Wet Carbon Fibre vs Dry Pre-Preg Carbon Fibre
- Wet Carbon: Hand-layered with liquid resin. Cheaper, heavier, less consistent. Used for basic parts.
- Dry Carbon: Pre-impregnated fibres, cured under heat/pressure. Stronger, lighter, more expensive. Used in high-performance applications (F1, aerospace).
Key Difference: Dry carbon is pre-made for precision; wet carbon is DIY-style with weaker results.
Which is Best for Your Build?
High-performance automotive parts rely on carbon fibre to satisfy enthusiasts who seek lightweight strength and superior aesthetics.
Different manufacturing processes result in varying qualities and performance metrics for carbon fibre materials.
Manufacturers use two popular methods for carbon fibre production, wet carbon fibre and dry pre-preg carbon fibre, and each method provides unique benefits along with specific performance characteristics.
In this guide, we’ll break down the differences and help you choose the best option for your build.
What is Wet Carbon Fibre?
Wet carbon fibre which is traditional carbon fibre is created through manual layering of carbon fabric followed by hand resin application before curing inside an autoclave or in an open-air setting.
Pros of Wet Carbon Fibre
More affordable than dry pre-preg carbon fibre.
Offers a high-gloss finish for an eye-catching appearance.
Readily available for a wide range of applications.
Cons of Wet Carbon Fibre
Heavier than dry carbon due to excess resin content.
Slightly lower structural integrity compared to dry pre-preg.
Less consistent finish due to manual application.
What is Dry Pre-Preg Carbon Fibre?
Manufacturers treat carbon fabric with resin under controlled conditions to create dry pre-preg carbon fibre. The material undergoes vacuum-sealing before being cured in an autoclave which guarantees accurate resin distribution and high-quality results.
Pros of Wet Carbon Fibre
Ultra-lightweight with superior strength-to-weight ratio.
Higher durability and structural rigidity.
Premium finish with exceptional consistency.
Used in motorsports and aerospace for high-performance applications.
Cons of Dry Pre-Preg Carbon Fibre
Higher cost due to the advanced manufacturing process.
Which One Should You Choose?
- For Show Builds: Wet carbon fibre delivers a striking glossy appearance at an affordable price for those seeking aggressive aesthetics.
- For Performance Builds: The lightweight nature and structural integrity of dry pre-preg carbon fibre make it the best choice for applications that require track-focused performance.
- For Daily Drivers: The choice between the two materials depends on your budget and goals but dry pre-preg remains the superior choice for long-term durability.
Upgrade your vehicle with premium ASM Tuning carbon fibre components.
ASM Tuning provides premium carbon fibre components that come in both wet and dry pre-preg forms. Our expertly crafted carbon fibre parts provide an ideal combination of performance and style for BMW, Audi, Mercedes and more upgrades.
CHOOSE YOUR VEHICLE
