Compression Ring Bonding & Assembly

Interested in learning how the Rock West "Compression Rings" work? When ready for final assembly you can use our low friction (UHMW) tape to enable smooth sliding action. This same tape can be used to prevent the tubes from coming apart and simultaneously defining how long the section to remain nested is. In order to do this, you must apply tape to the inside of the larger tube (near the end) and also apply the same tape in 2 spots at one end of the smaller tube. The distance these two pieces are apart on the smaller tube defines the length of the tube that will remain nested at full extension.

[@leebridges6195]

Awesome!

[@sourshoes1465]

I guess galvanic corrosion isn’t an issue in this circumstance?

[@RockWestComposites]

This is a great comment. Galvanic corrosion is always an issue when aluminum (and other specific metals) come in intimate contact with carbon fiber. The key word is "intimate contact". In this case, we used micro glass beads in the adhesive to prevent any intimate contact with the two materials. The beads also help with concentricity when bonding tubes together.
It should be noted that certain environments will promote corrosion must faster than others, but it's always good to take preventative measures. In some cases, it could take years or decades for the corrosion to become an issue in certain cases.

[@sourshoes1465]

@@RockWestComposites Thats brilliant. It will work perfectly for my application. A layer of fiberglass just wasn’t gonna be feasible.
Thank you for the quick reply.

[@craigjones9244]

Nice job👍🏻
The filler looks like cabocill and the resin looks like 1 to 1 epoxy I would have gone with methylmethracate but that's just me😁

[@RockWestComposites]

Thanks Craig! The "Filler" in this case isn't filler at all but rather Bond Line Controller AKA bond line beads / glass spheres. They are used to ensure concentricity and to provide an insulative barrier between the two dissimilar materials thereby reducing galvanic corrosion over time.

[@craigjones9244]

@@RockWestComposites That's very educational I haven't used glass before keep up the great work thanks👏👍🏻😃