DragonPlateModConSpecs PDF

Material Specifications
Modular Connectors
DragonPlate lightweight modular tube connectors provide an easy and robust method for con-
necting either our roll-wrapped or braided carbon fiber tubes together to form lightweight rigid
structures. Using these patent-pending anodized aluminum connectors, our 0.5", 0.75" or 1" car-
bon fiber tubes can be connected to form much longer disassembleable tubes and complex 3D
structures. Both 2D and 3D joints are possible. The connectors are adhesively bonded into the
ends of the carbon fiber tubes using an epoxy (we recommend Scotch-Weld 2216 adhesive)
One of the primary concerns when bonding metal fittings into carbon fiber tubes is the fact that
the metal component, when subjected to reductions in temperature, will shrink much more than
the carbon fiber tube. To eliminate this problem, our patent pending connector incorporates a
slotted tubular design, which has a two-fold effect. First, the slots allow the aluminum to contract
circumferentially without as much change in the nominal diameter of the insert. Secondly, the
slots provide compliance to the part, which further alleviate peel stresses by prohibiting the alu-
minum part from imparting as much peel force on the adhesive layer. In addition, this design in-
cludes a ridged outer surface. This further strengthens the bond inside the carbon fiber tube by
placing more epoxy in shear (and most structural epoxies are about 100 times stronger in shear
than in peel).
This combination of form, function, and resistance to thermal delaminations makes our Dragon-
Plate tube connectors a versatile and robust option for many projects. For added performance,
reliability and integrity this connector is fitted with a HeliCoil stainless threaded insert. Each con-
nector also comes with a foam plug to contain adhesive and enough bond line control micro
glass beads to ensure a proper bond fit.
DragonPlate.com · 321 Route 5 West · Elbridge, New York 13060 · ph. 315-252-2559 · fax 315-252-0502 · service@dragonplate.com
Table of Contents
Modular Connectors— Round Tube Connectors
Single Sided Female Clevis 4
Female Clevis 5
Male Clevis 6
Threaded End Connector 7
Threaded End Connector with Stud 8
Camera Mount 9
Heim Joint 10
8 Hole Keyed Disk Kit 11
Flange 12
Cube 13
1X2 Block 14
1X3 Block 15
Spacer 16
3 Hole Link 17
2 Hole Link 18
Pre Assembled Connectors 19
Modular Connectors - Square Tube Connectors

Threaded End Connector 20
Pultruded - Modular Connectors

Multi-Angle (Duck Bill) 22
Cube 23
1X2 Block 24
1X3 Block 25
Threaded Tube Insert (Male) 26
Threaded Tube Insert (Female) 27
Threaded End Connectors (Tube and Rod) 28
Corner Maker for 0.5” OD Pultruded Tubes 29
Quick Connectors 30
Cont’d on next page

2
Table of Contents
Pultruded - Molded Connectors
0.5" Carbon Fiber Tube Connector 60° 32
0.5" Carbon Fiber Tube Connector 90° 33
0.5” Tube Foot 34
0.5” Horizontal Tube Flange 35
0.5” Inline Multi-Angle Tube Connector 36
0.5” Multi-Angle Connector 37
0.5” Threaded Tube Insert 38
0.5” Vertical Tube Flange 39
Examples of Joints 40-42
Installation Instructions 43-44
Modular Connector Weight Sheet 45
Single Sided Female Modular Connector

- Available in both threaded and un-threaded holes
A D E
STANDARD SIZES
TUBE SIZE A B C D E F G
0.5” 0.2” 0.22” 1.13” 0.59” 0.23” 0.23” 0.48”
0.75” 0.3” 1.3” 1.5” 0.87” 0.26” 0.28” 0.73”
1.0” 0.38” 1.73” 2.0” 1.45” 0.26” 0.38” 0.97”
Female Clevis Connector

- Comes with bondable or with threaded end (see picture for threaded end)
- Bondable comes with blank or threaded hole. Threaded end has threaded hole.
B C
STANDARD SIZES
TUBE SIZE A B C D E F
0.5” 0.23” 0.62” 0.18” 0.88” 1.13” 0.48”
0.75” 0.27” 0.87” 0.28” 1.63” 1.5” 0.73”
1.0” 0.27” 1.13” 0.36 1.75 2.0” 0.97”
Male Clevis Connector

