Finally fitted my carbon/Kevlar fibre bash plate. I still have a bit to do to clean up the installation and it needs a clear coat to give it some UV protection but I am happy with the result. Here are a couple of pics:
That looks really good...!! Will it be as strong and rock resistant as an aluminum plate..? If you decide to make more I'd like to order one..
Thanks, Hansi but I have to confess that the hard work was done by a friend. It weighs 650 grams or 1 lb 7 ozs. The agricultural brackets I made probably weigh that !!! MJG
Alex, next week I leave for journey of about 1000 kms half of which will be gravel roads. I will let you know how it stands up to the rocks. Strength-wise it should be ample to cope with what I use the bike for and I will add a sacrificial plastic film to prevent erosion. My friend is toying with making more having already made three. MJG
Have fun on the trip. That's exactly what I would see a CF plate being good at. Nothing too crazy. No logs crossings or bike lifts, but for keeping gravel away from the oil lines it should work great and look great too. For my needs an aluminum one would be over kill, but that there would work nicely. Weight is not so much a concern for me though, but it sure looks good.
Kevlar/spectra I reckon would be better for a bash plate. Carbon is a bit brittle at ultimate yield. Doesn't look like a lot of Kevlar in it. Even straight kevlar. I haven't been able to get Kevlar for a while. might be time to look again. It is god aweful to smooth though as it furs up so you NEED a female mold.
The different properties between carbon and aramid were evident when I drilled the plate. The carbon cut without a problem but the aramid fibres needed a razor sharp knife to cut. I think it has two layers of aramid and three of carbon.
You should ensure that you re-resin the holes after drilling. Kevlar absorbs water and weakens. It can travel down the fibres by capillary action. Same goes for the edges. Not a biggy but worth the doing.
