Simulated carbon Fiber Engraving-Material Needed

[Roy Berger]

Hi Folks,

I tried using the search, but I may be doing it wrong.

I'm looking for a simulated carbon fiber material that can be either front or reverse engraved. It MUST be UV stable and outdoor-weatherable.

I have Googled the heck out of this and called my regular suppliers, and I can't find anything.

Thanks

[Martin Boekers]

Check with Acrilex as they make quiet a bit of speciaty acrylic.

[Doug Griffith]

Check out Southtech Plastics. A salesman may be able to direct you to where you can purchase the pattern you want in small quantities from an existing account.

Be aware that the simulated patterns are a film. Any engraving will remove that film. Another film can be applied over the decorative film which provides UV stability and durability. This will most likely be Tedlar. Engraving will remove that film as well. Your base materials will also be limited. I've worked with both ABS and PETG. Neither will engrave well.

[matthew knott]

I saw something intresting at a show the other day, it allows you to dip any item into a tank and get a carbon effect on it, bascially its a sheet that floats on water, www.youtube.com/watch?v=iP7BKHU4WUc (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iP7BKHU4WUc)Share (http://javascript<strong></strong>:void(0)) . You would have to clear coat after, but the effect was amazing.
Think its called hydrographics

[Roy Berger]

I saw something intresting at a show the other day, it allows you to dip any item into a tank and get a carbon effect on it, bascially its a sheet that floats on water, www.youtube.com/watch?v=iP7BKHU4WUc (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iP7BKHU4WUc)Share (http://javascript<strong></strong>:void(0)) . You would have to clear coat after, but the effect was amazing.
Think its called hydrographics

Yes. I'm already looking into that. It's a very cool process.

[Joe Pelonio]

I have a sheet of 1/8" acrylic in my shop now that has the carbon fiber appearance, got it at TAP plastics 3-4 years ago for a job and it was leftover. You can also get a film from sign supplies (Vinyl) that looks even more like it and can be adhered to any smooth surface.

[Roy Berger]

Thanks for the replies. I'll contact TAP tomorrow. I found the DI-NOC vinyl, but I worry about using it in a marine environment. I really appreciate the input so far.

[Steve Clarkson]

Matt........that is really cool.........wicked expensive though.

[Mohammed Issa]

hey roy,

i really cant tell where you are from, but i have seen carbon fiber film locally, from Canadian Tire. its actually made for cars. so it is UV stable and weatherproof.

here is the link:
http://www.canadiantire.ca/AST/browse/4/Auto/AutoCustomPerformance/Decals/PRD~0410292P/Carbon+Fibre+Pattern+Adhesive+Film.jsp?locale=en

im not sure how big a piece you need, but the first thing that i thought of when i saw it, was to custom cut it for iphones for protection. its pretty cheap, around $14 plus tax for 6 feet of it (Size: 5-7/8" x 6')

i hope that helps!!