3K, 12K and UD

3K,12K and UD

The meaning of 3K, 12K, and UD in the context of carbon fiber fabrics is related to the number of filaments per tow and the weave style. The "K" in 3K and 12K refers to the number of filaments per tow, with 3K indicating 3,000 filaments and 12K indicating 12,000 filaments. These numbers determine the density and strength of the fabric. On the other hand, UD stands for uni-directional, which means that the fibers in the fabric are parallel to each other. This is different from the decussated or twilled woven fabric where the fibers cross or form a diagonal rib pattern.

UD weave is the most popular type used, followed by 3K and then 12K. The UD style offers a sleek and uniform appearance due to the parallel alignment of the fibers. It is commonly used in applications where strength and stiffness are important. The 3K weave, which is the most common type of woven fabric, comes in various variations such as 3K Twill (horizontal), 3K Twill (vertical), and Hexa-Comb. These variations have slight differences in performance but overall offer similar characteristics in terms of strength and durability.

Additionally, there is a variation of UD weave called Braided UD, which requires a more sophisticated carbon layup. This braided style adds a creative touch to the fabric and enhances its structural integrity. The wider 12K weave is less common compared to 3K and UD weaves but offers increased strength due to the higher number of filaments per tow. Understanding these different weave styles and their meanings is crucial in selecting the appropriate carbon fiber fabric for specific applications.

Differences of UD, 3K, and 12K

The differences between UD, 3K, and 12K can be observed in various aspects. Firstly, when it comes to weight, woven fibers tend to be heavier due to their overlapping patterns, making UD fibers lighter in comparison. However, the weight differences among the three are relatively minimal. Moving on to construction, the weaving technique used for 3K carbon fibers resembles that of a spider's web, which not only enhances its strength but also reduces the likelihood of defects with its small gaps. On the other hand, the wider weave of 12K results in a stiffer texture compared to 3K. Additionally, the wider weave of 12K is more cost-effective in production, making it slightly less expensive than 3K. Lastly, in terms of appearance, both 3K and UD are highly popular weave patterns. However, if you prefer a weave pattern that is easily observable from a distance, 12K would be a suitable choice.