1.Product Description
Carbon fiber rods are solid cylindrical structures made from carbon fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP) composites. Similar to carbon fiber tubes, they offer exceptional strength, stiffness and lightweight. However, unlike tubes, the rods do not have a hollow center and are used for different purposes.
The manufacturing process for carbon fiber rods involves impregnating carbon fiber bundles with resin and then subjecting them to heat and pressure to cure the composite. The resulting solid carbon fiber rods exhibit excellent mechanical properties and can be machined or cut to the desired length.
The pultruded carbon fiber rods can vary in diameter, length and the number of carbon fiber bundles used, allowing for customization based on specific requirements and applications.
2.Technical Data Sheet
Physical Properties
Diameter |
.472" & .625" +/- .005", .750"+/-.008" |
Test Method-Caliper |
Straightness |
.080" total indicator runout (TIR) over 24" span |
For reference only |
Color |
Natural dark gray to black |
No color match |
Surface Finish |
Small scratches, surface defects, or blemishes may be apparent. |
Mimimum-Visual |
Composite Type |
0°unidirectional orientation |
For reference only |
Resin Type |
Bisphenol A epoxy 160C |
For reference only |
Fiber Type |
33 to 35 MSI standard modulus carbon fiber |
For reference only |
Fiber Volume |
.472" & .625"60%,.750"55% |
+/-5% |
Cuts |
Rough abrasive cut both ends, small burrs may be apparent. |
Mimimum-Visual |
Cleaning |
Product blown off with dry air, some dust may be apparent. |
Mimimum-Visual |
Technical Properties
Tensile Strength |
250 ksi/ 1.72 GPa |
|
Tensile Modulus |
20.0 msi/138 GPa |
|
Flexural Strength |
265 ksi/ 1.83 GPa |
|
Flexural Modulus |
19.0 msi/131 GPa |
|
Ultimate Shear Strength |
6.0 ksi/41.3 Mpa |
|
Ultimate Tensile Strain |
1.50% |
|
CTE |
-0.1 ppm/cm3/-0.2 ppm/°C |
|
Thermal Properties |
150°F maximum |
|
Glass Transition Temp. |
100°C |
|
Density |
.054 lbs/in3/1.5g /cm3 |
|
Sample data is measured from a .156"diameter solid rod with standard modulus fibers and Bisphenol Epoxy Viny! Ester.All the information continued in these properties is believed to be retable. It is intanded for comperris on purposes only as each reanufactura d lo t will exhibit varation. The user should evalude value the subt ability of
each product for their application. We cannot anticipate the variations in all end use and we make no waranties and assume no flability in connection with the use of this information. |
3.Advantages
- Exceptionally rigid
- High dimensional stability and UV resistant
- High corrosion resistance
- High thermal conductivity in some forms
- Very low thermal expansion (approx. 8 times lower than steel, 11 lower than aluminium
- High axial strength and stiffness
- Straight and parallel fiber alignment
- Tightly controlled cross-section dimensions
- Smooth surface
- Limitless length
4.Typical Uses
Carbon fiber rods are an excellent choice for creating lightweight frame constructions. They are therefore often found in structural space frames and trusses. Many remote control (RC) enthusiasts find carbon fiber rods to be the perfect material from which to construct their models. Rods are an excellent material for building engineered and high-performance structures, particularly when combined with carbon fiber laminates. Generally speaking, carbon fiber rods perform particularly well in bending and axial tension or compression applications.
- Aerospace Spars & Beams
- UAV Components
- Frames & Supports
- Structural Components
- Interior Design
- Automation Equipment
- Recreational Equipmen
- R/C Applications
- Radio-Controlled (RC) Planes/Helicopters
- Unmanned Air Vehicles (UAVs)
- Stunt/Power Kites
- Robots
- Mechanical Control Mechanisms
5.How Carbon Fiber Rods Are Made
Carbon fiber rods are manufactured by pulling continuous carbon fibers mixed with epoxy resin through heated forming dies, a process known as pultrusion. Pultrusion is similar to the extrusion process used with aluminum and thermoplastic. Through this process, continuous lengths of carbon fiber rods with constant cross-sections can be created, and they take on the shape of the die. As the carbon fibers are pulled through the die and saturated with epoxy resin, the heat from the die begins the resin-hardening, or polymerization, process.
6.Shipping information
Restrictions
This product is not classed as dangerous goods for transport and can be shipped to all destinations without restriction.
Package Size
There are no package size restrictions or surcharges for this product.
7.Note
The best way to cut carbon fiber rod is with a high speed rotary tool and a diamond cutoff wheel. Due to the nature of this material, it may splinter if you try to cut it another way so care must be taken when cutting. Also, taping around the cut area before cutting will help prevent splintering.
---------- FAQ ----------
1.Can I Paint The Pultrusions And If So How Do I Prepare The Surface For Painting?
Generally, the pultrusions are used 'as-is ' and don't require painting. If you really do need/want to paint the pultrusions then a light key with a fine abrasive paper like a 1200 grit wet and dry paper and a thorough degrease and clean using mild detergent or an alcohol wipe should be all that is needed to prepare the surface for paint.
2. Are These Pultrusions Magnetic?
No these pultrusions are not magnetic.
3. Are These Pultrusions Manufactured From High Modulus Carbon Fibers?
No, this pultrusion is manufactured from standard modulus fibers.
4. Are You Able To Cut The Tubes At Custom Lengths?
We do not currently offer a custom cutting service for our tubes and pultrusions. However, they are able to be cut DIY relatively easily as you can see from our tutorial video: How to Cut Carbon Fiber Sheet, Tube and Parts
5.Is It Possible To Cut A Thread Into Your Carbon Fiber Rods And Tubes?
Unfortunately it is not possible to cut a usable thread into carbon fiber composites. The nature of the material is such that the teeth on a thread would not be able to take any load and would break up either during thread turning or the first attempt at using the thread.
6.Can Use These Rods Be Used With Linear Bearings, As Replacement For Aluminium Rod?
In simple terms these carbon rods would work with linear bearings in that fashion. The only concern is long term durability as the carbon surface is not quite as hard as aluminium and thus would likely wear quicker in many circumstances. For low usage or low load situations this may well not be a limiting factor.
7.What Is The Maximum HDT That These Pultrusions Can Sustain?
The HDT of these pultrusions is 80°C.
8. How Do I Prepare The Carbon Surface For Painting?
Many people prefer the natural finish of these carbon products , however if you wish to paint them for your specific application then you can do so. A light key with a fine abrasive paper like a 1200 grit wet and dry paper and a thorough degrease and clean using mild detergent or an alcohol wipe should be all that is needed to prepare the surface for paint.