, however I'm not there yet.

The entire suit with kevlar/carbon plates would look amazing and definitely let me know when you start on that project as I'l love to check it out. As for getting the fabric to stay in place I use two different methods. First method is to use an epoxy resin base coat and allow it to setup for about 4-6 hours to the point where it's tacky but doesn't come off on your finger. Then just lay the fabric and make sure to apply pressure everywhere so that he epoxy gets a firm grip on the fabric.

The second method is to use a light coat of 3M spray adhesive, then lay the fabric and allow it to sit overnight before attempting to lay any resin. This helps to ensure that the fabric doesn't lift away from the part.

As a word of caution, if your part is slightly porous or has a rough surface, use the first method.

 

[zmanz]

wonder if this could be used to make a wearable DKR cowl..

yeah that would be so sweet, but the cowl would have to stop at nose level, to be able to put it on and move our jaw...doesn't mean I wouldn't want one! just connect a flexible bottom part matching in colour, your done.


...any chance you could try that?