Carbon and Fiberglass Dust in Manufacturing: Composite Power and Safe Collection Solutions

Clean Air Industries on June 20, 2025

Modern manufacturing continues to evolve with materials that are lighter, stronger, and more adaptable than ever before. Among the most important contributors to this advancement are carbon fiber and fiberglass composites, which combine impressive mechanical properties with low weight. But while these materials offer tremendous performance benefits, their processing—particularly the fine dust they generate—presents serious health and safety challenges.

Carbon Fiber and Resin: The Lightweight Strength Duo

One of the most widely used composite materials today is carbon fiber reinforced epoxy. In this system, milled carbon fiber powder—a fine form of carbon dust—is added to an epoxy resin, creating a matrix with exceptional strength, rigidity, and fatigue resistance. This makes carbon/epoxy composites indispensable in manufacturing industries such as:

  • Aerospace, where structural strength and weight reduction are critical
  • Automotive, especially in lightweight panels, frames, and bodywork
  • Marine, where lightweight strength, stiffness, and corrosion resistance are vital
  • High-performance sports equipment, including bicycles, helmets, and skis

Depending on the application, the carbon fiber may take the form of loose powder, chopped fiber, or fabric. Resin is applied either by direct mixing (casting) or resin infusion, a process where the epoxy is pulled into carbon fiber fabric using vacuum pressure—typically at a fiber-to-resin ratio of 60:40.

Dust Risks: Combustibility and Worker Safety

While carbon composites are a marvel in design, the carbon dust generated during cutting, grinding, or sanding is moderately combustible and potentially harmful to workers. Inhalation of airborne carbon particles over time can lead to respiratory irritation or more serious health effects. Skin contact with resins and fibers may also cause irritation or allergic reactions.

Similarly, fiberglass dust, though chemically distinct, poses combustible dust risks and is considered hazardous due to its fibrous structure. When airborne, these particles can become an ignition hazard and are difficult to control without proper collection and filtration.

Clean Air Solutions for Carbon and Fiberglass Dust

At Clean Air Industries, we offer a range of dust collection systems tailored for composite material processing, helping manufacturers stay compliant, safe, and efficient.

Recommended Systems:

  • Amtech ATV & ATH Series Cartridge Dust Collectors
    Can be configured for combustible dust environments with explosion protection and high-efficiency filter cartridges suited for carbon and fiberglass applications.
  • ADT Series Dust Collectors
    Designed for lower CFM (cubic feet per minute) applications—great for point-source extraction or benchtop grinding of composite materials.
  • Amtech EBM Series
    Can be used for non-combustible dust applications but are not rated for combustible dust environments.

Media Recommendations:

  • 80/20 cellulose-polyester blend: Adequate for most carbon and fiberglass dust.
  • Polyester SpunBond: Recommended when dealing with more fibrous particulate, such as loosely milled fiberglass.

Final Thoughts

Carbon and fiberglass composites are enabling revolutionary design and performance across manufacturing sectors. But along with their benefits come safety concerns tied to dust generation and combustibility. By selecting the right dust collection system and filter media, manufacturers can continue to innovate with these advanced materials while protecting their workforce and complying with safety regulations.

Clean Air Industries offers engineered solutions for carbon dust, fiberglass particulates, and other composite byproducts. Whether you’re working with graphite-like powder or more fibrous fiberglass, we’re here to help keep your shop safe and clean.