DragonPlate manufactures a wide range of carbon fiber tubes, including round, square, rectangular, hexagonal, tapered, airfoil, large diameter, and telescoping tubes. These are available in various finishes and configurations to suit different applications. Note: Not all tube types may be suitable for every application; review technical specs or contact support for guidance.
DragonPlate carbon fiber tubes are known for their high strength-to-weight ratio, durability, and resistance to corrosion and environmental factors. They are manufactured in the USA, allowing for strict quality control. Customization options such as CNC cutting, custom laminate schedules, and specific ply orientations are available. Note: Some advanced customization may require additional lead time and cost.
Product categories include roll wrapped round tubes, twill finish square and rectangle tubes, tapered tubes, braided carbon fiber and Kevlar tubes (round, square, rectangular, hexagonal), streamlined airfoil tubing, large diameter tubes, tube splices, pultruded tubes, and camera rails. Note: Availability may vary by size and finish; check the product page for current inventory.
Prices for DragonPlate carbon fiber tubes vary by size, type, and configuration. For example, a 0.5" External Pultruded Tube Splice is $15.50, a 1" Carbon Fiber Square Tube Splice is $33.00, and a 10.75" ID x 48" Carbon Fiber Tube is $795.00. Prices are listed in US Dollars and do not include shipping, taxes, or customization fees. Note: Prices are subject to change without notice; always check the website for current pricing.
The listed price covers the product itself. Shipping, freight, taxes, and handling charges are additional and calculated based on order details. Customization services such as CNC cutting or special laminate schedules may incur extra charges. Note: Buyers are responsible for all additional fees; review the checkout page for a full breakdown.
Bulk discounts may be available for larger orders, making pricing more competitive for high-volume purchases. Contact DragonPlate sales for details on quantity pricing. Note: Discount eligibility and rates are determined on a case-by-case basis.
DragonPlate tubes offer a high strength-to-weight ratio, durability, and resistance to corrosion and environmental factors. Advanced engineering tools like Finite Element Analysis (FEA) are used to optimize designs and reduce material waste. Customization options ensure that tubes can be tailored to specific performance and design requirements. Note: For highly specialized or regulated applications, consult technical documentation or support to confirm suitability.
Yes, DragonPlate offers extensive customization, including CNC cutting, custom sheet sizes, specialized laminate schedules, and specific ply orientations. These services are ideal for industries with unique requirements, such as aerospace, robotics, and medical devices. Note: Customization may increase lead time and cost; contact sales for a quote.
DragonPlate materials are designed to meet stringent industry standards, including biocompatibility and radiolucency for medical applications. The manufacturing facility is ISO 9001:2015 certified, ensuring consistent quality and traceability. Note: Not all products may be suitable for every regulatory environment; verify compliance for your specific use case.
Industries using DragonPlate tubes include aerospace, robotics, medical devices, defense, industrial automation, marine defense, drone technology, nuclear and industrial robotics, and the music industry. Notable case studies include collaborations with Frontier Electronic Systems (marine defense), Eureka Dynamics (drone technology), and International Climbing Machines (robotics). Note: Suitability may vary by application; consult with DragonPlate for industry-specific recommendations.
Yes. Examples include: Frontier Electronic Systems used DragonPlate tubes for marine defense enclosures requiring waterproofing and EMI shielding; Eureka Dynamics improved drone test bed systems with carbon fiber components; International Climbing Machines developed composite chassis for wall-climbing robots; and student aerospace teams built high-performance rockets. Note: Results may vary based on project requirements; see linked case studies for details.
DragonPlate tubes address high manufacturing costs, complex fabrication processes, localized stress concentrations, regulatory compliance, weight and performance optimization, and prototyping challenges. Advanced simulation tools and end-to-end services help reduce costs and accelerate time-to-market. Note: Some challenges may require custom engineering; contact DragonPlate for project-specific solutions.
DragonPlate uses advanced engineering tools such as Finite Element Analysis (FEA), offers ISO 9001:2015 certified manufacturing, and provides detailed technical documentation and CAD models. These measures help ensure consistent quality, validated designs, and reliable performance. Note: Detailed limitations not publicly documented; ask sales for specifics on edge cases or extreme environments.
Technical specifications and downloadable CAD models are available on the DragonPlate website. Visit the technical specs page and CAD models page for detailed information. Note: Not all products may have CAD models available; check the relevant product page.
