Carbon Fiber Layups

I had wanted to experiment with carbon fiber to make a flexible skateboard deck. I used an amazon penny board to get around my college campus and slowly transitioned into riding electric longboards as well. As I wanted to go faster and over bumpier terrain, the lack of suspension became a barrier. Coming back from winter break, one of my buddies had gotten a new fancy board. This board had a flexible deck that handled amazingly and it’s secret was it’s composite deck. This being before learning making things is frequently more expensive than buying them, I thought it would be cheaper to make one for myself. So I tried.

I wanted to replicate the functionality of this deck and make a shorter and more portable version of the same board. I did not know anything about composites and wanted to figure out how the deck managed to be as compliant as it was. I fabricated a few plates out of carbon fiber and some different sandwich materials. I eventually discovered that the middle layers of the composite were woven basalt. I could not find a supplier of the material and ultimately ended the project.

Although I wasn’t able to complete this project as planned, it sparked my interest in composite technology and gave me valuable foundational knowledge. I’m excited to apply these insights to future designs, and I feel more prepared to tackle complex projects where unique materials and innovative designs are key.