Shenzhen Alu Rapid Prototype Precision Co., Ltd.

Yes, you can injection mold carbon fiber, but it is a very different process from the "hand-laid" carbon fiber you see on supercars or high-end bicycles.

In injection molding, the carbon fiber is not a continuous fabric; instead, it consists of chopped fibers mixed into a plastic resin (thermoplastic). This material is sold as small pellets that are melted and injected into a mold, just like standard plastic.

1. Short vs. Long Fiber Pellets

The performance of the molded part depends heavily on the length of the fibers inside the pellets:

Short Fiber (SF): Fibers are roughly 0.2mm to 0.4mm long. These are easy to mold into complex, thin-walled shapes but provide the lowest strength increase.

Long Fiber (LF): Fibers are the same length as the pellet itself (typically 10mm to 12mm). These create a "skeleton" of reinforcement inside the part, offering much higher impact resistance and stiffness.

2. How it Differs from Traditional Carbon Fiber

3. Common Applications

Because injection molding is fast and precise, it’s used for parts where you need more stiffness than standard plastic but don't need the extreme cost of a hand-woven part:

Automotive: Engine covers, pedal boxes, and mirror housings.

Electronics: Lightweight laptop frames and drone arms.

Sports: Ski boot buckles, bicycle pedals, and high-end tool handles.