Originally Posted by
rydabent
But it is CF reinforced plastic resin. Just like fiber glass reinforced plastic.
That’s kind of a gross oversimplification.
CF typically uses a catalyzed resin binder, as opposed to the thermoplastic in a typical FRP part.
This is why CF parts are lighter and stiffer than ‘plastic’ but relatively brittle. They’re good for where you would use a tube or monocoque structure, and where impact resistance isn’t a priority.
FRP is generally denser (read heavier) but tougher, particularly impact resistance and compression. I’ve seen it used a lot in applications where you might otherwise see an aluminum or magnesium casting.