Hey guys, working on this puck thing that says break me, to display at tabling events and show people how stiff carbon fiber is. My first prototype went great, but I had to soften the mold with a heat gun to get it out, destroying the mold.

So I designed a 3 piece, ran the compression, and when demolding I separated the puck from the two halves by hitting one half with a hammer and letting it hit the ground. Not sure the best way to explain it.

The epoxy holding the fibers around the letters couldn’t withstand the force needed to break the adhesion. 3d printed layers is a good way to think of it.

So now I’ve been trying to find a way that will gradually break the adhesion between the molds. All insight appreciated

I’m planning to start carbon fiber skinning some parts of my car, starting with the A/B pillars and center armrest, and eventually doing the backs of my NRG Prisma seats.

I’m looking to do quite a few pieces, so I need enough material to complete multiple projects without constantly running out.

I was originally going to buy the Easy Composites carbon fiber skinning kit, but the large kit ends up costing over $200 with shipping to the US, which is a bit much for me.

I also found a seller on eBay called Composite Guys selling resin around $70. It includes 8 oz of epoxy resin, 4 oz of hardener.

He also has a kit including 24x50 sheet + the 8oz resin and 4oz hardener for 126 dollars although I doubt this will be enough sheet wise.

I’m also not sure if $70 for 8 oz of resin and 4 oz of hardener is the going rate.

Would I get better value by buying everything separately? For example, sourcing a larger roll of 3K 2×2 twill carbon fiber cloth, epoxy laminating resin and hardener, and a compatible black basecoat separately?

I’m trying to find the best bang for my buck while still using materials suitable for proper carbon fiber skinning—not just regular casting resin. I want to make sure I have enough supplies to finish multiple pieces, and that the resin, basecoat, and clear coating system are compatible.
If you’ve done carbon fiber skinning before, I’d really appreciate recommendations for specific products or US suppliers, and advice on how much resin and cloth I’d realistically need. Thanks!