Send us your questions!
Q: Which is the stiffer carbon fiber tube ... Unidirectional Tubing, Fabric Tubing, or Filament wound tubing?
A: Unidirectional and Fabric tubing will be slightly stiffer (in bending) than the Filament Wound tubing. The fiber used in all these tubes is the same Standard Modulus Carbon Fiber (34MSI). However, each of these processes inherently produce different tube stiffnesses due to different fiber wrap angles (or lay-up). Filament wound tubing is generally better for torsional (twist) applications while Unidirectional and Fabric tubing is generally better for bending.
Q: How much stiffer is a carbon fiber tube than an aluminum tube?
A: Carbon fiber is typically 1.4-1.5 X stiffer than aluminum, everything else being equal.
Q: How much lighter is a carbon fiber tube than an aluminum tube?
A: Carbon fiber is 2/3 rds the weight of aluminum. (or 1/3 less)
Q: What is the difference between a Unidirectional tube and a Fabric tube?
A: Not much ... the only difference is the outside fabric layer. The unidirectional tubing is exactly the same as the fabric tubing with the exception of the last "decorative" layer. Unidirectional carbon is the no frills, structural backbone. The fabric layer is primarily cosmetic but does add some structural integrity related to impact resistance and toughness. Also, the fabric outer layer helps contain fraying of fibers during any machining process (like cutting or hole drilling)
