Carbon fiber plates are strong, light, and stylish. They are used in many things — from drones and RC cars to sports gear, robots, and even tools. But with so many types of carbon fiber plates available, how do you choose the right one for your project?
Don’t worry — this guide will make it simple.
1. What Will You Use It For?
Start by thinking about what you need the plate to do. Ask yourself:
- Do I need it to be very strong?
- Does it need to be very light?
- Will people see it (so it needs to look good)?
- Will I cut or drill it?
- Is the price important?
Your answers will help guide your choice.
2. Choose the Right Thickness
Carbon fiber plates come in many thicknesses, like 0.5mm, 1mm, 2mm, 3mm, 5mm, and more.
- Thin plates (0.5mm–1.5mm): Light and flexible, good for decoration, skins, or light covers.
- Medium plates (2mm–3mm): Strong and light, great for drones, RC parts, frames, etc.
- Thick plates (4mm–5mm or more): Very strong, good for structural parts, robots, tools, or machines.
👉 Tip: For drones, 2mm or 3mm is very common. For structural use, go thicker.
3. Pick the Right Look (Weave Style)
Most carbon fiber plates have a woven surface. The two most common patterns are:
- Twill Weave: Diagonal pattern, smooth, glossy, and looks cool. Great for visible parts.
- Plain Weave: Simple over-under pattern, a bit stiffer, not as shiny.
👉 Tip: If you care about looks, go for tissage sergé. If not, tissage simple is fine.
4. Solid vs. Sandwich Plates
- Solid Carbon Fiber Plate: Made fully from carbon fiber. Very strong and stiff.
- Sandwich Plate: Has a carbon fiber top and bottom, but something else (like foam or plastic) in the middle. Lighter, cheaper, but not as strong.
👉 Tip: For high strength, choose solid plates. For light weight and low cost, sandwich plates can work.
5. Cutting and Drilling
Most carbon fiber plates can be cut or drilled, but thicker plates need stronger tools. Use carbide or diamond tools if possible, and wear a mask — the dust is not good for your lungs.
👉 Tip: If you don’t have the right tools, ask the seller for découpe sur mesure.
6. Glossy or Matte Finish
- Glossy: Shiny and smooth. Looks high-end.
- Matte: Not shiny, more low-key.
👉 Tip: Choose what matches your style or product design.
7. Budget Matters
Carbon fiber plates can be expensive — especially the thick, high-quality ones. But you can still find good options at a fair price by:
- Choosing standard sizes (like 200x300mm or 400x500mm)
- Buying from trusted suppliers
- Utilisation sandwich plates for non-structural parts
Quick Summary: What to Choose
Final Tip
If you’re unsure, start with a small sample to test. That way, you don’t waste money on the wrong plate.
