A carbon fiber composite material trademark integrated molding method

Abstract

The present application relates to the technical field of carbon fiber product production, and discloses a carbon fiber composite material trademark integrated forming method, which comprises the following steps: step (1): rough blank preparation; a rough blank is prepared by using a traditional carbon fiber prepreg layering method; step (2): logo / pattern forming; step (2.1): logo / pattern cutting of the rough blank to obtain a hollowed-out logo / pattern; step (2.2): resin (resin thickness >= 2 mm) is applied on the position of the cut rough blank; step (2.3): resin curing forming; and step (2.4): size processing. By changing the light transmission or non-light transmission of the resin, a traditional non-light transmission logo / pattern or a novel light transmission logo / pattern can be prepared. Through optimization of the preparation steps, a novel logo / pattern with variable color and light and shade is prepared, the use performance and aesthetic appearance of the product are improved, and a new idea is provided for carbon fiber logos / patterns.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of carbon fiber product manufacturing technology, specifically to a method for integral molding of carbon fiber composite material trademarks. Background Technology

[0002] The statements in this section provide only background information relevant to the disclosure of this application and may not constitute prior art.

[0003] In the manufacturing and application of high-end carbon fiber composite materials, trademarks (logos) are not only the core carrier of brand identification but also a direct reflection of product craftsmanship. Currently, the mainstream logo display methods in the industry mainly include surface labeling, screen printing, laser etching, and thermal transfer. However, with increasingly stringent application scenarios and higher user requirements for quality, the limitations of these traditional processes in terms of physical performance and aesthetics are becoming increasingly apparent.

[0004] First, traditional methods have significant shortcomings in terms of physical durability and structural adaptability. While labeling is convenient, it is essentially a "cold bonding" process, where the adhesion is highly dependent on the adhesive's performance. In the harsh service environments commonly encountered by carbon fiber products, such as high temperature, high humidity, ultraviolet radiation, or chemical corrosion, the adhesive is prone to aging and degradation, leading to edge lifting or even complete detachment of the label, severely affecting the product's appearance. Printing and heat transfer processes are limited by the interfacial bonding energy between the ink and the composite material surface. Carbon fiber surfaces are often rough and chemically inert, resulting in insufficient ink adhesion. Long-term friction can easily lead to wear and fading, failing to meet the weather resistance requirements throughout the entire product lifecycle. While laser etching offers high precision, its principle involves using a high-energy beam to remove the resin matrix from the material surface. This not only damages the original dense protective layer of the carbon fiber but may also create microcracks or stress concentration points on the material surface, weakening the mechanical strength and fatigue life of carbon fiber components. This is an unacceptable risk for fields with extremely high requirements for structural integrity, such as aerospace or high-performance sports equipment.

[0005] Secondly, in terms of aesthetic experience and technological innovation, existing technologies struggle to meet the growing demands for personalization and interactivity. With the evolution of industrial design aesthetics, modern consumers are no longer satisfied with static, singular visual symbols, but instead seek signage experiences with dynamic lighting effects, three-dimensional tactile feedback, and deep interaction. While existing embedded molding technologies attempt to achieve integrated signage by embedding metal, ceramic, or resin sheets into molds, this "embedded" approach has significant technological flaws: on the one hand, the visual effect of the embedded material is fixed, failing to achieve dynamic lighting effects and lacking a sense of technology; on the other hand, due to the differences in thermal expansion coefficients and curing shrinkage rates between the embedded material and the carbon fiber matrix, minute step differences or gaps easily form at the interface. These gaps not only easily trap dirt and are difficult to clean, compromising the seamlessness and streamlined beauty of the carbon fiber surface, but may also become structural weak points under stress.

[0006] In summary, the current carbon fiber signage industry faces multiple challenges, including poor durability, damage to the matrix, monotonous aesthetics, and disjointed tactile experience. Therefore, there is an urgent need to break through traditional thinking and develop a new trademark and signage technology that can achieve molecular-level fusion between the signage and the matrix material, possess excellent weather resistance and structural integrity, and meet the requirements for dynamic light effects and seamless tactile feel, thus filling the gap in the field of high-end composite material surface treatment. Summary of the Invention

[0007] The purpose of this invention is to provide a method for integral molding of carbon fiber composite trademarks, addressing the problems existing in current embedded labels on carbon fiber materials.