- Comes with bondable or with threaded end (see picture for threaded end)
B
D
STANDARD SIZES
0.5” 2.03” 0.18” 0.2” 0.62” 0.71” 1.13” 0.48”
0.75” 2.85” 0.27” 0.26” 0.87” 1.0” 1.5” 0.73”
1.0” 3.78” 0.36” 0.26” 1.12” 1.41” 1.99” 0.97”
Threaded End Connector

- 0.5” connector uses 10-32 thread
- All other sizes use 1/4”-20 thread
STANDARD SIZES
TUBE SIZE A B C D
0.5” 0.62” 0.50” 1.13” 0.48”
0.625” 0.75” 0.63” 1.33” 0.61”
0.75” 0.87” 0.75” 1.50” 0.73”
0.875 1.00” 0.88” 1.50” 0.89”

7
1.0” 1.12” 1.0” 1.99” 0.97”
Threaded End with Stud Connector

- .5” has 10-32 thread
B
A
STANDARD SIZES
TUBE SIZE A B C D E
0.5” 0.62” 0.50” 0.50” 1.13” 0.48”
0.625” 0.75” 0.50” 0.63” 1.33” 0.61”
0.75” 0.87” 0.75” 0.75” 1.5” 0.73”
0.875” 1.00” 0.50” 0.88” 1.50” 0.89”

8
1.0” 1.12” 0.75” 1.0” 1.99” 0.97”
Camera Mount Stud Connector

- standard 1/4"-20 thread stud
A
B
STANDARD SIZES
TUBE SIZE A B C D E
0.5” N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A
0.75” 0.87” 0.21” 0.75” 1.5” 0.73”
Heim Joint Connector

- The 0.5” ball swivel accepts a 1/4-20 bolt and allows the end to articulate out-of-
plane
B C
STANDARD SIZES
TUBE SIZE A B C D E F
0.5” N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A
0.75” 0.5” 0.15” 0.88” 0.87” 0.75” 1.5”
1.0” 0.5” 0.15” 0.88” 1.12” 1.0” 1.99”
10
8 Hole Disk Kit Connector

- disc is held onto the connector with the supplied bolt and washer or alternatively a
studded end connector can be used.
STANDARD SIZES
TUBE SIZE A B C D E
0.75” 2.88” 0.26” 0.19” 0.6” 1.5”
1.0” 2.88” 0.26” 0.19” 0.82” 1.97”
11
Flange Connector
-Best when used with threaded end connector without stud
A
B
STANDARD SIZES
0.5” N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A
0.75” 0.3” 1.3” 1.5” 0.87” 0.26” 0.28” 0.73”
1.0” 0.3” 1.3” 1.5” 0.87” 0.26” 0.28” 0.73”
12
Cube Connector
- 0.75” and 1” uses 1/4"-20 threads
- 0.5” uses 10-32 threads
STANDARD SIZES
TUBE SIZE A B
0.5” N/A N/A
0.75” 0.88” 1.13”
1.0” 0.88” 1.13”
13
1X2 Block Connector

A D
B C
STANDARD SIZES
TUBE SIZE A B C D E
0.5” 0.56” 0.43” 0.56” 1.28” 1.16
0.75” 1.13” .88” 1.13” 2.28” 2.6”
1.0” 1.13” .88” 1.13” 2.28” 2.6”
14
1X3 Block Connector

STANDARD SIZES
TUBE SIZE A B C D E
0.5” 0.56” 0.45” 0.56” 1.86” 2.0”
0.75” 1.13” .88” 1.13” 3.26” 3.5”
1.0” 1.13” .88” 1.13” 3.26” 3.5”
15
Spacers
- Available in two thicknesses (See A and B)
A/B
STANDARD SIZES
TUBE SIZE A B C D
0.5” N/A N/A N/A N/A
0.75” 0.25” 0.63” 1.3” 1.5”
1.0” N/A N/A N/A N/A
16
3 Hole Link
STANDARD SIZES
TUBE SIZE A B C D
0.5” 0.18” 0.63” 2.0” 0.19”
0.75” 0.27” 0.84” 2.72” 0.27”
1.0” 0.27” 0.84” 2.72” 0.27”
17
2 Hole Link
STANDARD SIZES
TUBE SIZE A B C D
0.5” 0.18” 0.63” 1.33” 0.19”
0.75” 0.27” 0.84” 1.78” 0.27”
1.0” 0.27” 0.84” 1.78” 0.27”
18
Pre-Assembled Connections
To increase the capabilities of our connectors, we also offer complex and pre-assembled
connections to expand the horizons of carbon fiber’s capabilities.
This kit connects two tubes using a removable pin allowing for quick con-
nection and disconnection. This kit also comes with foam plugs to contain
adhesive and enough bond line control micro glass beads to ensure a
proper bond fit.
This swivel mount offers maximum adjustability of camera, Go-Pro camcorder

