ProX Different Weave Options For Carbon Rims
We produce carbon rims with different types of carbon fibers weaves: UD, 3k, 12k, marble under matte and glossy finish. They are widely used for carbon bicycle products in the current market.
As the name implies, Uni-Directional(UD), all of the fibers are oriented in the same direction. This gives fabric some high strength benefits. This is also the best advantage of UD carbon fibers. Marble weave is an aesthetic treatment just has a decorative effect.
3K means per 3,000 filaments in one set of "tow", 12K refers to 12,000 filaments. These weave patterns have overlapping fibers and with function like a spider web to filter excess resin inside of carbon fiber. 3K weave carbon fiber also reduce the risk of flaking on spoke holes while drilling. That's the reason we apply all rims with UD fibers mainly inside to support and rim and 3K weave fibers around the spoke hole. For the different weave, it's only top layer of the rim. It makes almost no difference on rim strength and weight. In short, it is more about aesthetics instead performance.
For the regular carbon bike rims, the surface is usually imperfect when just come out from rims molds due to the redundant resin, spots and flaws. They usually require the sanding and mending process by hand and apply the coating to cover it, the common one is matte and glossy finish.
ProX Carbon had taken it to the next new level in terms of rim finish. Paintless finish become one of the choices. Some of our rims feature the latest manufacturing technology and are the completed product when come out of molds directly, eliminating the need for coating or painting. This rim is with a better scratch resistant, near flawless look and visible original carbon fiber weave.
There are four rim finishes options here: Matte, glossy, satin and paintless. Matte is most common in the market. Glossy is shining and luxurious. Satin is a kind of mix of matte and glossy. Paintless finish looks more premium to match the carbon bike than the matte finish.
Matte UD is the most popular with a moderate look. Others distinguish your bike from regular ones, which make your bike unique and cool. Feel free to choose the weave you’d like and email us for more discussions.