As we all know, carbon fiber is a bundle material. According to the size of the bundles in the fiber, carbon fiber can be divided into small-tow carbon fiber (number of bundles ≤ 24K) and large-tow carbon fiber (number of bundles > 24K). The K represents one thousand filaments in the bundle. For example, 3K carbon fiber means that there are 3,000 filaments in each bundle of carbon fiber, and 12K carbon fiber means that there are 12,000 filaments in each bundle of carbon fiber.
Today we will learn about the main characteristics and typical applications of carbon fibers of different specifications such as 1K, 2K, 3K, 6K, 12K , etc.
1K carbon fiber : It is a very rare fiber. It is lighter than other fibers and very expensive. It is mostly used for finishing the surface. Most companies cannot even calculate the stress within the weave. Its approximate linear density is 66g/1000m.
2K carbon fiber : It is the rarest carbon fiber on the market. Currently, no more than 2 carbon fiber manufacturers in the world manufacture it . It can give carbon fiber boards perfect stiffness, low weight and good vertical compliance (comfort), but it is also very expensive.
3K carbon fiber : the most popular and common type of carbon fiber. It gives the carbon fiber board a classic carbon fiber look. 3K is the workhorse of carbon fiber, it is light, relatively strong, and easy to manufacture. 3K has higher elongation at break and ultimate strength than 6K, 9K, or 12K. Because 3K fiber has smaller tows, it can be woven into thinner fabrics than 12k, or it can be wound into thin tubes with filaments. It is mainly used in aviation, industry, construction, sports, leisure products, etc., with a typical linear density of 198g/1000m.
6K carbon fiber : It is easier to wet out using 6K than 12K, and the drape effect is better. It is used in aerospace, building reinforcement, automotive modification, etc., with a linear density of 396g/1000m.
12K carbon fiber : Most carbon fiber manufacturers may use 12K to reduce costs because 12K fabric is cheaper than other K fabrics. 12K is easier to make, less work, and cheaper. It has higher tensile strength, but is not suitable for certain structures of bicycles. It is mainly used in military, industrial robots and scientific equipment. Its linear density is 800g/1000m.
24K and 48K carbon fiber : industrial grade carbon fiber, so they are mainly used for filters, thermal insulation, work clothes sewing, soft furniture and mattress manufacturing, etc.