Yes. DragonPlate provides "The Ultimate Guide to Carbon Fiber Design and Application," which offers step-by-step instructions for design, application, and maintenance. Access the guide at this link. Note: The guide is general; for project-specific advice, contact technical support.
DragonPlate offers ready-to-use prefabricated tubes that can be integrated into projects immediately. For custom solutions, the timeline depends on project complexity. Technical documentation and CAD models are available to streamline implementation. Note: Custom projects may require additional lead time; contact support for estimates.
Customers can access support via phone (315-252-2559), email (service@dragonplate.com), or the website contact form. Technical resources, guides, and account management tools are also available online. Note: Support hours are Monday-Friday, 8:30am – 5:00pm ET; response times may vary during peak periods.
DragonPlate offers a wide range of carbon fiber tubes for many different applications. Our tubes are manufactured by us here in the USA, giving us complete control over the characteristics and quality.
Tubes over 90" long have high shipping costs due to length. We offer one free cut to reduce length and save on your shipping costs. Contact us with your desired cut length. (cut tolerance is -0, +0.25")
Tubes over 90" long have high shipping costs due to length. We offer one free cut to reduce length and save on your shipping costs. Contact us with your desired cut length. (cut tolerance is -0, +0.25")
Tubes over 90" long have high shipping costs due to length. We offer one free cut to reduce length and save on your shipping costs. Contact us with your desired cut length. (cut tolerance is -0, +0.25")
Tubes over 90" long have high shipping costs due to length. We offer one free cut to reduce length and save on your shipping costs. Contact us with your desired cut length. (cut tolerance is -0, +0.25")
Tubes over 90" long have high shipping costs due to length. We offer one free cut to reduce length and save on your shipping costs. Contact us with your desired cut length. (cut tolerance is -0, +0.25")
Tubes over 90" long have high shipping costs due to length. We offer one free cut to reduce length and save on your shipping costs. Contact us with your desired cut length. (cut tolerance is -0, +0.25")
Tubes over 90" long have high shipping costs due to length. We offer one free cut to reduce length and save on your shipping costs. Contact us with your desired cut length. (cut tolerance is -0, +0.25")
Tubes over 90" long have high shipping costs due to length. We offer one free cut to reduce length and save on your shipping costs. Contact us with your desired cut length. (cut tolerance is -0, +0.25")
DragonPlate® manufactures carbon fiber tubes using three distinct methods — roll-wrapped, braided, and pultruded — plus specialty geometries (airfoil, tapered, telescoping, large diameter) built on those constructions. Choosing the right tube comes down to two questions. The first is load type: is the tube primarily loaded in bending (a cantilevered arm, a mast), torsion and side-loading (a frame member, a truss), or straight axial compression/tension (a strut, a reinforcing member)? The second is finish and cost: does the application need a cosmetic gloss finish, or is the wet-braid or tooled look acceptable for a structural or hidden member?
Construction method drives mechanical behavior more than any other variable. Roll-wrapped tubes are built from multiple wraps of twill and/or unidirectional prepreg and deliver the highest bending stiffness at the lowest weight. Braided tubes use carbon braid captured around unidirectional fabric, trading some bending stiffness for superior torsional and side-load strength — and they're lighter than pultruded tubing at equivalent size. Pultruded tubes are pulled through an epoxy die for maximum straightness and rigidity at the lowest cost, but are optimized for axial loading rather than torsion or impact. Pick the construction your load case demands first, then the shape and finish that fit the application.
