Base elements → Materials → Carbon → Composite materials

FORGED CARBON

Table of main properties of forged carbone composites

 

Property Typical Value Remarks
Density ~1.4–1.6 g/cm³ Very low
Young’s modulus (E) ~50–150 GPa Lower than woven composites, isotropic tendency
Tensile strength ~400–1200 MPa High
Hardness (HV) Not applicable Composite material
Thermal conductivity ~5–15 W/m·K Low
Electrical conductivity Low to moderate Depends on fiber distribution
Thermal expansion ~0–3 ×10⁻⁶ /K Very low
Melting point Not applicable Decomposes at high temperature
Magnetism No Non-magnetic
Corrosion resistance Excellent Chemically stable
Machinability Difficult Abrasive material

Forged carbon is a composite material made of randomly distributed carbon fiber fragments embedded in a polymer matrix, typically an epoxy resin. Unlike woven fibers, its structure is not organized in a weave but exhibits an apparently isotropic distribution, resulting in a marbled or “flake-like” visual appearance.

Introduced into watchmaking in the early 21st century, this material is particularly valued for its lightness, mechanical strength, and unique aesthetic, with each component displaying a different pattern depending on fiber length and orientation.

Main Properties

Forged carbon exhibits the following characteristics:

  • Very low density (~1.4–1.6 g/cm³)
  • Good overall mechanical strength
  • Quasi-isotropic properties (less directional than woven fibers)
  • Excellent fatigue resistance
  • Very low thermal expansion coefficient
  • Non-magnetic material
  • Good corrosion resistance

These properties make it suitable for components requiring both lightness and mechanical homogeneity.

Unlike woven fibers, forged carbon is produced by:

  • Cutting carbon fibers into short fragments
  • Mixing them with a polymer resin
  • Shaping by compression in a mold
  • Curing under pressure and temperature

Once the composite is molded and cured, it can be cut (laser, water jet) and machined.

This process allows for:

  • Great design freedom
  • Good mechanical homogeneity
  • Industrial repeatability

Forged carbon is characterized by:

  • A random fiber orientation
  • Reduced anisotropy
  • A unique, random aesthetic
  • Improved suitability for complex shaping

Each component displays a unique visual pattern, comparable to a natural material.

Forged carbon is primarily used for:

Advantages

  • Very lightweight
  • Good mechanical strength
  • More homogeneous properties than woven fibers
  • Non-magnetic
  • Corrosion-resistant
  • High design freedom
  • Unique aesthetic (each piece is different)

Limitations

  • Lower mechanical strength than continuous fibers
  • Sensitivity to localized impacts
  • Difficult to repair
  • Potential aging of the polymer matrix
  • Abrasive machining for tools