How to get velcro to stick to carbon fiber?

[SStewart 13]

So I have a camera helmet project going on and I have the same problem I have always had with carbon fiber. I can't get the velcro to stick to the inside of the helmet to hold the new liners in place.
Whatever BH uses doesn't last very long. I had a new Gunner that shed the velcro within a month.

I have tried dozens of adhesives and some stick to the velcro but not the helmet and some stick to the helmet but not the velcro.

Any suggestions?

Onward and Upward!

[The111 1]

Try contact cement. Rough up the carbon fiber first and clean it with acetone. Keep a lot of pressure (clamping force or sand bags inside the helmet) on the bond for 24 hours or so and then remove it. If I remember correctly (it's been a while), there was something counter-intuitive he had in his instructions, I think it was like apply the cement to both surfaces and then let it dry partially, and only apply them together once it's really tacky.

Ok, I just dug up my instructions and it was 30 minutes you let the wet surfaces sit and get tacky before putting them together.

This is what Wes Rich uses for his CCM liners and what I used when I built mine. I also bonded in velcro in one place (for the cutaway handle), and some nylon webbing sleeve in another place (to stow the cutaway cable).

www.WingsuitPhotos.com

[JSE 1]

You could try roughing up the finish on the carbon fiber before you apply the adhesive. Thats just an idea, haven't tried it myself so try it at your own risk

[billvon 2,990]

Just a note -

When you try to stick stuff to a carbon fiber helmet you're not sticking it to the carbon fiber - you're sticking it to the epoxy resin used to make the carbon fiber composite. It's similar to the resin used in fiberglass.

I had a Guner that shed its velcro too. Cyanoacrylate (crazy glue) fixed it.

[The111 1]

Quote

When you try to stick stuff to a carbon fiber helmet you're not sticking it to the carbon fiber - you're sticking it to the epoxy resin used to make the carbon fiber composite. It's similar to the resin used in fiberglass.

Rough it up enough and you'll get black dust.

Although most helmets you see with carbon fiber exterior have every other layer fiberglass, maybe one more layer of CF on the inside.

www.WingsuitPhotos.com

[LouDiamond 1]

Quote

Just a note -

When you try to stick stuff to a carbon fiber helmet you're not sticking it to the carbon fiber - you're sticking it to the epoxy resin used to make the carbon fiber composite. It's similar to the resin used in fiberglass.

I had a Guner that shed its velcro too. Cyanoacrylate (crazy glue) fixed it.

+1

"It's just skydiving..additional drama is not required"
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SKYMONKEY PUBLISHING

[jimmytavino 16]

Remove all cameras from the helmet and keep them FAR away from any "dust" that could result from sanding... IF there is any chance of loosening up carbon fiber residue...

THAT stuff is bad Ju-Ju for cameras..
be sure to fully wipe away Any remnants on or around, both the inside and outside of the helmet..


j

[Dumpster 0]

If you use Acetone to clean, be careful with it, it likes to melt certain plastics (like polystyrene). Denatured alcohol works well also. Super glue rocks.

Easy Does It

[RMK 3]

This "chemicals & sanding" talk sounds like hard work. 3M make Velcro in an “industrial grade”. I’d say it sticks 3-4x better than the standard stuff. Find some on the net.

I’ve actually had trouble removing it from some items I’ve put it on.

"Pain is the best instructor, but no one wants to attend his classes"

[freefalljason 0]

Just used super glue to fix the velcro on my Optic. Worked like a champ!! Don't know why I didn't think of that sooner. That's what I love about these forums, sometimes you actually get some useful info. SOMETIMES!

Thanks and Blue Skies,
Jason