This is a good choice if you require a square profile but the strength of a carbon fiber tube. Our customers often use it to make drone arm.
3k carbon fiber square tubing normally needs 2 molds to produce to maintain the inner size tolerance. You will find, if only open 1 mold, the tube inner size is rough. If open 2 molds, the inner size will be precise and clean. The quantity of mold will affect the price. maybe some customers will say how they choose? If you need to insert the parts into the tube, choose 2 molds.
Standard Dimensions
l Dimensions (ODxODxIDxL): Common sizes include:
8x8x6x1000mm
10x10x8x1000mm
12x12x10x1000mm
14x14x12x1000mm
15x15x13x1000mm
15x15x12x1000mm
16x16x14x1000mm
16x16x13x1000mm
16x16x12x1000mm
18x18x16x1000mm
20x20x18x1000mm
20x20x17x1000mm
20x20x16x1000mm
22x22x20x1000mm
24x24x22x1000mm
25x25x23x1000mm
25x25x22x1000mm
25x25x21x1000mm
25x25x20x1000mm
26x26x24x1000mm
28x28x26x1000mm
30x30x28x1000mm
30x30x27x1000mm
30x30x26x1000mm
Larger sizes up to 200 mm
There are many other sizes. If you don't find the size you need, you can contact us.
Length
l Common lengths include 500 mm, 1000 mm (1 meter), and 2000 mm (2 meters), max length can be 6000mm, with custom lengths available upon request.
Wall thickness
l Typically ranges from 1.0 mm to 2.0 mm. Customized other wall thicknesses are also possible, but please note that increasing thickness will also increase weight.
Custom Options
l Shape option: The shape can be rectangle, octagonal, hex, oval and etc.
l Finish Options: When ordering custom carbon fiber square tubes, you can choose our regular surface(Glossy or Matte) and weave patterns (Plain weave, Twill weave, or Unidirectional). If the standard options do not meet, you can typically specify your preferred finish type and specific weave pattern.
l Fiber Orientation and Laminate: Custom orientations and laminates can be ordered to meet specific strength and stiffness requirements.
Carbon fiber square tubes are produced using various methods, each with unique advantages. The primary methods include compression molding, pultrusion, roll wrapping, and inflatable molding. Our chosen method is compression molding due to its superior precision and performance.
1. Mold Making
l Design and create precise molds based on customer specifications. This includes inner core molds, male, and female molds. The precision of the molds significantly impacts the final product quality.
2. Prepreg Cutting
l Cut the carbon fiber prepreg according to required dimensions and layup design, typically at 0 and 90 degrees. Proper layup design ensures optimal performance of the carbon fiber square tubes.
3. Layering and Forming
l Layer the cut prepreg sheets onto the mold in the specified sequence, ensuring each layer’s fibers are aligned correctly. Compress the prepreg layers to remove any air pockets and ensure the resin flows well during mold closing.
4. Heating and Curing
l Place the mold with the layered prepreg into a hot press. Apply heat and pressure according to the prepreg manufacturer’s specifications to cure the material. The curing process must be closely monitored to maintain the appropriate temperature and pressure.
5. Demolding and Post-processing
l After curing, remove the finished product from the mold and trim any uneven edges. Perform any necessary surface treatments and machining to meet the required precision and quality standards.
Pultrusion
· Process: Continuous pulling of resin-impregnated carbon fiber through a heated die.
· Advantages: High automation, high strength, cost-effective for linear profiles.
· Disadvantages: Limited to linear shapes.
Roll Wrapping
· Process: Wrapping carbon fiber prepreg around a mandrel, then curing.
· Advantages: High-quality surfaces, customizable shapes, high strength-to-weight ratio.
· Disadvantages: Labor-intensive, time-consuming.
Inflatable Molding
· Process: Using inflatable bladders and metal molds to shape and cure carbon fiber.
· Advantages: Ideal for complex shapes, smooth inner surfaces, flexible wall thickness.
· Disadvantages: Higher costs, larger internal tolerances.
Each method has its specific applications, and our choice of compression molding ensures high precision, strength, and superior surface finish, making it ideal for high-performance applications.
What are the main applications for carbon fiber square tube?
Carbon fiber square tubes have several key applications across various industries due to their lightweight, high strength, and versatility. Here are the main applications for carbon fiber square tubes:
1. Lightweight frames and structures: Carbon fiber square tubes are ideal for building frames and trusses in applications where weight reduction is crucial, such as aerospace, automotive, and robotics.
2. Sporting equipment: These tubes are used in the construction of high-performance sports gear, including bicycle frames, golf club shafts, and fishing rods.
3. Drone components: The lightweight and strong properties of carbon fiber square tubes make them excellent for drone frame construction.
Industrial machinery: They are used in various industrial applications where reduced weight and high strength are required.
4. Telescoping poles: Carbon fiber square tubes are suitable for creating extendable poles used in camera equipment, surveying tools, and other applications requiring adjustable length.
5. Metrology instrumentation: The dimensional stability and low thermal expansion of carbon fiber make these tubes useful in precision measurement devices.
6. Aerospace applications: Carbon fiber square tubes are used in various aerospace components due to their high strength-to-weight ratio.
7. Automotive racing: Formula 1 and other high-performance racing vehicles utilize carbon fiber square tubes in their construction.
Robotics and automation: The tubes are employed in building lightweight yet strong robotic arms and structures.
8. Custom designs: Carbon fiber square tubes are used in various custom applications where "clocking" (precise rotational alignment) is important, such as in specialized equipment or architectural elements.
These applications take advantage of carbon fiber square tubes' unique properties, including high strength-to-weight ratio, resistance to fatigue, and dimensional stability. The versatility of these tubes, combined with their customizable nature in terms of size, finish, and material properties, makes them suitable for a wide range of innovative uses across multiple industries.