| Tube type | Construction | Fiber modulus | Max temp | Shape options | Choose it when… |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Roll-Wrapped | Multiple wraps of twill and/or unidirectional prepreg | Standard (33 Msi), High (57 Msi), or Ultra High (110 Msi) | 250°F | Round, square/rectangle (twill finish), tapered | The highest bending stiffness and lowest weight are the priority — automation robotics, telescoping poles, idler rollers, UAV components |
| Braided (Carbon) | Carbon braid over captured unidirectional fabric | Standard, High, or Ultra High Msi depending on line | 140–250°F depending on construction | Round, square/rectangular, hexagonal | Torsional and side-loading strength matter more than bending stiffness — frames, trusses, structural members under multi-directional load |
| Braided (Carbon/Kevlar Hybrid) | Carbon and Kevlar braid, hybrid weave | Standard | 140°F | Round | Impact and abrasion resistance are needed alongside the torsional strength of a braided tube |
| Pultruded | Unidirectional fiber pulled through an epoxy die | Standard (33 Msi) | 200°F | Round, square | Straightness, rigidity, and cost are the priority for axially loaded frames, trusses, and reinforcing members — not for high-impact or complex-shape applications |
| Streamlined Airfoil | Roll-wrapped, symmetrical NACA profile | Standard | 250°F | Symmetrical airfoil | The structural member also needs to reduce aerodynamic drag — UAV spars, structural masts in moving air |
| Roll-Wrapped Tapered | Roll-wrapped, continuous taper | Standard | 250°F | Round/tapered | The application requires a telescoping fit or a continuously tapering structural member — fishing-pole-style poles, antenna masts |
| Telescoping (Standard & Rugged) | Diameter match roll-wrapped sections | Standard | 250°F | Round, telescoping | An adjustable-length assembly is needed — camera poles, field-deployable masts, positioning rigs |
| Large Diameter | Roll-wrapped or braided, large-format | Standard | Varies by construction | Round | Structural diameters beyond standard stock (8.625"–18" ID) are required — large housings, idler rollers, structural drums. Not approved for aircraft use |
| Camera Rail | Roll-wrapped, precision ground | Standard | 250°F | Round (15mm and other standard camera-industry diameters) | The application is a cinema/camera rig requiring a precision-diameter rail compatible with industry-standard rod blocks |
Notes on the table: fiber modulus, max temperature, and finish availability vary by specific SKU within each category — confirm the exact combination on the individual product page before specifying. Wall thickness for round tubes generally follows OD/ID pairs published on each product listing rather than a single fixed value per line.
What's the real difference between roll-wrapped, braided, and pultruded tubes?
The three methods trade off differently across stiffness, strength mode, and cost. Roll-wrapped construction — multiple wraps of twill and/or unidirectional prepreg — produces the highest bending stiffness and lowest weight of the three, which is why it's the standard choice for automation robotics, telescoping poles, idler rollers, and UAV components. Braided construction captures the unidirectional layers inside a carbon braid, which eliminates the longitudinal cracking and splitting that a purely unidirectional tube can develop, and gives braided tubes meaningfully better torsional and side-loading strength than pultruded tubing — at a lighter weight. Pultruded tubes are pulled through an epoxy die, which gives them exceptional straightness and rigidity in the axial direction at the lowest cost per tube, but they are not the right choice where torsional loading, impact resistance, or complex geometry are the driving requirement.
When do I need a braided tube instead of roll-wrapped?
When the load case includes meaningful torsion or side loading rather than pure bending. A robotic frame member, a truss strut, or any structure where load direction isn't purely axial will see less cracking and splitting risk in a braided tube than in a unidirectional pultruded one, and better torsional performance than a roll-wrapped tube optimized for bending. For pure bending stiffness at minimum weight — a cantilevered arm, a telescoping pole — roll-wrapped remains the stiffer, lighter option.
What's the difference between the standard braided carbon tube and the EconomyTube™ line?
Both use carbon braid over captured unidirectional fabric. EconomyTube™ is DragonPlate®'s cost-optimized braided line for applications where budget is the primary constraint and the full torsional-optimization of the standard or axially-optimized braided lines isn't required. High Modulus Braided tubes step up to 57 Msi (or higher) fiber for deflection-critical applications at a weight and cost premium over standard-modulus braided tubes.
Do I need square, rectangular, or hexagonal tubes instead of round?
Square and rectangular profiles are available in both roll-wrapped twill finish and braided construction, and are the right choice when the assembly needs flat mounting faces or predictable bolt-pattern layouts — connector systems, panel mounts, angular framing. Hexagonal braided tubes are a specialty option for applications needing a defined rotational reference or a distinct visual profile. For pure structural efficiency without a mounting-face requirement, round tubing offers the best strength-to-weight ratio for a given wall thickness.
Can DragonPlate® tubes be joined into modular structures without machining?
Yes. DragonPlate®'s patented ModCon™ modular connector system is engineered to join specific families of roll-wrapped, braided, and pultruded tubes and rods without welding, machining, or specialist fabrication. Pre-configured structural kits are available for common square-tube and round pultruded-tube frame geometries, in addition to standalone connectors for custom layouts. This is the fastest path to a rigid tube structure for drone frames, robotic assemblies, and portable or field-deployable structures.
What are Large Carbon Fiber Tubes, and are there any restrictions on their use?
