Carbon fiber tubes are increasingly used in industrial applications, with their lightweight yet high-strength properties making them a prime replacement for traditional metal pipes. Rolling, a major branch of filament winding, is one of the most common forming methods for resin-based carbon fiber tubes. With specialized techniques, high-performance and high-quality carbon fiber tubes can be produced, including large-batch manufacturing of multi-diameter round tubes. The expertise in rolled carbon fiber tube production holds significant guiding value for the industry.
Carbon Fiber Tube Rolling Process:
1. Pre-production Stage:
– Determine the length of prepreg based on the tube wall thickness.
– Thoroughly clean the mandrel and apply a release agent.
– Adjust the positions of the mandrel and prepreg before rolling.
2. Rolling Stage:
– Feed the prepreg evenly into the rolling machine, using pressure plates to uniformly wind it onto the mandrel.
– Place the rolled carbon fiber tube (still on the mandrel) into a compression machine to further compact the prepreg, then wrap it with a protective film.
3. Curing Stage:
– Remove the compacted tube and place it in a curing oven for final shaping.
– After curing, extract the mandrel to obtain the initial carbon fiber tube.
4. Post-processing Stage:
– Remove the protective film and polish the tube’s surface for smoothness.
– Apply paint, followed by secondary fine grinding.
– Perform precision machining to meet final dimensional requirements.
Rolled carbon fiber tubes can reach up to 3.1 meters in length and 150 mm in diameter. For clients needing larger diameters, alternative processes can theoretically produce tubes up to 500 mm, meeting most industrial demands.
The primary application of rolling technology is in products like fishing rods, but other uses include:
Applications of Rolled Carbon Fiber Composite Tubes
Carbon fiber tubular parts come in cylindrical, rectangular, and curved shapes. Compared to pultrusion, rolling allows for more complex geometries. Below are six common applications, demonstrated by Shanghai Orisen New Materials, a leading Chinese carbon fiber parts manufacturer:
1. Carbon Fiber Robotic Arms
Industrial, medical, and logistics robots rely on robotic arms for operation. Carbon fiber’s lightweight, high strength, corrosion resistance, and low thermal deformation enhance precision, efficiency, and lifespan.
2. Carbon Fiber Rollers
Used in textile, printing, papermaking, and lithium battery industries, carbon fiber rollers increase operational speed and reduce long-term energy consumption compared to metal rollers. Orisen produces hundreds of thousands of these rollers annually, with mature and stable manufacturing techniques.
3. Carbon Fiber Drone Arms
Drone weight directly impacts flight time and payload. Carbon fiber airframe and arm components significantly improve weight savings, allowing for more fuel cells or equipment. Orisen’s integrated molding of drone shells and arms enhances structural strength while reducing assembly parts.
4. Carbon Fiber Support Frames
Ideal for camera mounts, surveying equipment, and portable stretchers, carbon fiber tubes provide stability, lightweight portability, and high load capacity.
5. Carbon Fiber Lens Barrels
High-end optical lens barrels are adopting carbon fiber due to its anisotropic properties. Custom prepreg layups optimize strength without increasing wall thickness.
6. Carbon Fiber Automotive Inspection Tools
Applications include carbon fiber inspection frames, foam-core wrapped prepreg tools, and full-carbon fixtures. Unlike metal tools, carbon fiber maintains stable precision with minimal deformation. Orisen replaces welding with adhesive bonding, eliminating stress defects for higher accuracy.
Shanghai Orisen New Material Technology Co., Ltd
M: +86 18683776368(also whatsapp)
T:+86 08383990499
Email: grahamjin@jhcomposites.com
Address: NO.398 New Green Road Xinbang Town Songjiang District,Shanghai
Post time: Apr-02-2025