Carbon Fiber Wheels

Posted by Anthony CarboneOctober 1, 2008 at 10:15 pm

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A Japanese company Weds Sport has manufactured the first full carbon fiber wheel. This carbon fiber wheel was manufactured using a Dry Carbon Fiber technique and was unveiled at this years Tokyo Auto Salon show.

The weight of one wheel is 2.76kg (6.08 lbs)!

There are 2 ways to create a carbon fiber laminate: “wet” layup and pre-impregnated “dry” layup.

“Wet” carbon fiber layup process has been used since the ice age for creating molded shapes from carbon fiber or other engineered polymers. It is the easiest and least labor intensive method and has even made its way into the do-it-yourself areas of self indulgent creations.

The main disadvantage of the “wet” laminate is the lack of resin control.

“Dry” carbon fibers are placed into a mold and resin is poured and brushed over the cloth. Layer upon layer are manually added until the desired resin coating thickness is met. This method of resin impregnation is somewhat uncontrolled which can result in to heavy of resin to fiber ratio creating additional voids and decreased mechanical properties.

The pre-impregnated (pre-preg) “Dry” carbon fiber method developed and mastered during the past 10 years has created a stiffer, stronger laminate with controlled and predictably desirable results.

In this pre-pre carbon fiber construction method the fiber is pre-impregnated with resin at a production facility, rolled on spools, and frozen to prevent the resin from curing prematurely. This raw material is then cut and hand laid into a mold to the proper thickness and cured via vacuum packing and high temperature curing which melts the glass resin which flows and hardens in the shape of the parent mold.

Need a refresher into the Science of Carbon Fiber? Checkout my earlier post on the subject: Carbon Fiber Wheels – Not the Ultimate Performance Material

Isn’t science bad ass?

[Source: CarbonFiberGear.com, Wikipedia.com, NSXPrime.com]

| Posted in Aftermarket, Carbon Fiber, Gadgets, General News, Tech | 9 Comments

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9 Responses to “Carbon Fiber Wheels”

Carbon Fiber Wheels - Not the Ultimate Performance Material | CarZi said on October 1st, 2008 at 10:17 pm

[...] NEW UPDATE: Carbon Fiber Wheels [...]
William hanks said on December 6th, 2008 at 7:04 am

These rims are the hottest wheels I ever seen? How can I price these
Tr said on December 17th, 2008 at 12:29 am

William,

if you have to ask about pricing, you cannot afford them.

my guess is anywhere from $5k-$10k per wheel.
chase said on January 2nd, 2009 at 4:19 pm

Tr, they are actually around 12,000 for a set of 4.
Carbon Fiber Wheels by 360 Forged | CarZi said on January 26th, 2009 at 1:08 pm

[...] Carbon Fiber Posts Carbon Fiber Wheels by Weds Sports Carbon Fiber Wheels – Not The Ultimate Performance Wheel [...]
paco said on February 20th, 2010 at 9:55 pm

well actually those arent the first carbon fiber wheels ever made. i have previously made some for university competitions where we race go carts made at the university.*an engineering project* its quite fun making them and this guys are right about the price of the wheel too spencive for just anyone to afort. i would think they run about 7,000 plus whatever profit the want to make so around 11,000 each.
Aston said on May 11th, 2010 at 2:27 pm

Carbon Revolution also offers a full Carbon Fiber wheel that premiered at the Dubai Car show 2010. They go for 2k and up, performance wish these Rim/wheels (if properly manufactured) can be 3x’s stronger then steel. Since the carbon fiber is a polymer matrix composite the weaving of the materials makes this wheel extremely strong and shock absorbent. Unlike the aluminum rims and wheels the use of carbon fiber will not crack or bend as easy nor will it ever corrode since the composite is mainly carbon atoms.
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