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How to Source Carbon Fiber Composite Materials for Manufacturing

27 April 2026
4 min read

The Carbon Fiber Supply Chain: An Overview

Carbon fiber reaches manufacturers through a supply chain beginning with PAN precursor fiber, processed through oxidation and carbonisation into carbon fiber tow, then converted by intermediate processors into fabrics, prepregs, and other product forms. Understanding this chain helps you source at the right level and build relationships with the right supplier tier.

Step 1: Define Your Fiber Form

  • Dry tow: Raw fiber bundles (3K, 6K, 12K, 24K). Used for filament winding, braiding, automated fiber placement, and weaving into fabric.
  • Woven fabric: Dry fabric in plain, twill, or satin weave. Used with wet layup, vacuum infusion, and RTM processes.
  • Non-crimp fabric (NCF): Fibers stitched at specified orientations without weaving — preserves fiber straightness, improving mechanical properties in structural applications.
  • Prepreg: Fiber pre-impregnated with a partially cured resin system. Requires refrigerated storage at -18°C and autoclave or oven cure. Superior fiber volume fraction and void content control — the standard for aerospace structural parts.
  • Chopped/milled fiber: Short fiber segments for compounding into thermoplastic or thermoset feedstocks.

Step 2: Identify Your Grade and Tow Size

Match fiber grade to your structural requirements. For tow size: 3K and 6K tow gives finer weave, better surface finish, and higher cost per kg — used for visible surfaces and aerospace structures. 12K and 24K tow is coarser, lower cost per kg, faster layup — used for structural interior plies and large-format industrial parts.

Specify both the fiber designation (e.g., Toray T700SC-12K-50C) and the fabric architecture (e.g., 2×2 twill, 200 g/m²) in your procurement specification to ensure consistent supply.

Step 3: Understand Minimum Order Quantities and Lead Times

  • Fiber producers (Toray, Teijin, Hexcel, SGL): Typically require annual volume commitments of several tonnes for direct supply agreements. Lead times for first qualification: 6–18 months.
  • Fabric and prepreg converters: More accessible for mid-volume manufacturers. MOQs typically 50–200kg per SKU.
  • Composite materials distributors: Best entry point for manufacturers consuming under 1 tonne/year. No long-term commitments, smaller MOQs, faster lead times.

GLB Composites operates as a distributor and converter, supplying T300, T700, T800, and IM7 fabrics and prepregs without requiring multi-year volume commitments.

Step 4: Storage and Shelf Life Requirements

Dry fabrics: Store in a clean, dry environment. Shelf life is practically unlimited when stored correctly. Prepregs: Require freezer storage at -18°C. Out-time at room temperature is limited — typically 10–30 days cumulative depending on resin system. Always request a Certificate of Conformance showing manufacture date and remaining out-life at delivery.

Step 5: Qualify Your Supplier

  • Material certification: Each roll or spool must be accompanied by a Certificate of Conformance showing fiber grade, lot number, mechanical test data, and compliance with your specification.
  • Traceability: For aerospace, full material traceability from fiber producer through to laminate is a regulatory requirement.
  • Quality management system: AS9100 for aerospace and defence suppliers; ISO 9001 is the minimum for industrial structural applications.
  • Approved supplier lists: If your programme has an ASL, verify that your material source is listed before purchasing.

Step 6: Evaluate Total Cost of Supply

The per-kg price is only one component of procurement cost. Also account for freight, freezer storage cost for prepregs, material waste factor for your process (woven fabric waste in hand layup is typically 15–25%), and qualification and testing cost for first articles.

Consolidated purchasing — fewer suppliers, larger rolls, higher frequency — typically delivers better pricing and supply reliability than fragmented spot buying.