Gallery View: Carbon fiber tubes emerging as popular steel & aluminum alternative

Manufacturers in China highlight capability to customize carbon fiber tubes, harnessing the material's low weight, low density and high strength.

Known for their lightweight, high-strength and low-density properties, as well as resistance to high temperatures, abrasion, corrosion and UV rays, carbon fiber tubes are expected to gradually replace steel and aluminum. They are up to 10 times stronger than steel and eight times sturdier than aluminum but are much lighter than both.

Banking on this trend, suppliers of the material in China emphasize their ability to meet buyers' specifications for any application. Their mainstream selections include round, oval, rectangular and square tubes in various sizes and colors, typically with a matte or glossy surface finish. Unpainted versions are also available. Target uses are in medical devices, drones, power systems, and the automotive and military fields.

Chinese manufacturers source key materials, such as carbon fiber and epoxy resin, domestically. The first, which accounts for more than 80 percent of total outlay, may also come from foreign providers, including Toray and Mitsubishi.

Increase in input costs led some companies to quote slightly higher prices in recent months. This situation is expected to stabilize the rest of the year and through 2022, and keep prices unchanged.

Corrosion, UV ray resistance

The Juli-CRT03 from Dongguan Juli Composite Technology Co. Ltd is a lightweight and high-strength carbon fiber tube. It has 67 to 74 percent density compared to aluminum, and is corrosion- and UV-resistant.

An order of at least 100 pieces is for delivery within 15 days.

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4 to 120mm outer diameter

This Juli-CFRPRT03 carbon fiber tube from Dongguan Juli Composite Technology Co. Ltd measures up to 3,60mm in length and more than 0.5mm in thickness. Its outer diameter is 4 to 120mm. Density is 67 to 74 percent of aluminum.

The minimum order quantity is 50 pieces. Lead time is 15 days.

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Resistant to abrasion, high temperatures

Shandong Evergreen Industries Ltd uses wrapping and grinding techniques in the manufacture of this CFR200 high-strength carbon fiber tube. Available in UD and 3K versions, the product has a matte, glossy or unpainted finish, and comes in various colors and sizes. It can withstand high temperatures and abrasion.

An order of at least 100 pieces is required and has a five-day lead time.

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UD or 3K, 0.5 to 5mm thickness

Made using pultrusion, wrapping and grinding techniques, Shandong Evergreen Industries Ltd's CF-202 UD or 3K carbon fiber tube is available in 0.5 to 5mm thicknesses, and matte, glossy or unpainted finish. This lightweight, high-strength product is high-temperature-resistant and comes in various colors and sizes.

The minimum order quantity is 100 pieces. Lead time is five days.

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0.25 to 0.5% ash content

This Carbon Fiber Tube-8 from Shenzhen Shenglihua Technology Co. Ltd has 0.25 to 0.5 percent ash content. Its operating temperature is 200 C.

The supplier requires an order of 100 pieces for delivery within five days.

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200 C operating temperature

Shenzhen Shenglihua Technology Co. Ltd offers this Carbon Fiber Tube-3 with 0.25 to 0.5 percent ash content and 200 C operating temperature.

The 100-piece minimum order requirement has a five-day lead time.

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