[0008] The technical solution of the present invention is as follows: A method for integral molding of a carbon fiber composite trademark includes the following steps: Step (1): Preparation of rough embryo Step (1.1): Prepreg preparation; Step (1.2): Cutting the prepreg according to logo / pattern requirements; Step (1.3): Designing and developing the mold according to logo / pattern requirements; Step (1.4): Cleaning the mold surface; Step (1.5): Laying out the prepreg with logo shape or pattern obtained in step (1.2) layer by layer; Step (1.6): Heating and curing to form the final product; Repeat steps (1.5) and (1.6) at least once to obtain a rough embryo.

[0009] Step (2): Logo / pattern forming; Step (2.1): Cut out the logo / pattern from the cured blank to obtain a well-structured hollow logo / pattern; Step (2.2): Apply resin to the cut blank (resin thickness ≥ 2mm); Step (2.3): Resin curing and forming; Step (2.4): Perform detailed processing on the overall external dimensions of the product and the internal dimensions of the pattern according to the installation and usage requirements.

[0010] Using the preceding preparation steps, a transparent logo / pattern can be fabricated on carbon fiber products. A backlight is then installed behind the logo / pattern, allowing light to pass through the resin-based logo / pattern, creating a light and shadow effect that distinguishes the logo / pattern from the material of the product in this application. The effect of the logo / pattern can be altered by changing the brightness and color of the backlight. Furthermore, there are no steps or gaps between the logo / pattern and the product, resulting in a seamless integration, a more technological feel, and compliance with market aesthetic demands.

[0011] Preferably, in step (2.1), the logo / pattern is removed from the blank by NCN cutting or stamping.

[0012] Preferably, the specific parameters for resin curing in step (2.3) are: curing at 110℃-145℃ for 10-25 minutes.

[0013] Preferably, in step (1.5), the prepreg is laid in a single layer. If the fabric is multi-layered, the process is repeated layer by layer.

[0014] Compared with existing technologies, the advantages of this invention are: 1. A method for integral molding of carbon fiber composite trademarks provides a new design concept and a new method for preparing carbon fiber logos / patterns. By optimizing the preparation process, a logo / pattern shape with multiple color display effects is prepared. The prepared logo / pattern has a variety of changes in brightness and color combination, providing more possibilities for logo / pattern design. 2. The prepared carbon fiber material products have no step difference or gap between the logo / pattern and the product, making them less prone to dirt accumulation, easy to use, and with superior performance. Attached Figure Description

[0015] Figure 1 This is an example of a translucent trademark prepared by an integrated molding method for carbon fiber composite trademarks; Figure 2 This is an example of a translucent pattern prepared by an integrated molding method for carbon fiber composite trademarks; Figure 3This is an example of an opaque trademark prepared by an integrated molding method for carbon fiber composite trademarks; Figure 4 A flowchart illustrating the preparation of a rough blank for an integrated molding method of carbon fiber composite trademarks; Figure 5 This is a flowchart illustrating the logo / pattern molding process of a carbon fiber composite material trademark integrated molding method. Detailed Implementation

[0016] The specific embodiments listed in this invention are merely examples, and the invention is not limited to the specific embodiments described below. For those skilled in the art, any equivalent modifications and substitutions to the embodiments described below are also within the scope of this invention. Therefore, all equivalent transformations and modifications made without departing from the spirit and scope of this invention should be covered within its scope. Where specific conditions are not specified in the embodiments, conventional conditions or conditions recommended by the manufacturer shall apply. All reagents or instruments whose manufacturers are not specified are commercially available conventional products. To better illustrate this invention, numerous specific details are provided in the following detailed embodiments. Those skilled in the art should understand that this invention can be practiced even without certain specific details. In other embodiments, methods, means, equipment, and steps well known to those skilled in the art are not described in detail in order to highlight the main points of this invention.

[0017] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meanings as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art. Unless otherwise specified, all units used in this specification are International Standard Units (SI), and all numerical values ​​and ranges appearing in this invention should be understood to include systematic errors unavoidable in industrial production.

[0018] The features and performance of the present invention will be further described in detail below with reference to embodiments.

[0019] Example 1: A method for integral molding of carbon fiber composite trademarks. For reference Figure 4 and Figure 5 The method for integral molding of a carbon fiber composite trademark, as shown, includes the following steps: Step (1): Preparation of rough embryo Step (1.1): Prepreg preparation; using the product to prepare the required type of carbon fiber, the thermosetting resin is heated to a molten state. The carbon fiber bundles are flattened or the carbon fiber fabric is fed into the production line. Under high temperature and pressure, the molten resin is forced into and fully impregnates the fiber gaps. The impregnated prepreg passes through a controlled heating zone, causing partial cross-linking of the resin. At this point, the prepreg has slight tackiness, facilitating subsequent layup operations, but its chemical properties are relatively stable. Finally, the material is cooled, protected with a release liner, and then wound up.

