FAQ

To bend a carbon fiber tube, heat the section to be bent, slowly bend the tube to the desired shape using a cylindrical object or bending form, and then cool down the tube slowly. Be cautious to avoid over-bending or bending at sharp angles, which may cause the tube to crack or break. 

Recommended clear coat sprays for sanding carbon fiber tubes are Dupli-Color Protective Clear Coat, Rust-Oleum Universal All-Surface Clear Spray Paint, KBS Coatings DiamondFinish Clear Coat, and Minwax Helmsman Spar Urethane Clear Gloss. Test the spray on a small area before applying it to the entire tube. Follow the manufacturer's instructions and wear proper safety gear.

When using DragonPlate carbon fiber tubes, use a high-quality epoxy adhesive like 3M Scotch-Weld Epoxy Adhesive DP420 or equivalent, following the manufacturer's instructions. Refer to the manufacturer's recommendations to ensure a long-lasting bond, especially since finishes or surface treatments can affect the bond strength.

When a carbon fiber wing tube breaks, it can break at several points, including areas around installation points or splice joints, due to impact or trauma, or due to the propagation of pre-existing defects. Carbon fiber wing tubes are generally designed to withstand stress, but they can fail if subjected to extreme stress, damage, or corrosion.

To build a carbon fiber round tube, design it, create molds/mandrels, cut the carbon fiber, coat it with a resin or epoxy, vacuum bag the carbon fiber onto the mold and cure it, remove the tube from the mold, and finish it. It requires specialized equipment, skills, and precision to produce high-quality tubing.

To make a structural carbon fiber tube, you must design it, create molds/mandrels, layer the tube with carbon fiber, infuse the layers with aerospace-grade epoxy resin, cure the material, remove the tube from the molds, finish the ends, and test it for quality. The process requires specialized equipment, skills, and precision to ensure the final product is strong and high-quality.

To cut a carbon fiber tube, use a rotary tool or a fine-toothed handsaw with carbide or diamond-tipped blades to avoid damage to the fibers. Securely clamp the tube, and cut slowly and gently. Sand the cut edge, clean the tube, and inspect it for damage. Wear protective gear, and dispose of dust/debris safely.

No, carbon fiber does not corrode steel. It has low electrochemical reactivity and is chemically inert. Carbon fiber can even be used to reinforce steel structures or prevent/reduce corrosion in steel exposed to harsh environments.

Carbon fiber is strong and stiff, but can still crack or break under certain conditions. Proper handling, maintenance, and protective coatings can help prevent damage.

Yes, you can drill holes in carbon fiber tubes, but it's essential to take special care and precautions to avoid damaging the tubes. Using a high-speed drill with a sharp bit designed for composites, the drill should be set to a low speed, and the pressure should be light to prevent damage to the fibers. The tube should be firmly clamped, and a deburring tool should be used to remove rough edges after drilling.