Lamborghini creates new research center for carbon fiber

• Posted by Victoria Fogle December 26, 2021 Filed in Sports 333 views
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  Lamborghini believes carbon fiber is the future of car design. In Italy, they have established an Advanced Composites Research Center where new production methods and design ideas can be tested. Since 1980s, Lamborghini has used this material as a structural component. Murcielago's shell contains 205 pounds carbon fiber or graphite fibre. Carbon fiber can be used for more than just the Lamborghini Carbon Fiber. The largest carbon fiber engine cover is used in Gallardo Spyder.

  
  Carbon graphite, carbon fiber or graphite fibre are thin fibers made mostly from carbon atoms. These atoms are bound in microscopic crystals which align parallel to the fiber's axis. The fiber is very strong for its size. You can combine the material with a resin to make composite materials. One example is the carbon fiber reinforced polymer. Carbon fiber is lighter than steel because of its lower density. This material is used in many applications, including aerospace and civil engineering, motorsports, and civil engineering. It is more expensive than plastic or fiberglass.

  
  Carbon or graphite fibre is a popular material because it can lower the car's weight. A smaller engine can also reduce fuel consumption, which could be a result of a lower body weight. When graphite fiber composites replace steel, there is the potential for a 65% reduction in fuel consumption.

  
  Carbon fiber is used in lightweight racing cars today. This monocoque stressed skin design reduces both manufacturing and weight. This manufacturing process is too costly for passenger cars. These new materials aren't as appealing because of the tight cost constraints.

  
  McLaren produces a few hundred sports cars each year. Carbon graphite is used to make the car bodies. BMW uses carbon fiber roof, beams, bumpers and roofs on its M6. GM also uses graphite fiber in Corvette.

  
  Daimler AG and Toray Industries, a Japanese textile manufacturer, will collaborate to develop carbon fiber parts for car parts. These parts will be used by Mercedes-Benz beginning in 2012. The graphite fiber composite materials will be used in the first Mercedes-Benz SL classes. Toray is the largest manufacturer of carbon fiber in the world and this project will see the development of car parts at its plant in France.

  
  This new process allows for the rapid molding of automotive platforms in just 10 minutes. While it still takes twice as long to make regular sheet metal, graphite fiber costs ten times more. However, Toray's new process can dramatically reduce manufacturing costs.