Define the section and its function
The specification records shape, length and loading conditions. Solid and hollow sections are considered separately. Fastening and load-transfer areas may have different requirements from the free span.
MANUFACTURING · TUBES AND RODS
TUBES AND RODS
Hollow tubes and solid rods serve different structural purposes. Profile selection requires the section, length and load directions to be considered together with its internal structure.
Discuss tubes and rodsHow the process works
01 / YOUR PROJECT
What to specify before ordering
Start with where the profile will be installed and how it connects to adjacent parts. A tube's outside and inside dimensions both matter; one diameter leaves the geometry ambiguous.
- Cross-section
- Profile shape; tube outside and inside dimensions, or solid rod dimensions.
- Length
- Length and quantity of each item, plus requirements for the ends.
- Connections
- A sketch of the fastening, insert or joint where the profile is used.
- Service conditions
- Load directions and other limits specified by the designer.
02 / PROCESS
How the process affects the profile
Pultrusion and winding are general methods of producing composite profiles. Availability of a particular route for your geometry is confirmed during project discussions.
Select reinforcement directions
Longitudinal fibres run along the axis. Additional reinforcement in other directions changes the profile structure. The outer pattern and the word carbon alone do not describe a tube's behaviour in bending or torsion.
Form the profile
In pultrusion, impregnated reinforcement is pulled through heated forming tooling. Winding processes additionally place fibres around the axis. The choice depends on the required structure, not just the outside diameter.
Cut and inspect the blanks
The continuous profile is cut to specified lengths. Requirements for ends, mating areas and permitted deviations are recorded separately. Agree any additional machining before ordering.
Specify the profile together with its joint
If a tube fits into a sleeve, is clamped or joins another profile, show that area in a drawing. One overall dimension is insufficient to assess the fit. For repeat orders, retain the material designation and document revision: visually identical blanks may have different internal structures.
Exel Composites: pultrusion and combined winding03 / QUESTIONS
Questions about this material
Is the outside diameter enough for an enquiry?
A hollow tube also needs an inside diameter or agreed wall thickness. Add length, quantity and fit requirements. For a non-circular profile, attach a dimensioned cross-section.
Can a rod be replaced by a tube of the same size?
A designer must assess the substitution against loads and fastening methods. Equal outside dimensions do not give solid and hollow profiles the same behaviour in an assembly.
04 / ENQUIRY
Prepare your project details
Send a cross-section drawing, length, item list and quantities. Show connections and describe what the profile must withstand or achieve in your structure.
Submit your project