Expert: Adam Paige - 9/1/2007

Question
I have seen there are many sources for carbon fiber fabric on the web. I am thinking about carbon fiber business ideas. What are some supply sources, venders you would use for projects? i.e. do kit builders use these “by the yard” websites to supply their projects? Do bike frame businesses and other businesses of the like?   Or do they have better, cheaper suppliers? Where is CF fabric primarily manufactured? China? Globally? I realize CF is expensive and low in supply but I am hoping to implement economies of scale, or any other technique you may know to acquire CF as inexpensively as possible.

Thanks
Colin
Charleston, South Carolina

P.S.
Know anything about how acrylic canopies, walls and domes are manufactured?


Answer
Dear Colin,

I spent about an hour on the Internet and it appears that in small batches you'll have to purchase carbon fibers in your specified diameter and length from http://www.easychinasupply.com/synallex/producttrade/last_pt_com.do?cpid=115599 The cost will be high until you get into manufacturing and then I am sure you'll find a vendor (or they'll find you ). Carbon fibers are manufactured all over the world. India and China are big as is Canada and the US. Sorry this isn't my expertise , but I liked your question so i spent some time on suppliers of lower cost carbon fibers and realized their are some leads at www.hexcel.com/Products/Carbon+Fibers/ - 25k - Similar pages also.....http://www.easychinasupply.com/synallex/producttrade/last_pt_com.do?cpid=115599
Thanks for asking I hope this helps.
http://www.hexcel.com/Products/Carbon+Fibers/