How-To Geek
Weekend Project: Build a Carbon Fiber Case for Your Favorite Gadget
Want to protect your favorite gadget from harm and build your geek cred in the process? Craft a custom carbon fiber case for it.
If you’ve ever seen carbon fiber you’ve likely thought it was some sort of space age material that could only be crafted under carefully controlled conditions in a factory.
While it certainly is rather space age’ish (carbon nanotubes anyone?) it turns out that it’s surprisingly easy to work with. All you need to create a custom case is a mold (usually a block of wood cut down to the size of the object you’re making the case for), some carbon fiber, resin, and a little patience.
Hit up the link below to read the step-by-step instructions courtesy of Make Magazine’s Projects wiki.
Carbon Fiber Primer [Make]
Got Feedback? Join the discussion at discuss.howtogeek.com
Comments (3)
Jason Fitzpatrick is warranty-voiding DIYer and all around geek. When he's not documenting mods and hacks he's doing his best to make sure a generation of college students graduate knowing they should put their pants on one leg at a time and go on to greatness, just like Bruce Dickinson. You can follow him on Google+ if you'd like.
- Published 07/8/11
This is cool, but my Galaxy Tab seems like it’d be a daunting task.
Go for it Isaac, i think it would be cool on a Galaxy Tab, let us all know how you get on! :)
does anyone know would this be Strong and ridgid? i want to make a small case to hold my meds currently its in a lunch box that is a bit bigger than i would need if i could make a strong case, but cant find one to buy for the measurements i want
thanks
Carbon fiber is used in all types of fields especially because its strong, rigid, and LIGHT. If you’ve ever used fiberglass for anything carbon fiber runs along the same lines only carbon is lighter for the same strength or stronger for the same weight. I fabricate prosthetic limbs, and we use carbon fiber in all our legs. 2-4 layers of carbon fiber braid (depending on patient weight and activity) is strong enough to bear the weight and activity of a full grown adult. You are not likely to find any substance that is comparable in strength and rigidity thats this light.
Caution: The edges of carbon fiber laminations can be extremely sharp. Small carbon fibers can get into a would and cause infection. Be sure to small all edges of your finished case.