Large Carbon Fiber Tubes cover structural diameters beyond standard stock sizing — inner diameters from roughly 8.625" up through 18" in standard lengths, with larger custom diameters available on request through Element 6 Composites. Important limitation: DragonPlate®'s large carbon fiber tubes are not intended or approved for use in aircraft, and the user is responsible for determining the safety and suitability of any structure built from them.
What is a telescoping tube system, and when do I need one?
Telescoping tubes are matched-taper roll-wrapped sections engineered to slide and lock into each other, producing an adjustable-length assembly from a compact stowed length. Standard Telescoping Tubes suit general positioning and camera/field applications; Rugged Telescoping Tubes are built for higher-load or higher-cycle field use. Deflection-Optimized Telescoping Tubes are available where minimizing tip deflection at full extension is the governing requirement. Telescoping Tube End Effectors & Connectors complete the assembly at each end.
What's a Streamlined Airfoil tube, and why would I choose it over a round tube?
Streamlined Symmetrical Airfoil tubing is a roll-wrapped tube with a NACA-style symmetrical airfoil cross-section rather than a round profile. Choose it when the structural member is exposed to moving air and drag reduction matters alongside structural stiffness — UAV spars and structural masts are the primary use case. For a purely structural member not exposed to airflow, round tubing is simpler to specify, mount, and join with standard connectors.
What sizes are available?
Round tube inner diameters range from roughly 0.06" up through 18" in standard stock, with lengths from 24" to 96" (longer lengths and custom diameters available on request). Square, rectangular, and hexagonal tubes are available in a range of standard inside and outside dimensions. Wall thickness varies by tube type and diameter — check the specific product listing, as OD/ID pairings are not uniform across the catalog.
Do you offer custom lengths, diameters, or laminate schedules?
Yes. CNC cutting, custom lengths, custom diameters, and specialized laminate schedules and ply orientations are available through Element 6 Composites. For applications outside standard stock — larger diameters, non-standard wall thickness, elevated-temperature resin systems, or hybrid reinforcement — contact DragonPlate® for a custom quote.
Can I join two tubes to make a longer length?
Yes. Carbon Fiber Tube Splices — available for roll-wrapped, braided, and pultruded families — fit inside the tube ends and bond in place with a structural adhesive (DragonPlate® recommends 3M Scotch-Weld 2216 epoxy) to create a continuous length beyond standard stock. Splices are not designed for slip-fit or non-bonded use.
Ordering basics
The listed price covers the tube itself — shipping, freight, taxes, and handling are calculated separately at checkout. Payment is prepaid by credit card, check, or wire; approved buyers may qualify for Net 30 terms. Bulk and volume pricing is available by quote for larger orders — contact DragonPlate® sales for manufacturing lead times on large-quantity runs.
Can I cut and drill tubes myself?
Yes. DragonPlate® carbon fiber tubes can be cut with common shop tools — a band saw, coping saw, scroll saw, jigsaw, or a Dremel-type rotary tool with a diamond wheel — and machined with an end mill for precision cuts. If cutting on a CNC machine, use carbide tooling. As with sheet stock, back the tube with sacrificial support when drilling to prevent fiber chipping at the exit face, and work with standard carbon fiber dust precautions: safety glasses, a dust respirator, ventilation, and HEPA capture.
What adhesive should I use to bond carbon fiber tubes?
Pultruded and roll-wrapped tubes are manufactured in an epoxy matrix and bond readily with 3M Scotch-Weld epoxies (2216 B/A, DP420, DP460NS, and others) or LOCTITE EA-series structural epoxies — the same adhesives recommended for DragonPlate® sheet stock. Full datasheets are available on the Weights & Specs page.
Are there limitations to know before I buy?
DragonPlate®'s large carbon fiber tubes are not intended or approved for use in aircraft. Pultruded tubes are optimized for axial straightness and rigidity, not high-impact or complex-shape applications — hybrid or braided Kevlar tubes are the better fit where impact resistance matters. As with sheet products, carbon fiber/epoxy tubes are not thermoformable. Users are responsible for the design and testing of any structure built from DragonPlate® tube and connector products, including determining safety and suitability for their own application.
Are DragonPlate® tubes made in the USA?
Yes. DragonPlate® manufactures its products at the company's ISO 9001:2015-certified facility in Elbridge, New York. DragonPlate® uses first-quality materials only, never off-spec, expired, or surplus prepregs.
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