While most books on composites approach the subject from a very technical standpoint, beginning composites presents practical, hands-on information about these versatile materials. From explanations of what a composite is, to demonstrations on how to actually utilize them in various projects, this book provides a simple, concise perspective on molding and finishing techniques to empower even the most apprehensive beginner. Topics include: what is a composite, why use composites, general composite types and where composites are typically used. The basics section also includes information on choosing the best resin/fiber system and the different types of both resin and fiber. Health and safety is a major consideration for any composite book. Author John Wanberg covers threats to both breathing and skin contact and how those contacts can be avoided when working with modern composite materials. First-time composite workers will need a work space and this book describes how to setup a shop that is both composite-friendly and safe. Once the shop is established, its time to begin using typical wet- layup and molding techniques. Creating useful composite parts starts with a good design, a topic that must be mastered before useful parts can be manufactured. Among the useful parts demonstrated here are both motorcycle and automotive components. The construction of these parts is documented in step-by-step fashion with an abundance of photographs - no step is left out. Any part created in a mold must be first removed from the mold, and second, finished and trimmed. Surface sanding and finishing makes up an entire chapter, ensuring that the composite parts you manufacture are not only light, extremely strong, and durable but good looking as well.

Composite Fabrication Handbook #3 continues this practical, hands-on series on composites with helpful how-to projects that cover a variety of topics geared toward assisting home-builders in completing their composite projects. Handbook #3 starts off where Handbook #2 ended, expanding on mold-making techniques including special methods for creating molds and composite copies of existing parts, fabricating molds from clay models, and making advanced mold systems using computer modeling software. Several alternative methods of fabricating one-off parts are presented in this book, including molding over frameworks and human forms, as well as using stock composites to build simple structures.Hands-on projects include an automotive body panel, (formed by using an existing panel to make the mold), a camper shell, and a hollow-body guitar. Composite repairs are also covered in this book, along with a primer on computer-aided analysis of composites structures and an inside look at how professional fabricators build high tech composite parts for aerospace, racing and the sports industries.Composite Materials handbook #3 demonstrates advanced mold making techniques, including the use of routers and CNC machines in the making of molds. The use of silicone-compression molds, to form complex shapes, is also included.This is the book for anyone who's ready to advance beyond the methods and projects presented in Handbooks #1 and #2. Like those two books, this one documents a variety of projects that can be duplicated in your shop or garage. Take your composite fabrication skills to the next level with Composite Materials Handbook #3.

Composites Fabrication Handbook #2 is written for those who want to enhance the quality and performance of their composite projects. Learn what it takes to truly optimize a composite lamination for high performance use. Basic mold making is covered in this book to help fabricators produce effective mold systems from a variety of molding materials. Several advanced molding techniques are demonstrated in depth, including vacuum bagging, trapped rubber insert molding, inflatable bladder molding, or resin transfer molding techniques. In the spirit of Composites Fabrication Handbook #1, this book presents each subject in a hands on, practical way.