Details
Carbon Spread Fabric (also known as Spread Tow Carbon Fabric) is a lightweight, high-performance composite reinforcing textile composed of spread carbon fiber tows (bundles of filaments) woven into ultra-thin, wide tapes. These tapes are then woven or sewn into a fabric with low crimp (fiber waviness). The spreading method reduces the thickness of individual tows, generating a fabric with lower areal weight, better surface finish, improved resin wet-out, excellent consistency, and higher mechanical qualities compared to standard carbon woven fabrics.
Carbon spread textiles are perfect for lightweight composite structures requiring high stiffness, strength, and surface quality, such as aerospace, automotive, sports equipment, and marine applications.
What are the key features of carbon spread fabrics?
Ultra-Thin Ply Thickness: As low as 0.03–0.10 mm per ply regularly (vs. 0.1–0.3 mm for traditional fabrics).
Low Crimp: Reduced fiber waviness enhances tensile and compressive strength.
High Fiber Volume: Up to 60–70% fiber content for maximum strength-to-weight ratio.
Flat and Uniform Surface: Even fiber distribution minimizes resin pooling and voids.
Aesthetic Finish: Smooth surface ideal for visible parts (e.g., automotive exteriors).
Compatibility: Works with epoxy, polyester, vinyl ester, and thermoplastic resins.
How many types of carbon spread fabrics are there?
By Weave Pattern:
Plain Weave Spread Tow: Balanced structure for uniform strength (common in aerospace).
Twill Weave Spread Tow: Improved drape for curved surfaces (e.g., car panels).
Unidirectional (UD) Spread Tow: Fibers aligned in one direction for maximum axial strength.
By Tow Size:
3K Spread Tow: Fine weaves for intricate parts (e.g., drones).
6K/12K Spread Tow: Wider tows for industrial applications (e.g., wind turbine blades).
What are the benefits of carbon spread fabrics?
Weight Savings: Thinner plies reduce overall laminate weight by up to 20% vs. traditional fabrics.
Improved Mechanical Properties: Low crimp increases strength and fatigue resistance.
Surface Quality: Minimal fiber print-through for Class A automotive finishes. ideal for visible parts
Design Flexibility: Ideal for complex geometries and microstructures.
Reduced Resin Usage: Higher fiber content lowers resin consumption and costs.
Product Parameter：
Parameter | Typical Value |
Areal Weight (g/m²) | 30 – 450 g/m² |
Fiber Type | 3k, 6k, 12k, 24k spread tow (PAN-based carbon fiber) |
Weave Style | Plain, twill, satin |
Tensile Strength (fiber) | 3,500 – 6,000 MPa (depending on fiber grade) |
Tensile Modulus | 230 – 600 GPa |
Fiber Areal Coverage (%) | >95% (very high, due to spreading) |
Fabric Thickness | 0.05 – 0.25 mm (varies with areal weight) |
Resin Impregnation | Excellent (due to flat tow profile) |
Width | 2000 mm, or customized |
Surface Finish | Very smooth, minimal fiber crimp or distortion |
Product Specification Table：
Model | Density | Carbon Fiber (Warp) | Carbon Fiber (Weft) | Tow width (mm) | Fiber density | Fiber density | Thickness | Breaking strength (N/50mm) | Width (mm) |
BT-12-80P | 80±3 | T700-12K | T700-12K | 20 | 50 ± 3 | 50 ± 3 | 0.08 | ≥2700 | 2000 ± 5 |
BT-12-88P | 88±3 | T700-12K | T700-12K | 18 | 55.5 ± 3 | 55.5 ± 3 | 0.085 | ≥3200 | 2000 ± 5 |
BT-12-100P (T,C,S,W) | 100±3 | T700-12K | T700-12K | 16 | 62.5 ± 3 | 62.5 ± 3 | 0.09 | ≥3700 | 2000 ± 5 |
BT-12-100PT (T,C,S,W) A | 100±3 | SYT49S-12K | SYT49S-12K | 16 | 62.5 ± 3 | 62.5 ± 3 | 0.09 | ≥2800 | 2000 ± 5 |
BT-12/24-100P | 100±3 | T700-12K/24K | T700-12K/24K | 16/32 | / | / | 0.09 | ≥3850 | 2000 ± 5 |
BT-12/24-100L | 100±3 | T700-12K/24K | T700-12K/24K | 16/32 | / | / | 0.09 | ≥3850 | 2000 ± 5 |
BT-12-133P (T,C,S,W) | 133±3 | T700-12K | T700-12K | 12 | 83.3 ± 3 | 83.3 ± 3 | 0.12 | ≥5000 | 2000 ± 5 |
BT-12-133P (T,C,S,W)A | 133±3 | SYT49S-12K | SYT49S-12K | 12 | 83.3 ± 3 | 83.3 ± 3 | 0.12 | ≥3500 | 2000 ± 5 |
BT-6-133P/T | 133±3 | TG700H-6K | TG700H-6K | 6 | 166.7 ± 4 | 166.7 ± 4 | 0.12 | ≥4500 | 2000 ± 5 |
BT-12-160P (T,C,S,W) | 160±3 | T700-12K | T700-12K | 10 | 100 ± 3 | 100 ± 3 | 0.15 | ≥5700 | 2000 ± 5 |
BT-12-160P (T,C,S,W) A | 160±3 | SYT49S-12K | SYT49S-12K | 10 | 100 ± 3 | 100 ± 3 | 0.15 | ≥5000 | 2000 ± 5 |
BT-12-200P(T,C,S,W) | 200±3 | T700-12K | T700-12K | 8 | 125 ± 3 | 125 ± 3 | 0.18 | ≥7250 | 2000 ± 5 |
BT-12-200P(T,C,S,W)A | 200±3 | SYT49S-12K | SYT49S-12K | 8 | 125 ± 3 | 125 ± 3 | 0.18 | ≥6000 | 2000 ± 5 |
