Tubes

Carbon Fiber Tubes

Carbon Fiber Tubes are engineered for OEM and industrial applications where low weight, high stiffness, and dimensional stability are critical—such as robotics, UAV structures, automation equipment, and lightweight fixtures. iKabon supplies carbon fiber tubes for North America and Europe B2B programs, supporting prototypes through repeat production, with optional cut-to-length and downstream processing based on drawings.

Why engineers choose carbon fiber tubing

Composite tubes allow performance to be tuned through fiber orientation, wall thickness, resin system, and curing process. Compared with many metal solutions, carbon fiber structures can reduce mass while maintaining rigidity, and they offer strong corrosion resistance in many environments. Final mechanical performance is spec-dependent and should be defined by your load case (bending, torsion, crush), tolerance requirements, and joining method (bonding, clamping, inserts, end fittings).

Tube constructions and when to use them

Selecting the right construction is often the fastest way to improve stiffness, durability, and assembly consistency.

• Roll wrapped carbon fiber tubes
  Layered laminates built on a mandrel, typically combining axial plies with hoop/±45° plies for balanced bending and torsional behavior. Roll-wrapped tubes are widely used for structural members, booms, frames, and parts that require controlled surface finish and cosmetic weave options.

• Pultruded carbon fiber tubes
  A continuous manufacturing method optimized for straight, consistent profiles. Pultruded tubing is often selected for stable quality at scale and strong longitudinal properties. It is commonly used in industrial supports, guides, fixtures, and long-length components.

• Filament wound carbon fiber tubes
  Fibers are placed at controlled winding angles, useful when fiber angle control and repeatability are priorities. This option can be considered for projects that benefit from engineered fiber placement.

• Braided carbon fiber tubes
  Braided sleeves combined with supporting layers to provide balanced torsional characteristics and good handling durability. Braided tubes can be a practical choice when torsional stability and bonding-friendly surfaces are needed.

Sizes, finishes, and customization options

iKabon supports flexible specifications for carbon fiber tubes (subject to feasibility and drawing requirements):

• OD/ID: Customizable based on your project requirements

• Length: Custom cut-to-length available

• Wall thickness: Tailored through ply schedule to meet stiffness targets

• Shapes: Round is standard; other profiles can be evaluated by project

• Surface / outer weave options (most common):

  • 3K Twill Matte (most popular)

  • 3K Twill Gloss

  • 3K Plain Weave Matte

  • 3K Plain Weave Gloss

If you are not sure which finish is best, share the application and whether you need a cosmetic surface or a bonding surface, and we will recommend an option.

Secondary operations for production readiness

Many tube programs require more than raw tube supply. iKabon can support downstream processes to improve fit and assembly speed, depending on geometry and tolerance needs:

• Precision cut-to-length with controlled edge quality

• Machining features such as slots/windows/holes (as feasible)

• Surface preparation for bonding and finishing consistency

• Support for assemblies that use inserts/end fittings (project-dependent)

For best results, send your drawing early so we can confirm manufacturability and tolerance alignment before mass production.

Typical applications

Carbon fiber tubes are commonly used in:

• Robotics & automation: arms, gantry structures, stiffeners, lightweight frames

• UAV & unmanned systems: booms, rails, structural members, payload supports

• Industrial equipment: fixtures, braces, trusses, corrosion-resistant supports

• Sports & mobility: lightweight structural tubes and assemblies

Quality and documentation

We follow internal quality checks appropriate to each program, such as dimensional verification and surface condition inspection. Documentation can be provided based on customer requirements, including inspection records and packaging instructions. Acceptance criteria (OD/ID tolerance, straightness, cosmetic class, and any finishing or machining standards) should be confirmed during quotation.

Quick spec & service snapshot

Key Features

• High stiffness-to-weight potential (spec-dependent)

• Corrosion resistance for many environments

• Custom OD/ID and finish options

• Optional cut-to-length and secondary operations

Options / Customization

• OD/ID and length: customizable

• Surface: 3K twill / 3K plain weave, matte or gloss

• Construction selection: roll wrapped / pultruded / filament wound / braided

Lead Time / MOQ

• Lead time and MOQ depend on specifications, tooling/mandrel needs, finish, and order volume. Share your target quantity (prototype/pilot/production) for a confirmed plan.

RFQ checklist (recommended)

To quote accurately, please include:

• OD/ID, length, and tolerance requirements (metric or imperial)

• Load mode (bending / torsion / crush) and key constraints

• Preferred construction if known (e.g., pultruded carbon fiber tubes or roll wrapped)

• Surface finish requirement (cosmetic matte/gloss)

• Any machining features and drawings (STEP/PDF)

• Quantity by stage (prototype, pilot, production)

Request a quote

Send your drawings and target dimensions. We will recommend the most suitable construction and provide quotation details including lead time, MOQ, and packaging options.