The words “carbon fibre” identify the reinforcement, not the polymer matrix. Include the exact matrix system in the part definition. Thermoplastic and thermoset product families need their own material references and processing information; they are not interchangeable purchase descriptions.
Two quotations can name carbon reinforcement while proposing different matrices and product forms. Ask for the complete material designation, including the matrix and the supplied reinforcement format. Do not use the visible weave, colour or a generic carbon-fibre datasheet to fill that gap.
Follow the exact product information
Toray’s material library separates thermoplastic products from thermoset systems and lists several polymers within those groups. The family label is therefore only a starting point. Use the exact grade information for the proposed construction. Generic assumptions about reheating, joining or chemical resistance are not a processing instruction for an unidentified finished part.
Record a change as a material change
If a different matrix is proposed, review the component requirements and downstream operations again. Include coatings, adhesive interfaces and the operating environment in the enquiry rather than approving a substitution on appearance alone. The supplier response should state what has been evaluated and what still needs engineering confirmation. A change of matrix should remain visible in the approved definition and sample record.
Further reading: Toray: thermoplastic and thermoset material data library.