or other hardware. Quickly set position and lock into place using lever. Stan-
dard 1/4"-20 thread fits most hardware. Mount comes with 1" end connector,
foam plug to contain adhesive and enough bond line control micro glass
beads to ensure a proper bond fit. Optional jam nut, if needed.
This kit includes one threaded end connector and one

end connector to create a detachable coupler joint.
End mount with standard 1/4"-20 thread stud and adjustable knuckle for maximum
maneuverability of connected camera or camcorder. Fits into end of our 0.75" car-
bon fiber tubes. Mount also comes with a foam plug to contain adhesive and
enough bond line control micro glass beads to ensure a proper bond fit.
19
Square Threaded End Connector

- 0.5” connector uses 10-32 thread
STANDARD SIZES
TUBE SIZE A B C D
0.75” 1.00” 0.75” 1.50” 0.73”
1.0” 1.25” 1.0” 2.00” 0.98”
20
Pultruded Carbon Fiber Modular Connectors

Dragonplate has developed multiple methods for building carbon fiber structures. One method
is to use our 0.5” round pultruded tubing. This method allows for customizable structures, with
varying heights, widths, depths, cell sizes, and lengths to meet your specific design criteria.
Trusses assembled from our 0.5" tubing connectors provide a cost effective method of manufac-
ture and an extremely stiff lightweight structure. Trusses built from our 0.5" pultruded tubing con-
nectors should be considered light duty and should not be used in aircraft, man carrying or other
high risk structures.
Truss structures can be used for wide variety of applications. They are used primarily for Structural
applications. But did you know that that truss structures can also be beautiful? Using DragonPlate
truss materials, it is possible to create complex frames for many different uses such as furniture.
Using our quick-release connectors you are also able to create carbon fiber structures that can
be disassembled for transport and then easily reassembled.
We recommend Scotch-Weld 2216 adhesive for bonding these connectors to the carbon fiber
tubes
21
0.5" Multi-Angle Pultruded Tube End Connector

- Fits .5” OD tube or rod
1”
1”
2”
1.11”
22
0.5" Pultruded Cube Connector

- Holes are threaded with 8-32 threads
.5”
1”
.4”
23
1X2 Block Pultruded Connector

0.5”
0.4”
1.65”
0.5”
1.75”
24
1X3 Block Pultruded Connector

0.5”
0.4”
2.90”
0.5”
3.0”
25
0.5" Threaded Pultruded Tube Connector (Male)

- Fits .5” OD x 0.4” ID rod
- Thread is 3/8-20
0.38”
0.5”
0.2”
1.3”
26
0.5" Threaded Pultruded Tube Connector (Female)

- Fits .5” OD x 0.4” ID rod
- Thread is 3/8-20
0.5” 0.38”
1.3”
27
0.5" OD Pultruded Threaded End Connector

(Male and female)
 Fits .5” OD tube or rod
 Comes in 1/4”-20, 10-32, 8-32 thread for both male and female
 Males come as 0.25” or 0.5” length studs
1.25”
0.75”
0.7”
28
Corner Maker for 0.5” OD Pultruded Tubes

 8-32 thread
2.06”
1.20”
0.75”
1.0”
1.65”
29
Pultruded Quick Connections

Pultruded tube quick disconnects allow multiple Dragonplate ½” pultruded carbon fiber tubes to
be attached together to form longer tubes or structures. This system is useful for creating long
truss structures comprised of shorter sections of up to 8 feet in length. Applications include cam-
era boom arms, lighting fixtures, or inspection tools that break down into easily transportable seg-
ments.
This quick connector is the rotating version that allows rotation when engaged.
30
Pultruded Carbon Fiber Molded Connectors

