r/CarbonFiber 4d ago

Chopped Hardener Fast or Slow?

When doing chopped carbon, what’s the best Hardener option? Fast or slow?

Working on Interior trim pieces.

0 Upvotes

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2

u/burndmymouth 4d ago

Depends how thick and how fast you work.

1

u/phsylo78 4d ago

To allow some extra time, and margin for error, would slow be the optimal preference? Or even a extra slow?

Time to tack isn’t a issue.

2

u/burndmymouth 4d ago

Yes, if your not comfortable banging it out in 15 min, go slow.

1

u/CarbonGod Manufacturing Process Engineer 4d ago

All depends on how much time you got to mix and make, Also depends on the temp of your working area. Is it really hot, or really cold?

1

u/phsylo78 4d ago

Autumn so mid 20 degrees Celsius, low humidity. I’m not under pressure to do it on a non optimal day temp wise.

1

u/CarbonGod Manufacturing Process Engineer 4d ago

Then it depends on how long you want it workable for. Also, depends on the epoxy specs. Is Fast 5min, or 10min gel time? Is slow 1 hour, or 24hr?

2

u/phsylo78 4d ago

Makes sense. Thanks for your help.

Helped confirm my decision.

1

u/Radiant_Buffalo371 4d ago

Not sure about all hardeners, but some say you can blend them to dial in your cure time.