[0020] Step (1.2): Prepreg fabric cutting. According to the shape of the logo / pattern and the external shape of the product, the prepreg fabric is cut into the required shape by hand or machine. Step (1.3): Mold design and development; design the mold shape and size according to the product shape; Step (1.4): Mold surface cleaning; clean the mold surface with acetone to remove foreign matter, and then apply PMC release agent; Step (1.5): Lay the prepreg fabric layer by layer into the mold; Step (1.6): Heating and curing molding; mold closing pressure ≥ 80T; heat to 110℃-145℃ and cure for 10-25 minutes; Repeat steps (1.5) and (1.6) at least once to obtain a rough embryo.

[0021] Step (2): Logo / pattern shaping; Step (2.1): The logo / pattern is cut out using NCN cutting to obtain a hollow logo / pattern; Step (2.2): Apply translucent resin (resin thickness ≥ 2 mm) to the cut-off area of ​​the rough embryo. Step (2.3): Heat to 110℃-145℃ and cure for 10-25 minutes to allow the resin to solidify and take shape; Step (2.4): Adjust the overall external dimensions and internal dimensions of the pattern of the product according to the installation and usage requirements.

[0022] A transparent logo / pattern is fabricated on carbon fiber products. A backlight is installed behind the graphic, allowing light to pass through and creating a light and shadow effect that reveals the logo / pattern. The effect of the logo / pattern can be changed by altering the brightness and color of the backlight. There are no steps or gaps, resulting in a seamless integration of the pattern, a more technological feel, and compliance with market aesthetic demands.

[0023] Preferably, in step (1.5), the prepreg is laid in a single layer. If the fabric is multi-layered, the process is repeated layer by layer.

[0024] Using the aforementioned steps, a translucent trademark is prepared. In use, adding a light source to the back of the trademark will reveal the translucent trademark or pattern; changing the color, brightness, and effect of the light source will alter the appearance of the pattern.

[0025] Products made from translucent carbon fiber composite trademarks and patterns, such as Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown. Figure 2 This demonstrates the effect of patterns created by combining variations in light and shadow. Alternatively, the preparation method of this application can be used, employing an opaque resin material in step (2.2) to prepare a pattern as shown. Figure 3 The traditional opaque trademarks and designs shown are superior; the designs prepared using the method of this application are flush with the product, tightly connected without gaps, and possess excellent usability and aesthetic appeal.

[0026] The embodiments described above merely illustrate specific implementation methods of this application, and while the descriptions are detailed and specific, they should not be construed as limiting the scope of protection of this application. It should be noted that those skilled in the art can make various modifications and improvements without departing from the concept of the technical solution of this application, and these modifications and improvements all fall within the scope of protection of this application.

Claims

1. A method for integral molding of a carbon fiber composite trademark, characterized in that, Includes the following steps: Step (1): Preparation of the rough embryo; Step (2): Logo / pattern forming; Step (2.1): Cut out the logo / pattern from the blank to obtain a hollow logo / pattern; Step (2.2): Apply resin to the cut-out blank area; Step (2.3): Resin curing and forming; Step (2.4): Size processing.

2. The method for integral molding of a carbon fiber composite trademark according to claim 1, characterized in that, Step (1) further includes at least the following sub-steps: Step (1.1): Prepreg preparation; Step (1.2): Prepreg cutting; Step (1.3): Mold design and development; Step (1.4): Clean the mold surface; Step (1.5): Lay out the prepreg fabric; Step (1.6): Heat and cure to form.

3. The method for integral molding of a carbon fiber composite trademark according to claim 2, characterized in that, Step (1) also includes the following steps: repeat steps (1.5) and (1.6) at least once to obtain a rough embryo.

4. The method for integral molding of a carbon fiber composite trademark according to claim 1, characterized in that, The thickness of the resin in step (2.2) is ≥2mm.

5. The method for integral molding of a carbon fiber composite trademark according to claim 1, characterized in that, In step (2.1), the logo / pattern is removed from the blank by NCN cutting or stamping.

6. The method for integral molding of a carbon fiber composite trademark according to claim 1, characterized in that, The specific parameters for resin curing in step (2.3) are: 110℃-145℃ for 10-25 minutes.

7. The method for integral molding of a carbon fiber composite trademark according to claim 1, characterized in that, In step (1.5), the prepreg is laid in a single layer. If the fabric is multi-layered, it is laid in multiple layers.

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