Carbon Fiber Tube (CNC)
Generic / House Brand
☀ UV Stable
⬡ Chemical Resistant
Overview
Filament-wound or roll-wrapped carbon fiber tubes in epoxy matrix. Hollow section gives structural efficiency — highest stiffness-to-weight of any stock tube. CNC operations are limited to cutting, drilling, and external turning. Same hazards as CF plate — P100 respirator mandatory.
Properties
Difficulty
advanced
Flexibility
rigid
Layer Adhesion
excellent
Enclosure
no
Heated Bed
no
Dry Storage
no
Pros
- Highest stiffness-to-weight of any tube material
- Hollow section is weight-optimized for bending loads
- Corrosion resistant
- Can be bonded with structural epoxy
- Available in standard diameters for push-fit assemblies
- RF transparent
Cons
- Same hazardous dust as CF plate — P100 mandatory
- Brittle — avoid impact or point loading
- Conductive
- Abrasive to standard tooling
- Expensive
- Difficult to machine local features (holes cause delamination risk)
- Cannot be bent after curing
Best For
- Drone motor arms|RC aircraft wing spars|Robot link members|Tent/shelter poles|Antenna masts|Lightweight frame members|Camera sliders and jib arms
Avoid For
- Electrical insulation|Bending/forming operations|Impact-absorbing use|Food contact|Without dust control
Storage
Store with end caps to prevent moisture and contamination. Same hazard precautions as CF plate when cutting. Use diamond or carbide abrasive wheel for cutting — avoid standard abrasive cutoff wheels (uncontrolled chip shedding).
Brands
McMaster-CarrDragonPlateRock West CompositesGoodwinds