DragonPlate carbon tube connectors incorporate universal design, allowing the user to create
extremely light-weight, light-duty structures with a large variety of angles and connections. A
separate diagonal connector bonded to the end of a carbon tube can be aligned at any an-
gle, allowing for the creation of unique and custom designed structures.
DragonPlate carbon tube connectors are designed to be used specifically with our .5" pultruded
tubes. These connectors are ideal for building light weight, cost effective, and complex struc-
tures.
These patented connectors are manufactured out of carbon fiber reinforced plastic, creating
an optimized cost-to-strength ratio. The connectors are designed with precision ribs to aid in con-
trolling adhesive thicknesses. DragonPlate carbon tube connectors are designed for use with
structural epoxies, specifically Scotchweld 2216. Our connectors capture the ends of the pul-
truded tube; this strengthens the ends of the tube and eliminates risk of splitting the carbon fiber
tube.
Nylon screws and nuts are supplied to aid in the bonding process, eliminating the need for large,
heavy clamps during assembly. These screws are designed for bonding purposes only, and will
not contribute to the strength of the structure. STRUCTURAL ADHESIVE MUST BE USED.
31
0.5" Carbon Fiber Tube 60° Connector

2.50”
”
2 .1
2.50”
32
2.1”
0.5" Carbon Fiber Tube 90° Connector

2.50”
1.61”
1.61
33
0.5" Carbon Fiber Tube Foot

0.25”
0.83”
1.11”
34
0.5" Carbon Fiber Horizontal Tube Flange

0.35”
0.25”
0.66”
0.55”
1.5”
1.5”
35
0.5" Carbon Fiber Inline Multi-Angle Connector

0.18”
1.75”
0.44” 0.74” 1.44”
0.12” 0.63”
2.63”
36
0.5" Carbon Fiber Multi-Angle Connector

1.11” 1.11”
0.18”
0.83”
1.0”
.19”
.06”
37
0.5" Threaded Tube Insert

0.395
0.88”
0.13”
0.5”
38
0.5" Carbon Fiber Vertical Tube Flange

1.0”
0.18”
0.10”
~0.5”
0.67”
1.5”
39
Modular Connector Joints—Examples

To further inspire the creative individuals, we have compiled examples of joints that can be
made using our modular connectors. Almost any design is possible, it just takes some planning
and know-how. Use these examples to your advantage and get those creative ideas flowing!
40
41
42
MODULAR CONNECTOR ASSEMBLY INSTRUCTIONS
Modular Connector Kit
Each Modular Connector Kit comes with an aluminum connector,

foam plug (already inserted into the connector) and enough mi-
crospheres to ensure proper bond fit.
You will also need a two-part epoxy (we recommend 3M Scotch-

weld 2216) sold separately.
Step 1: Sand Bonding Area
Wrap 150 grit sandpaper around the included

foam sanding tool and insert into end of tube.
Scuff inside of tube to the appropriate depth.
Sand hard enough to break the skin of epoxy resin.
Do not sand too deeply as the result may cut or
damage underlying fibers. This will compromise
the integrity of the carbon fiber tube.
Also scuff outside of connector with sandpaper.
Step 2: Clean Surfaces
The pieces must be cleaned to remove any contami-

nates. Wipe components to be bonded (inside of tube,
and connector) with a solvent such as acetone or iso-
propyl alcohol to remove all dust, dirt, and grease.
43
Step 3: Mixing Epoxy & Microspheres
Mix epoxy according to manufactures instructions and add sup-

plied microspheres. Mix ratio of microspheres is 10% by weight.
For example, 0.3 grams of microspheres per 3 grams of epoxy.
Step 4: Apply Epoxy
First apply epoxy to the inside of the tube, making sure to

get equal coverage to a sufficient depth. Next evenly
spread the epoxy on the connector legs.
Step 5: Insert Connector
Insert connector into tube and remove excess epoxy

with a cloth dampened with isopropyl alcohol, ace-
tone, or MEK.
Step 6: Allow to Cure
Apply masking tape over connector to secure until epoxy has fully cured.
Allow connector to cure overnight at room

