Carbon Fiber Sourcing

Ideally looking for multidirectional layer circular tubes (multidirectional best for drivetrain members since likely undergoing different stresses & also easier for calculations; circular tubes since stronger than square and not much mounting necessary for drivetrain members). This means likely twill weave roll wrapped or maybe braided depending on expected forces/stresses. Also depending on forces/stresses, tube OD guesstimating between 1.25 to 2" (32 to 50mm).

Based on Rocker-Bogie 3D printed prototype, estimated total CF tube length needed is ~3m (for drivetrain members only, not including chassis or differential).

Differences between Twill and Plain weaves can be found here.

Update: going with square tubes for both rocker bogie and chassis.

Composites Canada

Possible options based on online available selection of finished tubes:

• Plain Weave
  • Only one size available:  20mm x 18mm x 1.2m ($25.58)
• Twill Weave
  • Range from 13mm to 32mm OD, from 0.75mm to 1.5mm thickness
  • Largest and longest available:  32mm x 29mm x 1.5m ($77.11)

Correspondence with CC asking about square tubing selection:

Rock West Composites

Much larger online selection, but prices are much more expensive even considering the 15% student team discount.

• Roll Wrapped
  • Twill Weave
    • Example comparable to Composites Canada: 32mm x 28.5mm x 1.83m ($167)
  • Plain Weave
    • Example comparable to CC: 19mm x 16mm x 1.83m ($136)
  • Checkered Weave
    • Unidirectional tubing but with an outer woven fabric ply
• Braid
  • extremely thin walls

Dragonplate

Similar pricing to Rock West, also similar selection.

• Roll Wrapped
  • Twill Weave
    • Comparable example: 31.75mm x 28.5mm x 1.83m ($165)
  • Unidirectional
• Braided
  • ex: 31.75mm x 29.75mm x 2.44m ($154)

McMaster-Carr

Even more expensive.

• Twill Weave
  • Range from 8mm to 80mm OD
  • 48mm x 44.5mm x 1.83mm ($345)