Ultra High Modulus (stiffness) Carbon Fiber Structures

The image to the right shows three 20" OD hybrid profile tubes designed for ~16" optical systems. All composite work is done in-house. Two tubes are 57" long and the other is 65.5" long. The 57" long tubes are used for telescopes like the Dream 16" f3.75 Astrograph. All three use carbon fiber skinned sandwich core and have a wall thickness of ~1.0". Held in the foreground is a 16.5" (physical OD) mirror support that is made from carbon fiber and carbon fiber skinned sandwich core. Axial and lateral supports act independantly, which prevents an over-constrained condition (distortion of the optical figure). Lateral supports hold the optic at its CG (Center of Gravity). If you are frustrated by conventional tube flexure, request Dream's thick-walled carbon fiber skinned sandwich core tubes. High modulus, low CTE structures and sub structures help maintain optical alignment, optical spacing and support optics with far lower displacement (distortion). All of these combine to provide the ultimate in instrument performance. The carbon fiber mirror supports and structures Dream produces have over six years of empirical testing behind them. As well as a tie-over expertise with designing, engineering and casting cellular mirror blanks through Dream Cellular, LLC. Contact Dream to discuss your project requirements today.

"Hello Shane, I can't think of anyone that I know who has delved as deeply into the mechanics of telescopes as you have." Dream customer, January 30th, 2010     Dream produces carbon fiber sandwich core technology products in-house and uses the thickest core feasible. The tube to the right has a wall thickness of ~1.0" and weighs less than 24 lbs. It is shown with ~355 lbs of load on it while it spans a gap of 52.0". Our largest composite oven is 12 feet wide, 6 feet deep and 6 feet high.   If you want to offer your clients a product with the ultimate in performance, contact Dream today.