The Building Material of the Future
The need for energy efficiency and cost savings grows with each passing generation. Carbon fiber is making its case for why carbon fiber materials can, and should, be the building material of the future. Aero industries are on the cutting edge of incorporating carbon fiber into aircraft manufacturing. The use of carbon fiber composites in the manufacturing of aircraft bodies is increasing. Stronger than steel but lighter than aluminum, carbon fiber is the ideal substance for airplanes.
There are a myriad of reasons why the aero industry is turning to carbon fiber for airplane manufacturing. Reducing the weight of an aircraft by using carbon fiber as opposed to traditional materials makes the aircraft less expensive to operate. Fuel efficiency is increased by using carbon fiber on airplanes because the weight of the plane is reduced by up to 20%, making it significantly lighter.
Carbon fiber also improves an aircraft’s aerodynamic performance. The lighter the aircraft, the more fuel efficient it becomes. A sleek, state-of-the-art design optimizes the aerodynamics of the plane. Aerodynamic drag is reduced by up to 5% by the reduction in fuel consumption when a commercial plane is made from stiff, lower weight carbon fiber. Using carbon fiber to manufacture aircrafts also reduces the number of parts needed to build a plane. Carbon fiber is moldable, which means parts can be combined into one mold, rather than each piece being made separately. Less parts means less time is needed to build the aircraft, creating a cost savings in time alone. Because carbon support is lighter weight, it is easier to maneuver, meaning less people are needed for assembly.
The use of carbon fiber in airplane production isn’t new. Carbon fiber has been used in the aero industry for over 50 years. As technology and the understanding of the capabilities of carbon fiber have grown, with aircraft fabric repair products the uses and capabilities of this amazing product have grown as well. Aero industry manufacturers continue to innovate and push the bar on what performance enhancements carbon fiber offers and how these advancements can benefit the aero industry.
