Methods for forming composite panels

A method of forming a composite panel, comprising:

• providing an initial composite material, wherein said providing comprises forming the initial composite material of a thermoplastic matrix and carbon fibers;
• heating the initial composite material;
• molding the initial composite material to form a preliminary composite panel having a main body connected to an outer edge and a laminate layer secured to the outer edge, wherein said molding comprises co-molding the preliminary composite panel along with the laminate layer;
• folding an exterior edge portion of the outer edge over an interior edge portion to provide an external folded edge having the laminate layer on at least a portion of an outer surface, wherein said folding comprises folding the exterior edge portion along a groove between the exterior edge portion and the interior edge portion;
• and
• subsequently compressing the composite panel after said folding.