Carbon Fibre Tube 1

[mclearnigit100]

HI

I am looking for information on how to make carbon fibre tube dimensionally accurate using a mandrel, any soloutions most welcome.

 

[ESPcomposites]

Filament winding is one process that is commonly used for tubes.

Brian

http://www.espcomposites.com

 

[mclearnigit100]

Thanks Brian

I want to make a short tube 2" diameter by 6" long with an internal thread 1" long in either end. I would like to make it in one set up, I shall try fiament winding. Thanks

 

[berkshire]

If you try that, in one setup, you are going to need a collapsible mandrel.
B.E.

 

[bluecomp]

I think that, with the filament winding you can find some problems in the threaded area, and the external surface will not be well accurate.
Try to look these sites and contact them.

http://www.carbonmods.com/

http://www.hobbycity.com/hobbyking/store/uh_index.asp

http://www.dragonplate.com/

 

[mclearnigit100]

Thanks
The web sites are really good in particular dragon plate, any suggestions on manufaturing a collapsible mandrel?

 

[berkshire]

mclearnigit100

Try these people, they can make one for you.



Hommer Tool & Mfg. Inc.
Arlington Heights, IL, USA
Hommer Tool & Mfg. Inc.

B.E.

 

[MikeHalloran]

If you're only going to make _one_ tube, you can use a wax mandrel.



Mike Halloran
Pembroke Pines, FL, USA

 

[mclearnigit100]

Thanks B.E.

Had a look at toolmaking sites really good, probablly expensive?

Mike, I wouldnt mind trying a wax mandrel do you think that wax would give thread detail (bluecomp) if I were to filament wind it? What type of wax would you suggest for this aplication?

 

[MikeHalloran]

The first wax that comes to mind is ordinary canning paraffin. I have used it with good results for making frp elbows by wrapping a handmade mandrel with wet cloth and compressing the laminate with Saran(r) wrap.

The second is, literally, a candle. I have cast frp parts in hand-hewn cavities, again with good results.

The third, and probably best choice, is the machinable wax that's sold to prove out CNC programs. It takes detail like thread nicely, and is available in a useful range of sizes and shapes, including blocks larger than the average candle or paraffin block.





Mike Halloran
Pembroke Pines, FL, USA

 

[berkshire]

mclearnigit100
The other thing you can do is, if you are prepared to accept a smaller inside tube diameter than the root of the threads, is to make the mold in 3 pieces, the two threaded ends and the center piece. Use bolts to hold on the threaded ends and make sure they have a good spanner flat outside the molded area.
When the molding is done, remove the threaded ends by unscrewing them. Then push out the center part with an arbor press. Make sure you use a good mold release.
Good luck.
B.E.

 

[mclearnigit100]

Thanks B.E. and Mike looking forward to getting started will come back and let you know how I get on