Predicting the Future of Carbon Fiber

The world of carbon fiber and all of its capabilities is continually growing, projected to be a six-billion-dollar industry within the next decade. As we enter 2022, given that the carbon fiber manufacturing industry is continually evolving in a modern world, what predictions can be made about the future of carbon fiber?

Cost Reduction

No business or trade is successful if costs are not manageable. It is a realistic fact that the cost of using carbon fiber composites is high. Machines can make carbon fiber materials; however, it is much more labor intensive to take those materials and turn them into fabricated parts for consumers. Processing costs can be reduced by increasing automation. Similar to Henry Ford and the invention of the assembly line, identifying weaknesses in the automation processes will reduce costs for the carbon fiber industry.

Creative Versatility

The sky is the proverbial limit on the possibilities of manufacturing with carbon fiber composites, sometimes hindered not just by costs, but by our lack of imagination. Fabricating a tube, for instance, is much more affordable and easier to create than, say, a race car, but this predicament can become a thing of the past. With new technologies such as nanocomposites and closed mold infusion, the carbon fiber manufacturing industry is constantly reinventing its purpose and finding new niches it can fill by discovering innovative ways to use carbon fiber. From the growing need for renewable resources, the increased focus on electric cars and efficient air travel mirrors the carbon fiber industry’s opportunities to advance.

Make It Prettier!

Basic black is all right if you’re a classic cocktail dress, but carbon fiber manufacturers and clients around the globe are asking for a variety of colors and styles from which to choose. Carbon fibers are woven together to create fabrics in a weaving room where they create plain weave, twill, and harness satin as well as fish weave, spread tow, braids, unidirectional weave and custom weaves. To increase the public’s acceptance of carbon fiber as a go-to material, the carbon fiber manufacturing industry has to embrace making the product more visually appealing to consumers. Advances are already being made in this area and the future of carbon fiber fabrics appear to be brighter!

To learn more about carbon fiber products and their applications, visit Carbon Fiber Support.