Photo on the left shows a fiberglass sample with a 2.8 lb load applied. Photo on the right shows the same 2.8 lb load applied to the carbon fiber sample. The fiberglass sample (left image) has a thickness of 0.0465". The carbon fiber sample has a thickness of 0.052". Although the thickness isn't apples to apples, it is only 11.83% thicker on the carbon fiber. Yet the carbon fiber requires 14.8 lbs of weight to deflect the same amount as the fiberglass sample. A difference of 5.29 times. If the fiberglass was the exact same thickness, conservative estimates would indicate that it would be ~4 times lower in strength. Although the above test is extremely crude, nothing beats a visual...     A close up of the table-side's glossy surface.     To learn why an oven is an important part of advanced composite fabrication, please click here.