BT-12/24-200F | 200±3 | T700-12K/24K | T700-12K/24K | 8/16 | / | / | 0.18 | ≥6600 | 2000 ± 5 |
BT-12/24-200L | 200±3 | T700-12K/24K | T700-12K/24K | 8/16 | / | / | 0.18 | ≥6600 | 2000 ± 5 |
BT-12-210P (T,C,S,W)A | 210±3 | SYT49S-12K | SYT49S-12K | 7.5 | 132 ± 4 | 132 ± 4 | 0.19 | ≥6350 | 2000 ± 5 |
BT-12-266P (T,C,S,W) | 266±3 | T700-12K | T700-12K | 6 | 166.7 ± 5 | 166.7 ± 5 | 0.24 | ≥9600 | 2000 ± 5 |
BT-12-266P (T,C,S,W)A | 266±4 | SYT49S-12K | SYT49S-12K | 6 | 166.7 ± 5 | 166.7 ± 5 | 0.24 | ≥7500 | 2000 ± 5 |
BT-812-100P (T,C,S,W)G | 100±3 | T800-12K | T800-12K | 8.8 | 112.5 ± 4 | 112.5 ± 4 | 0.08 | ≥3200 | 2000 ± 5 |
BT-12-320P(T)A | 320±5 | 12K | 12K | / | / | / | / | ≥8300 | customized |
BT-12-350P(T)A | 350±5 | 12K | 12K | / | / | / | / | ≥9500 | customized |
BT-12-380P(T)A | 380±5 | 12K | 12K | / | / | / | / | ≥11000 | customized |
BT-3-200P(A) | 200±5 | 3K | 3K | / | 500 ± 10 | 500 ± 10 | 0.24 | ≥3800 | / |
BT-3-200T(A) | 200±5 | 3K | 3K | / | 500 ± 10 | 500 ± 10 | 0.24 | ≥3800 | / |
BT-3-240T(A) | 240±5 | 3K | 3K | / | 600 ± 10 | 600 ± 10 | 0.27 | ≥4500 | / |
BT-12-115P | 115±3 | 12K | 12K | 13.5 | 71.8 ± 2 | 71.8 ± 2 | 0.11 | ≥3150 | 2000 ± 5 |
What are the applications of carbon spread fabrics?
Carbon spread fabrics are used across industries where lightweight, high-strength, and visually appealing carbon fiber composites are desired:
Aerospace
Lightweight panel skins
Satellite structures
UAVs and drones
Automotive
Visible carbon body panels
Car hoods, spoilers, and diffusers
Electric vehicle structural parts
Sports & Recreation
Carbon bicycles
Ski and snowboard reinforcement
Tennis rackets, golf shafts
Marine
High-end hull structures
Decking and interior panels
Mast and boom reinforcements
Industrial & Construction
Precision instruments
Lightweight mechanical parts
Design elements in architecture
How to store and handle carbon spread fabrics?
To maintain optimal quality and performance, carbon spread fabrics should be stored carefully:
Temperature: 15–25°C in a climate-controlled area
Humidity: Below 60% RH; avoid moisture exposure
Packaging: To avoid dust or contamination, keep the roll in its original packing or with protective film
Avoid Compression: Do not stack heavy objects on fabric rolls to prevent fiber distortion
UV Exposure: Store away from direct sunlight and UV radiation
Shelf Life: Typically stable indefinitely if kept dry and unexposed to resin or moisture
FAQ
Q: What is the benefit of using spread tow fabric over traditional woven fabric?
A: Spread tow fabrics have less crimp, better fiber alignment, improved resin wet-out, and a better surface appearance. These result in stronger composite pieces with a smoother finish compared to traditional woven fabric.
Q: Can carbon spread fabric be used with resin infusion or vacuum bagging?
A: Yes, it is compatible with all common composite processes including resin infusion, wet lay-up, RTM, and prepreg molding.
Q: Is carbon spread fabric more expensive than standard carbon fabric?
A: Yes, It typically is more expensive due to the advanced spreading and weaving technology. However, the performance and aesthetic benefits may outweigh the added cost in high-performance or cosmetic applications.
Q: What is the typical thickness of a carbon spread tow fabric layer?
A: Depending on the areal weight, the fabric can be as thin as 0.05 mm. This enables very thin and lightweight laminates.
Q: Can carbon spread tow fabrics be customized for specific weights or weaves?
A: Absolutely. We offer custom tow width, areal weight, and weave types for tailored performance. We are always here to wait for your requirements.
Q: Is it suitable for visible carbon fiber parts (e.g., exposed panels)?
A: Yes, one of the most popular uses. The smooth, uniform, and crimp-free surface makes spread fabrics ideal for visual carbon finishes.
Q: Can carbon spread fabrics be used on curved or complex shapes?
A: Yes, especially in twill or satin weaves. While plain weave has limited drape, other patterns can conform to complex geometries with proper lay-up techniques.
Q: Can carbon spread fabric replace carbon unidirectional (UD) tape?
A: Yes—carbon spread UD fabrics offer similar axial strength but better handling and conformability.
Q: How to choose between 3K and 12K carbon spread tows?
A: 3K for fine details and thin laminates; 12K for cost-effective, heavy-duty applications.
Q: What are the limitations of carbon spread fabric?
A: Delicate handling requirements and higher cost vs. standard fabrics.
