Standard Modulus Carbon Fiber Tubing (SM)
This is the most common grade of carbon fiber used for our carbon fiber tubes. Standard modulus offers excellent strength and stiffness. It is 1.5X stiffer than aluminum and is the most economical grade.
Intermediate Modulus Carbon Fiber Tubing (IM)
This grade of tubing offers enhanced stiffness over standard modulus carbon fiber tubing with the same or better strength. Intermediate modulus is approximately two times stiffer than aluminum tubing.
High Modulus Carbon Fiber Tubing (HM)
At three times stiffer than aluminum (or equivalent to steel stiffness), this grade of tubing has very similar strength to standard modulus carbon fiber tubing. It is an excellent choice for demanding, weight sensitive applications.
Ultra-High Modulus Carbon Fiber Tubing (UHM)
Incredible stiffness at four-five times that of aluminum or 1.5 times that of steel. Ultra-high modulus has lower strength and is not recommended for high stress applications.
Standard Carbon Fiber Tube Options
Carbon fiber tubes can be fabricated into virtually any shape. These include:
Round
Square
Rectangle
Oval, elliptical
Octagon, hexagon
Custom shapes and profiles;
Diameters
We offer stock, build-to-order, and custom carbon fiber tubes in multiple diameters. Custom tooling can be made to order for reasonable cost. See our current Mandrel List.
Wide range of diameters from 0.060” to over 10”
Most common fractional sizes (ID and OD)
Tapered diameters
Many metric sizes
OD grinding add-on service (+/-0.0005”)
Wall Thickness
Carbon fiber tubes are made with layers of prepreg, typically ~0.006” per layer. Virtually any wall thickness can be made by changing the number of layers or combining different prepreg thicknesses (0.003” – 0.010”).
Common tube thicknesses include:
Thin wall: 0.010”, 0.020”
0.035”, 0.041”, 0.058”, 0.064”, 0.092”
1/8”, 1/4” or thicker
Length
Roll-wrapped carbon fiber tubing is sold in standard lengths or can be built custom to reduce waste.
Maximum length is 100” (for most ID sizes)
Long lengths: tubes can be joined together with internal (or external) ferrules to achieve the required length.
One-piece longer lengths are possible for larger orders
Tubes can be cut to size for an additional charge.
Precision cutting tolerances available (+/-0.010” or better)
Exterior Finishing
Carbon fiber tubes can be made with a variety of exterior finishes. Our standard finishes include:
Cello-wrap (glossy with resin ridges – natural result from production process)
Matte (sanded or centerless ground)
Satin (sanded, high grit)
Glossy (clearcoat)
Painted
Visit our finishing capabilities page to learn more.
Exterior Materials
We offer many standard exterior materials for our roll-wrapped carbon fiber tubes. These include:
2×2 twill fabric
Plain weave fabric
UD (unidirectional)
Silver texalium
Red/black
Blue/black
Custom colors/styles: any fabric that is commercially available can be utilized to make carbon fiber tubing.
Custom-Made Carbon Fiber Tubes
When a job calls for a custom-made carbon fiber tubing, turn to Clearwater Composites. We have the capacity to create carbon fiber and composite materials in any shape or size, and we work closely with our clients to meet their exact specifications.
If you can’t find what you need in our extensive product inventory, talk to one of our engineers about your specific needs.
