Non-destructive testing for Carbon

woodknot
woodknot Posts: 21
edited April 2008 in Workshop
got a mark that I've not noticed before, don't think it's a crack but short of bending the frame to try and open it up what are my options ?

Ta :)

Comments

  • Monty Dog
    Monty Dog Posts: 20,614
    Non-destructive testing e.g. ultrasound - there are engineering specialists in this kind of thing, but likely to be more expensive than the cost of a new pair of forks. Cracking in the gel-coat is not uncommon - put some Tippex or white marker at each end of the crack and keep an eye on it to see if it's getting any bigger - if not, it's probably cosmetic. Any changes to way the bike handles, fells or even sounds may be an indication of something more serious.
    Make mine an Italian, with Campagnolo on the side..
  • woodknot
    woodknot Posts: 21
    Advice noted.
    Was thinking along the lines of a Dye-penetrant method.
    Might cobble a solution together tonight.
  • LangerDan
    LangerDan Posts: 6,132
    I'd be very slow to apply dye-pen. to a carbon frame. Even if the crack is only in the gel coat, the penetrant will wick into the fibre. At best you'll get a permanent discolouration of the carbon, at worst ? who knows. Also the developer sprays for the penetrant are solvent-based - it may not be a good idea to have these in contact with either the gel coat or the resin if you're not 100% sure of their compatibility.
    'This week I 'ave been mostly been climbing like Basso - Shirley Basso.'
  • woodknot
    woodknot Posts: 21
    Point taken Langerdan

    I thought I might try a dyed water and then try and draw it out with talc or salt.
    Hopefully no issues then if it's just a crack in th egelcoat.

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