Normally, the supplier sold 1000mm length carbon fiber tubes. Of course, you can ask the seller to help you cut the tube.
If somebody wants to shorten the tube by themself, what is the best way to cut the carbon fiber tube to the proper lengths? Here's a reminder, if you're not a professional guy, cutting carbon fiber tubes always occur burr, delamination, and other issues. But the issue can be prevented if you learned some cutting tips. In this article, we will teach you some tips. Check it out if you're interested.
The right saw blade is the key to success. If the tool selection is not good, it will destroy the integrity of the carbon tube. Here we recommend not choosing a toothed blade. Because the carbon tube is fibrous inside, if you choose a toothed blade, the fibers can get stuck on the teeth while cutting, causing the tube cut to crack or delaminate. The best is a diamond-coated abrasive cut-off blade.
Below are many commonly used tools
1)an official tube cutter
When you cut the tube, you need to twist it a lot more and replace the blades after a couple of pipes. You might have to rotate the tube
2) Rotary Tool
You can use rotary cutting tools such as a Dremel. If you are only for your DIY project or you just want to cut a few pieces of carbon tube, a standard abrasive metal cutting wheel works. We advise you need to change the blade often to keep the cut to be clean. It is better to use a diamond coated cutting wheel if you have many tubes to cut. This is because it has long life although it is more expensive.
3) Angle Grinder
Angle Grinder will be better than rotary tool. A standard metal cutting abrasive wheel is the tool of choice for this type of cutting. Due to angle grinder is a powerful tool.
4) Jig Saw
jigsaw blade that works incredibly well for cutting straight lines and getting into tight corners. When you cut the tube you need to use a backing material
5) hi-speed cutters
Many shops will use hi-speed cutters as it faster and more precise. Certainly, the price will be higher. If the quantity is large, we advise you to take it to your local shop to cut.
1. Before cutting, circumnavigate the area and cover or move any devices that are too close to the workspace.
2. Personal protective equipment
We all know carbon fiber dust is a little harmful to the human body. For people with sensitive skin, if the hand touches the carbon fiber, it will cause itching and redness of the hand. Also, If people inhale carbon fiber dust for a long time, it will be nasty for the lungs. So when you cut the carbon fiber tube, best to wear Long sleeves, a dust mask or respirator, goggles and leather or mechanic gloves. And cut it in good ventilation. If possible, work it wet. maybe also cut underwater for no dust. (some of our customers cut it in their bathtub. But it is only for very small projects)
3.Use a tape measure to measure the length you need to cut. Then, use the Marking tool to mark where to cut it. or you can use masking or painter’s tape to mark. Finally, use backing material like wood or rigid foam insulation planks under the carbon tubes.
Make sure the tube is secured well before cutting. If the tube is not fastened properly, the tube will move while cutting, causing the tube to not cut straight. If you move too much, it will cause delamination and glitches.
Normally, we will customize a series of clamps to hold the tube. Clip on both ends that need to be cut.
When you use the blade to cut the tube, go as slowly as possible, if you force the blade through may damage the tube or delamination.
Also, make sure the blade is sharp enough and don't use a badly worn blade. The more worn the blade is, the more burrs the cut will have.
Here we need to remind you that if you are newer, we recommend that you take the scrap and train first before machining the parts that will be used in the finished product. Avoid delamination of tubes due to improper force and excessive speed
After finishing the cut, the cut edge must be left with burrs and a rough edge. but don't worry, you can sand the pipe cuts with Sand paper or other abrasive surfaces.
We have many customers who reflect that dust and particles are the biggest problems to cut the carbon tube. After they cut several pieces of tube, the floor is full of dust and it is hard to clean. Here are a few tips that might help you. You can use masking tape to wrap the point that to cut off the tube and hold a wet tissue under the tube cutout to trap dust. Or you can use a lint roller over the surface of the workbench.
The carbon fiber tube that we supply will have a clean edge. Will never occur burr, delamination, or other issues. We are very happy to supply CNC cutting service with you. No matter what length you need, we can free cut it for you.