102mm (4") Carbon Fibre Straight Pipes

Carbon fibre is known for its exceptional strength and impact resistance. Unlike metal, it won’t corrode and unlike rubber, it won’t degrade over time, making it a long-lasting solution.

Carbon fibre pipes and aluminium pipes both have their own advantages and disadvantages. Here are some general advantages and disadvantages of Aluminium Pipes:

• Advantages of carbon fibre pipes:
  Lightweight: Carbon fibre is a lightweight and strong material, making it ideal for applications where weight reduction is a priority.
  High strength-to-weight ratio: Carbon fibre has a higher strength-to-weight ratio than aluminium, which means it can withstand more stress or pressure without bending or breaking.
  Corrosion-resistant: Carbon fibre is non-corrosive and does not deteriorate over time, making it ideal for use in harsh environments.
  Good thermal conductivity: Carbon fibre has a low thermal expansion rate and high thermal conductivity, which means it can handle high temperatures without warping or cracking.
• Disadvantages of carbon fibre pipes:
  Expensive: Carbon fibre is a more expensive material than aluminium, which can make carbon fibre pipes more costly.
  Brittle: While carbon fibre is strong and stiff, it can be brittle and prone to cracking or breaking if subjected to impact or excessive stress.
  Difficult to modify: Carbon fibre is not as easy to modify or repair as aluminium, as it requires specialised tools and skills.

Ultimately, the choice between carbon fibre and aluminium pipes will depend on the specific application and requirements. Carbon fibre pipes may be preferable for applications that require lightweight and high strength, while aluminium pipes may be more appropriate for applications that require easy modification and affordability.

Carbon fibre pipes are typically manufactured using a process called filament winding. Here are the detailed steps involved:

Preparing the mandrel: A mandrel, which is a cylindrical tool, is prepared with the required dimensions and shape for the carbon fibre pipe. It is made of materials such as aluminium, steel or plastic and is usually coated with a release agent to prevent the pipe from sticking to it.

Preparing the carbon fibre: The carbon fibre is typically in the form of a woven fabric or unidirectional tow. The fibres are impregnated with a resin, usually epoxy, which is mixed with a hardener to form a tough, durable composite material.

Filament winding: The impregnated carbon fibre is wound around the mandrel in a specific pattern using a filament winding machine. The machine rotates the mandrel while a filament winding head guides the carbon fibre onto the mandrel. The winding pattern is chosen based on the required properties of the finished pipe, such as strength, stiffness, and durability.

Curing: Once the desired number of layers of carbon fibre has been wound onto the mandrel, the pipe is heated to cure the resin. The curing process is typically done in an oven or autoclave, depending on the specific resin used. The heat and pressure applied during the curing process help to bond the fibres and resin together, creating a strong, durable composite material.

Finishing: Once the curing process is complete, the carbon fibre pipe is removed from the mandrel. It may then undergo additional finishing processes such as sanding or polishing to achieve the desired surface finish. The ends of the pipe may also be trimmed or machined to the required dimensions.

Quality control: The finished carbon fibre pipe is inspected for defects and undergoes testing to ensure it meets the required specifications for strength, stiffness, and durability.

Overall, carbon fibre pipes are made using a precise and controlled manufacturing process to ensure high-quality, consistent performance.

The weight difference between 6063 aluminium and carbon fibre will depend on the specific dimensions and thickness of the material. However, in general, carbon fibre is significantly lighter than aluminium.

For example, a 1-meter long, 25mm diameter carbon fibre tube with a wall thickness of 1.5mm weighs around 130 grams, while a 6063 aluminium tube of the same dimensions would weigh around 340 grams. This means that the carbon fibre tube is about 60% lighter than the aluminium tube.

In general, carbon fibre has a higher strength-to-weight ratio than aluminium, which means it can withstand higher loads or stresses while remaining lightweight. This is why carbon fibre is often used in applications where weight reduction is a priority, such as aerospace, automotive, and sporting goods industries.

Carbon fibre is a composite material made of carbon fibres and a matrix material, such as epoxy resin. The carbon fibres are incredibly strong and stiff, while the matrix material provides support and protection for the fibres. Carbon fibre has a very high strength-to-weight ratio, which means it can handle high stress or load without adding significant weight. This makes it ideal for use in lightweight, high-performance applications, such as aerospace, motorsports, and sporting goods.

On the other hand, steel is a metal alloy that is known for its strength and durability. Steel has a high tensile strength, which means it can resist tension or stretching forces, and a high compressive strength, which means it can withstand compression or squeezing forces. Steel is also relatively affordable and easy to work with, which makes it a popular choice for a wide range of applications, such as construction, infrastructure, and heavy machinery.

While carbon fibre is generally stronger than steel in terms of strength-to-weight ratio, it is not as strong as steel in terms of absolute strength. Steel is stronger than carbon fibre in terms of sheer strength, which means it can withstand higher loads or forces without breaking. This is why steel is often used in applications where strength and durability are critical, such as bridges, buildings, and machinery.

Ultimately, the choice between carbon fibre and steel will depend on the specific application and requirements. Carbon fibre is ideal for applications that require high performance, light weight, and high strength-to-weight ratio, while steel is more suitable for applications that require sheer strength and durability.

Yes, carbon fibre pipes are widely used in motorsport, racing, and performance upgrades because of their strength-to-weight ratio. They help reduce overall vehicle weight while maintaining durability under demanding conditions.

Carbon fibre pipes have a smooth internal bore, which helps reduce turbulence and restriction. This improves airflow, supporting more efficient combustion and potentially increasing performance.

Yes, our pipes are made from 100% genuine carbon fibre, not carbon-look vinyl wraps or composites with fibreglass cores (unless otherwise specified).

Yes, we offer bespoke carbon fibre tubes cut to your length and specifications. MOQ and lead times may apply.

Use a microfibre cloth and mild soap. Avoid abrasive cleaners or solvents that could damage the resin surface.