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CFRP Shaft

A CFRP shaft is a tubular or solid rod made from carbon-fiber-reinforced polymer. In wind turbines, carbon fiber shafts may be used where very high stiffness and low weight are critical (for example, in pitch drive shafts or support columns). CFRP has a much higher stiffness-to-weight ratio than steel, meaning a CFRP drive shaft can be lighter yet resist twisting and bending. It is also non-corrosive and non-magnetic, which can be advantageous in certain applications.

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Key Features

  • High-modulus carbon fiber fibers (240+ GPa) in an epoxy matrix; precision-wound or pultruded construction; optional metallic end fittings (flanges, couplings) can be adhesively bonded or co-molded.

Benefits

  • Dramatic weight reduction (up to 70% lighter than steel) with equal or greater torsional strength; excellent fatigue life under cyclic loading; inherent damping reduces vibration; immune to corrosion and temperature extremes.

Applications

  • Specialized shafts and columns in wind systems – e.g., long-distance torque shafts (yaw or pitch drives), generator support rods, or instrumentation booms. Also used in turbine blade tooling mandrels and turbine nacelle decks.

Technical Specifications

  • CFRP shafts are typically cylindrical, with diameters and wall thickness engineered for specific torque requirements. Typical torsional stiffness can exceed 1000 GPa·cm². Temperature range: –50°C to +100°C (depending on resin). In some cases, the core may be hollow with internal honeycomb. The surfaces are often coated or painted for UV protection.

Unique Selling Points (USPs)

  • Our CFRP shafts are custom-designed: we can adjust fiber orientation and layering for tailored stiffness and strength. CFRP shafts reduce mechanical losses and allow higher rotational speeds for a given torque. Compared to steel shafts, our CFRP solutions dramatically cut weight and eliminate corrosion maintenance. We can also supply CFRP monobloc spindles or multi-segment shafts with coupling flanges already attached.