Dragonplate roll wrapped twill carbon fiber tubes are fabricated from a combination of unidirectional and woven twill prepreg material and cello wrapped for a gloss finish. The unidirectional layers are oriented to provide high bending stiffness and axial strength. The inner and outer layers provide a bias support in addition to an attractive appearance. This product is ideal for building lightweight frames and structures, tubular vessels, poles, column supports, and any other application where low weight and high stiffness are essential, yet appearance is also important.
Three different unidirectional CF options are available in these tubes: 33 msi standard modulus (SM) PAN unidirectional carbon fiber, 57 msi high modulus (HM) PAN carbon fiber, and 110 msi ultra high modulus (UHM) Pitch carbon fiber. The benefit of the PAN carbon fiber is higher strength, whereas the pitch carbon fiber has higher stiffness, higher thermal conductivity, and lower thermal expansion (CTE nearly zero). Depending on the application, both are excellent options. For example, if the part requires maximum strength, then the standard modulus material would be the best choice. If additional stiffness is required, but the component must still retain most of the high strength properties, then the high modulus PAN carbon fiber is the better choice. If, however, the loads are low, for example in many automation and robotics applications, the ultra high modulus Pitch fiber can substantially increase the stiffness of a part. Properly designed, a carbon fiber part made from Dragonplate UHM carbon fiber can easily be stiffer than one made from steel, but at less than 1/5th the weight.
Although more expensive than our other carbon fiber options, Dragonplate HM and UHM carbon fiber tubes provide an opportunity for unprecedented weight savings, particularly in applications where minimum weight and deflection are critical. Dragonplate HM tubes are about 50% stiffer than aluminum, whereas the UHM tubes are as rigid as steel. Our standard offering includes tubes with 1/16" wall thickness; however, we are able to custom fabricate these tubes with 1/4" or more wall thickness upon request.
Since UHM carbon fiber material has certain export restrictions, customers are required to fill out a short form detailing the end use. Both the customer and application will need to be vetted before the product is able to ship. Please fill-out the PDF form and fax or email it back to us if you have ordered the UHM option.
Cello wrapped for a gloss finish with your choice of tube face.
Please allow 10-15 days for high modulus or tube face options.