Several big hurdles need to be overcome before there will be more widespread use of carbon-fiber composites in the auto industry. Major issues include material cost, high-volume processing, repeatable quality and overall cost effectiveness.
“The first of these issues is slowly being addressed with more raw material suppliers coming to market and existing suppliers increasing supply,” says Phil Hall, managing director of Caterham Composites, a British company that has recently branched out beyond its auto racing roots. “As this scenario develops, the competitive nature of business will help drive prices lower.”