How to select the right reinforcement fabric.

1. Fiber

Match the fiber to the dominant load case: stiffness (carbon, S-glass), tensile strength (aramid, UHMWPE), dielectric (quartz, Astroquartz®), or cost (E-glass).

2. Weave

Plain for stability. 4HS or 8HS for drape. Crowfoot when you need a balance. Twill for cosmetic surfaces.

3. Weight

Heavier weights mean fewer plies and faster layup, but worse drape and surface quality. Lighter weights conform better but add labor.

4. Finish

Match the finish chemistry to your resin system. Silane is the workhorse for epoxy. Volan for legacy systems. Specialty finishes for cyanate ester, BMI, polyimide.