Super Light & High Stiffness 30mm - 27mm Roll Wrapped Carbon Fibre Tube

Carbon Fibre Tube 30mm - 27mm

All our carbon tubes in this section are roll wrapped using high grade carbon pre-preg, in a 2 x 2 twill weave pattern. Pre-preg is rolled onto a mandrel and placed in an oven to cure, resulting in a tube that is stiff and light.

These tubes can be used for robotics, UAV construction, leisure applications and anywhere that requires low weight but high stiffness.

Tubes can be cut and shaped with basic hand tools, such as a fine tooth hacksaw. We can cut these tubes to your specific requirements, and will ship the offcut along with your order. Please tell us what you need in your order notes.

All tubes will be shipped in postal tubes to prevent crushing during transit.

• OD 30mm
• ID 27mm
• Wall Thickness 1.5mm
• Stiffness I x E (KNM2) 1.44
• Weight (KG/M) 0.2

Benefits of Using Carbon Fiber Tubes

There are numerous benefits to using carbon fiber tubes. Firstly, their high strength-to-weight ratio allows for the creation of lightweight yet strong structures, which is crucial in industries where weight savings are essential. For example, in aerospace applications, reducing weight by 1 kg can save approximately $1,000 in fuel costs per year. Secondly, carbon fiber tubes exhibit excellent stiffness, which ensures that they maintain their shape and structural integrity under load. This property is particularly important in applications such as robotics and sporting equipment, where precision and performance are key.

Thirdly, their resistance to corrosion and environmental degradation makes them ideal for use in harsh conditions, such as marine and industrial applications. Carbon fiber tubes do not corrode in saltwater environments, unlike steel, which can lose up to 0.1 mm/year in thickness due to corrosion. Furthermore, carbon fiber tubes are resistant to a wide range of chemicals, making them suitable for use in chemical processing plants and other environments where exposure to corrosive substances is more likely to happen.

Lastly, what creates versatility in application with carbon fiber tubes is that they can be easily tailored to specific design requirements. They can be manufactured in a plentitude of sizes, shapes, and fiber orientations to optimize performance for specific needs, making them suitable for everything from bicycle frames to wind turbine blades. This adaptability extends to the aesthetic realm as well, with carbon fiber tubes often chosen for their sleek, modern appearance in high-end consumer goods, from sports equipment to interior parts of automobiles and luxury accessories.

Another significant benefit of carbon fiber tubes is their ability to dampen vibrations. This property is particularly beneficial in applications such as drones, where reducing vibrations can enhance stability and control, or in musical instruments, where it can improve sound quality. The inherent vibration-damping properties of carbon fiber con tubes contribute to the heightened overall performance and user experience in various applications.

Characteristics and Applications of Each Type

Each type of carbon fiber tube offers unique characteristics that make it suitable for specific applications. Comparing the different types of carbon fiber tubes helps in selecting the right one for your specific needs:

• Unidirectional Carbon Fiber Tubes: These tubes offer maximum strength and stiffness along the length of the tube, making them ideal for structural applications in aerospace, automotive, and sporting goods. They are particularly useful in applications where high tensile strength is required in one direction. For example, in aerospace, they are used for wing spars and fuselage components, while in sporting goods, they are used for high-performance arrow shafts and golf club shafts.
• Woven Carbon Fiber Tubes: With strength and stiffness distributed in multiple directions, woven tubes are versatile and suitable for a wide range of applications, including bicycle frames, automotive parts, and general industrial uses. Their balanced properties make them a go-to choice for applications requiring durability and impact resistance. Subtypes include twill weave, satin weave, basket weave, leno weave, and mock leno weave, each offering distinct performance characteristics. For instance, twill weave tubes are preferred for their aesthetic appeal in high-end automotive parts, while basket weave tubes are used in heavy-duty construction applications.
• Braided Carbon Fiber Tubes: Offering excellent torsional strength and flexibility, braided tubes are perfect for dynamic applications and complex shapes, such as in robotics, prosthetics, and aerospace components. Their ability to withstand dynamic loads and resist fatigue makes them suitable for high-performance applications. Braided tubes are often used in prosthetics for their lightweight and durable properties, and in robotics for their ability to handle complex movements and stresses.