Common Fibers
Member
- First Name
- Spencer
- Joined
- Aug 10, 2020
- Threads
- 1
- Messages
- 20
- Reaction score
- 21
- Location
- Seattle, WA
- Website
- commonfibers.com
- Vehicle(s)
- 1970 & 1971 Honda CT90, 1991 Mazda Miata, 1999 BMW M Coupe, 2014 VW Jetta Sportwagen TDI
- Thread starter
- #1
Hi all, Common Fibers is a new sponsor here on CivicX, and I’d like to introduce ourselves and share some pictures of our work!
Who We Are
Common Fibers is a full-service carbon fiber design and manufacturing business in Seattle, WA. I’m Spencer, one of the engineers here, and I’ll be representing us on CivicX. This is our first forum sponsorship, we decided to start here because we have a solid history supporting Honda and Acura enthusiasts and their vehicles. We make parts for several Honda models under our brand and for resellers, including the 10th generation Civic Type R, prior generation Civics, NSX, S2000, and more. We’ve sponsored Type-R Expo and NSXPO several years running and we’re official Honda brand licensees.
Common Fibers was founded by engineers and we think carbon fiber is really, really cool. We want to see carbon used in more places, both for its inimitable aesthetic and laundry list of technical advantages. Our goal has always been to make carbon fiber technology commonplace - accessible to anyone who wants to use it, not just an exotic material found in aircraft and race cars. Thus, the name “Common Fibers”.
Carbon fiber fabrication has traditionally been a financially exclusive technology and a secretive industry. There isn’t a lot of readily available information about making carbon fiber parts. Our business has grown quickly and organically because we’re approachable and willing to get creative with our customers to find ways to make their ideas reality.
We believe all boats rise with the tide, and so we happily share hard-won knowledge with the public. If you’re thinking about making something out of carbon fiber, check out our DIY blogs and our Instagram for pro-tips and in-depth tutorials. Can’t find the answer you’re looking for? Message me here, reach out on social media, email us, or give us a call at (253) 246-7531.
Common Fibers Group Buy
Another reason why I’m on CivicX is to spread the word about our custom carbon fiber group buy web platform: Common Fibers Group Buy. We’ve spoken to thousands of automotive enthusiasts and completed hundreds of projects, and any way you slice it, making custom carbon parts is an expensive endeavor. We’ve done a lot to bring the cost down, from upcycling Boeing’s excess carbon fiber to innovating unique ways to inexpensively prototype carbon fiber parts, but there’s no getting around the fact that fabricating carbon fiber is tricky and incredibly labor intensive. The reality is that the mold required to make just one part costs about three times the part itself. Making parts in larger batches is more efficient, and therefore less expensive.
We’ve had customers try to share the cost of the mold between several people by organizing group buys on forums such as this one, but it can be difficult to convey your concept, organize buyers, and collect payment. To address this challenge we created Common Fibers Group Buy. CF Group Buy provides a platform for individuals to sponsor a project and share it with their circle of fellow enthusiasts. If enough people commit to the group buy, we can spread out the cost of the mold and bring the part cost down as well. Right now we have a group buy for a carbon fiber engine cover for a 10th generation Honda Civic Type R that I’m hoping you all will like. We’ve had successful group buys, but CF Group Buy is still very new and we’re looking for feedback on the website and process, and for more group buy sponsors. Message me if you have questions about CF Group Buy or would like to sponsor a part for the 10th gen Civic.
Honda Licensed Products
Common Fibers has an unusual origin considering that we’re now a full-fledged engineering and manufacturing business. We were established in 2013 by husband and wife duo Ann and Gabe Mountjoy. The two met while studying engineering and competing in hyper-mileage competitions where they built vehicles capable of returning upwards of 2,000 miles per gallon, in large part due to the incredible strength-to-weight ratio afforded by carbon fiber construction. Ann later worked as a researcher for Boeing developing composite parts for the 787 Dreamliner, while Gabe spent time in the composites tooling industry and designing equipment for wildlands firefighters.
While working their day jobs, they continued to research and develop their own ideas and patented the world’s first carbon fiber hinge, which they showcased on a line of carbon fiber wallets launched on Kickstarter. Wallets and accessories only make up about 10% of our business these days, but we continue to perfect them and love being able to give people a slick piece of genuine carbon fiber to carry in their pocket.
As I mentioned before, we have a relationship with Honda and are Honda brand licensees. We have a line of Honda branded carbon fiber wallets and accessories, so check them out on our Licensed Product website if you need to refresh your cash stash while representing your favorite make. Use code CIVICX20 at checkout for 20% off any licensed gear.
Thanks for taking the time to allow me to introduce ourselves. We are thrilled to be sponsoring CivicX, and look forward to serving forum members and the Honda community in any way we can!
Cheers,
Spencer
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