Whether you`re a professional fabricator or a first-time DIY`er, you might need carbon fiber sheets for your next project. Carbon fiber composites are complex materials that require specific engineering knowledge, skills, and equipment to properly manufacture. It is important to understand the process, the product, your supplier, and the type of carbon fiber sheets you want. Fabricating Carbon Fiber Parts If you plan to fabricate a carbon fiber part yourself, be sure to know the processes involved in producing carbon fiber composite parts. Molds Molds, or tooling, are needed to produce carbon fiber parts. Molds are typically negative molds, meaning they are concave for laying the carbon fiber cloth onto or into to form the exact surface contour of the part. Resin Impregnation The carbon fiber cloth is first impregnated with resin (typically epoxy). This step is not necessary if you utilize prepreg carbon fiber sheets. Material Layup Next, you layup the material by trimming it appropriately and fitting it to the mold. Closing the Tool This is accomplished with matched tooling, a vacuum bag, or other methods, and removes air and excess resin to consolidate the part. Curing the Part This is typically done with the addition of heat Demold and Trim Finally