1. Lightweight
Carbon fiber square tubes are significantly lighter than traditional materials like steel and aluminum. This makes them ideal for applications where weight reduction is crucial, such as in aerospace and automotive industries.
2. High Strength-to-Weight Ratio
Despite their light weight, carbon fiber square tubes have a high tensile strength, often 3-5 times that of steel. This allows for strong and durable structures without the added weight.
3. Stiffness
Carbon fiber provides excellent rigidity and dimensional stability, making it suitable for applications that require high precision and low deflection.
4. Corrosion Resistance
Unlike metal alternatives, carbon fiber tubes are highly resistant to corrosion and can withstand harsh environments, reducing maintenance needs.
5. Fatigue Resistance
Carbon fiber tubes exhibit superior resistance to fatigue stress, leading to a longer service life in dynamic applications.
6. Low Thermal Expansion
Carbon fiber has minimal thermal expansion, which is beneficial in applications where dimensional stability across temperature ranges is important.
7. Customizable Properties
The layup and orientation of carbon fibers can be tailored to optimize strength and stiffness for specific applications.
8. Vibration Damping
Carbon fiber offers better vibration damping properties compared to metals, enhancing performance in sensitive applications.
9. Design Flexibility
Carbon fiber tubes can be manufactured in various shapes and sizes, including square, rectangular, and custom profiles, providing versatility in design.
10. Ease of Attachment
Square carbon fiber tubes are particularly advantageous for their ease of attachment to other components, making them suitable for structural applications.
These advantages make carbon fiber square tubes an excellent choice for many high-performance applications across different industries.
The key differences between carbon fiber square tubes and round tubes are primarily related to their structural properties, ease of use, and application suitability. Here is a detailed comparison:
Structural Properties
1. Strength and Stiffness:
l Round Tubes: Generally, round carbon fiber tubes tend to be stronger and stiffer than square tubes. This is because the round shape distributes stress and weight more evenly, making them more efficient in handling loads from various directions.
l Square Tubes: While slightly less efficient in material usage, square tubes offer good strength and stiffness, particularly in applications where directional loads are more predictable.
2. Torsional Stability:
l Round Tubes: Round tubes provide excellent torsional stability due to their symmetrical shape, which evenly distributes torsional forces.
l Square Tubes: Square tubes also offer good torsional stability but may not match the performance of round tubes under the same conditions.
Ease of Use
1.Mounting and Attachment:
l Round Tubes: Mounting round tubes can be more challenging, especially when precise alignment is required. Specialized clamps and fittings are often needed.
l Square Tubes: Square tubes are easier to mount and attach to existing structures due to their flat surfaces, which allow for straightforward bolting and fastening.
3. Cutting and Processing:
l Round Tubes: Cutting and processing round tubes require precision to maintain their structural integrity and shape.
l Square Tubes: Square tubes are easier to cut and process, making them more adaptable to custom designs and modifications.
Application Suitability
1. Aerospace and Automotive:
l Round Tubes: Preferred in applications where weight distribution and aerodynamic properties are critical, such as in aerospace and high-performance automotive components.
l Square Tubes: Used in applications where ease of assembly and structural integration are more important, such as in certain automotive frames and support structures.
2. Construction and Industrial Uses:
l Round Tubes: Suitable for applications requiring high torsional stability and strength, such as in industrial machinery and telescopic poles.
l Square Tubes: Ideal for building frames, trusses, and other structures where straightforward attachment and alignment are beneficial.
3.Recreational and Sporting Equipment:
l Round Tubes: Often used in sporting equipment like bicycle frames and fishing rods due to their superior strength and stiffness.
l Square Tubes: Used in applications where ease of assembly and customizability are advantageous, such as in certain types of sporting gear and recreational equipment.
In summary, the choice between carbon fiber square tubes and round tubes depends on the specific requirements of the application, including strength, ease of use, and mounting considerations. Round tubes offer superior strength and torsional stability, while square tubes provide easier attachment and processing options.
RFQ
Q: What are the standard sizes available for carbon fiber square tubes
A: Carbon fiber square tubes are available in a variety of standard sizes. ID size range from 8mm-200mm
Q: What is the minimum order quantity for custom carbon fiber square tubes
A: We don't have any MOQ requirements. As for customized new projects, we fully understand that customers need to test first and then place bulk order, so we can support it with one piece.
Q: Are there any additional costs for shorter lengths of carbon fiber tubes
A: We offer custom cutting services for carbon fiber tubes. There won't be additional costs if you only need to shorten the length. But other CNC services like milling, drilling, etc, which often incur extra charges.
Q: Can I customize the wall thickness of carbon fiber square tubes
A: Yes, we provide standard wall thicknesses ranging from 1.0mm to 2.0mm, but also offer custom orders for different thicknesses to meet specific needs.
Q: Can I choose the finish type for my custom carbon fiber square tubes
A: When ordering custom carbon fiber square tubes, you can choose our regular surface(Glossy or Matte) and weave patterns (Plain weave, Twill weave, or Unidirectional). If the standard options do not meet, you can typically specify your preferred finish type and specific weave pattern.
Q: Can carbon fiber square tubes be customized for specific projects
A: Yes, carbon fiber square tubes can be customized for specific projects. We offer various customization options, including different fiber orientations, sizes, shapes, finishes, outer fabrics, and finishes. We provide extensive customization options, ensuring that the carbon fiber square tubes can be tailored to meet the specific needs of different projects.
Q: What are the lead times for custom carbon fiber square tubes
A: It varies depending on the order quantity, size, and complexity. Normally, within one month is enough.
