Carbon Fiber Braided Sleeves

Flexible biaxial carbon fiber preforms for resin-impregnated composite tubes, shafts and shaped parts.

Product Overview

BSTFLEX Carbon Fiber Braided Sleeves are dry tubular reinforcements made with crossing carbon fiber yarns. The biaxial braid can be placed over a mandrel or an existing component without joining the edges of a flat fabric. As the sleeve is fitted to the part, its diameter, length and braid angle change together. This makes the construction useful for composite layups around straight sections, tapers and gradual changes in shape.

Our published range includes 3K, 6K, 12K and 24K yarn constructions. Select a model by the part's installed diameter, required fiber coverage and the laminate design rather than tow size alone.

How the Braid Fits

In a biaxial tubular braid, yarns cross in two directions around the circumference. Pushing the sleeve together lengthwise generally increases its diameter; pulling it lengthwise reduces the diameter. The fitted diameter therefore affects fiber angle, coverage and the length required for a part. Check those dimensions on a sample when the component includes sharp transitions, fittings or tight tolerances.

The sleeve supplies reinforcement to a composite layup after suitable resin impregnation and curing. Mechanical performance belongs to the finished laminate and depends on fiber grade, orientation, resin, fiber content, processing and test conditions. Discuss the intended resin with BSTFLEX so that the selected carbon yarn sizing can be checked for compatibility.

Available Model Reference

The following model figures reproduce the currently published product range. Diameter ranges and linear masses are nominal catalogue values. Confirm the current yarn, actual fit range, tolerance and supply status for the selected model before approving a production specification.

Specifications

Composite Manufacturing Applications

• Reinforcement around composite tubes and tubular profiles
• Composite shafts and structural covers made over a mandrel
• Prototype parts with changes in diameter or a curved path
• OEM layups combining several plies or fiber orientations

Carbon fiber is electrically conductive. This sleeve should not be specified as dielectric insulation for bare electrical conductors. For that requirement, see our braided fiberglass sleeve and verify its electrical rating for the intended assembly.

Biaxial, Unidirectional or Hybrid?

This product places its principal yarns at crossing braid angles. If a laminate calls primarily for fibers running along the length of a part, ask about our unidirectional carbon fiber sleeve. If the design calls for axial reinforcement using glass fiber, see the Unidirectional Glass Fiber Sleeve. For a carbon and glass combination within one braid, consider our Fiberglass Carbon Hybrid Sleeving.

These products have different fiber architectures. Selection must follow the loads, geometry, manufacturing method and required validation of the finished part.

What to Send for an OEM Quote

Provide the drawing or mandrel dimensions, smallest and largest installed diameters, finished coverage length, desired carbon yarn size, intended resin and process, annual quantity, and any controlled tolerances. Include a photo or sample if the part has fittings or abrupt transitions. BSTFLEX can use these details to review model selection, cut length and packaging before a production order.