Prepping Your Carbon Fiber Parts

How To: Prep Your Carbon Fiber Partscompetitionx.com /rc-how-tos/prep-your-carbon-fiber-parts/

Most high-end on- and off-road RC cars and truckscome with carbon fiber (CF) components. Thesecomponents are lightweight and super-strong…2 keyfactors in keeping your ride fast and nimble. Theseparts are cut from a large sheet and, once completed,often have sharp, un-prepared edges. These edgescan be fragile in a crash and the carbon fiber plate cande-laminate, causing the part to weaken and fail.

To combat that, there is a process of ‘sealing’ the sidesof the CF parts. This involves taking a small amount ofsuper glue and applying it to edge of the parts, effectively sealing the edges. This will allow the parts totake much more abuse before failing.

Items Needed:A file. You don’t need anything fancy. I use a fingernail file found at any convenience store.Super glue. Any kind will do. Note that thinner glue will be a little more difficult to work with but will dryfaster.Black Sharpie (optional)Q-Tips. For applying the glue.Small piece of plastic, preferably a plastic bag.A towel for any emergency cleanup.

NOTE: Work in an open area with good ventilation! Any water coming in contact with the glue willspeed up the hardening process, but will also create a fume that will irritate your eyes and nose. Itis suggested you let the carbon parts dry completely before applying the glue.

Step 1:

Remove your carbon fiber parts and, under running water, lightly sand the outside edges with your file.Make sure you sand BOTH sides of your parts. Graphite dust is extremely fine and, since it’s not good tobreathe in, sanding under water will eliminate the dust. The object here is to remove the hard edge of thecut carbon fiber.

Step 2:

This step is completely optional, but I like to do this because if looks a little more “Factory”. Once you havesanded all the edges, take a Sharpie and color the edges of your carbon fiber parts. This will turn theedges black and make the final product much more appealing. If you’re adventurous, you can try differentcolor markers. I Sharpied a red one once and it came out pretty cool, but because it was initially a littlehard to see, I had to do some additional prep work. DO NOT USE PAINT! If you use paint, the super gluewill not be able to seal the edges. Any collisions will cause huge paint chunks will fall off (at the same timethat your chassis de-laminates).

Next, find yourself a place that you can set your parts to dry. Remember, you will be applying super glue to

Start by sanding the edges of your chassis

the EDGES of your parts and then setting them aside. Find some place where they won’t glue themselvesto the surface you place them.

Step 3:

BE CAREFUL! Super glue is great for bonding things together…including FINGERS! Take your pieceof plastic to pour a small amount of super glue onto it. You don’t want to put too much that it overflows onto your work area. The reason we use plastic is that it’s not porous; the glue will not seep in and dry out.

Step 4:

Take a Q-Tip and dab a little glue onto the edge of the part. You may need to dab quite a few times; justmake sure you don’t put too much. Apply a good coat all the way around your part. Set your part aside todry (should only take a few seconds). Follow the same procedure for the rest of your parts.

Step5:

Oncedry,youarefree to

continue assembling your vehicle. It is suggested that you complete this procedure BEFORE you buildyour vehicle.

Optional: Sharpie the edges for a cool effect

Prep the glue on a not pourous surface

Apply the glue with a Q-Tip

Assemble and admire