temperature (75 degrees F). Faster cures
are obtained using elevated temperatures.
Refer to the tech sheet for your epoxy for
further information on cure times.
44
Modular Connector Weights - Ounces
Connector Size
Connector Type .5" .625" .75" .875" 1.0"
Single Sided Female Clevis 0.27 - 0.85 - 1.79
Female Clevis 0.35 - 1.04 - 2.3
Male Clevis 0.29 - 0.96 - 2.09
Threaded End Connector 0.315 0.685 1.15 1.11 2.14
Threaded End Connector with Stud L 0.41 ~1.01 1.58 ~1.44 2.37
Threaded End Connector with Stud S - - 1.27 - -
Swivel Joint - - 7.45 - 8.5
Heim Joint - - 2.14 - 3.21
Cube 0.15 - 1.77 - 1.77
1X2 Block 0.49 - 3.99 - 3.99
1X3 Block 0.79 - 6.21 - 6.21
1/4" Spacer - - 0.21 - -
5/8" Spacer - - 0.53 - -
3 Hole Link 0.3 - 0.82 - 2.03
2 Hole Link 0.19 - 0.52 - 1.19
Multi-Angle (Duck Bill) 0.26

Cube 0.15
1X2 Block 0.58
1X3 Block 1.02
Threaded End Connectors (Tube and Rod) 0.48
Threaded End Connectors with short stud 0.57
Threaded End Connectors with long stud 0.64
Corner Maker for 0.5” OD Pultruded Tubes 1.46

Pultruded Spacer 0.06
Pultruded 3-hole connector 0.43
45

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Material Specifications

Modular Connectors - Square Tube Connectors

Pultruded - Modular Connectors

Cont’d on next page

Examples of Joints 40-42

Installation Instructions 43-44

Modular Connector Weight Sheet 45

Single Sided Female Modular Connector

0.75” 0.3” 1.3” 1.5” 0.87” 0.26” 0.28” 0.73”

1.0” 0.38” 1.73” 2.0” 1.45” 0.26” 0.38” 0.97”

Female Clevis Connector

0.75” 0.27” 0.87” 0.28” 1.63” 1.5” 0.73”

1.0” 0.27” 1.13” 0.36 1.75 2.0” 0.97”

Male Clevis Connector

0.75” 2.85” 0.27” 0.26” 0.87” 1.0” 1.5” 0.73”

1.0” 3.78” 0.36” 0.26” 1.12” 1.41” 1.99” 0.97”

Threaded End Connector

0.625” 0.75” 0.63” 1.33” 0.61”

0.75” 0.87” 0.75” 1.50” 0.73”

0.875 1.00” 0.88” 1.50” 0.89”

Threaded End with Stud Connector

0.625” 0.75” 0.50” 0.63” 1.33” 0.61”

0.75” 0.87” 0.75” 0.75” 1.5” 0.73”

0.875” 1.00” 0.50” 0.88” 1.50” 0.89”

Camera Mount Stud Connector

0.75” 0.87” 0.21” 0.75” 1.5” 0.73”

1.0” N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A

Heim Joint Connector

0.75” 0.5” 0.15” 0.88” 0.87” 0.75” 1.5”

1.0” 0.5” 0.15” 0.88” 1.12” 1.0” 1.99”

8 Hole Disk Kit Connector

0.75” 2.88” 0.26” 0.19” 0.6” 1.5”

1.0” 2.88” 0.26” 0.19” 0.82” 1.97”

0.75” 0.3” 1.3” 1.5” 0.87” 0.26” 0.28” 0.73”

1.0” 0.3” 1.3” 1.5” 0.87” 0.26” 0.28” 0.73”

0.75” 0.88” 1.13”

1.0” 0.88” 1.13”

1X2 Block Connector

0.75” 1.13” .88” 1.13” 2.28” 2.6”

1.0” 1.13” .88” 1.13” 2.28” 2.6”

1X3 Block Connector

0.75” 1.13” .88” 1.13” 3.26” 3.5”

1.0” 1.13” .88” 1.13” 3.26” 3.5”

0.75” 0.25” 0.63” 1.3” 1.5”

1.0” N/A N/A N/A N/A

0.75” 0.27” 0.84” 2.72” 0.27”

1.0” 0.27” 0.84” 2.72” 0.27”

0.75” 0.27” 0.84” 1.78” 0.27”

1.0” 0.27” 0.84” 1.78” 0.27”

This swivel mount offers maximum adjustability of camera, Go-Pro camcorder

This kit includes one threaded end connector and one

Square Threaded End Connector

1.0” 1.25” 1.0” 2.00” 0.98”

Pultruded Carbon Fiber Modular Connectors

0.5" Multi-Angle Pultruded Tube End Connector

0.5" Pultruded Cube Connector

1X2 Block Pultruded Connector

1X3 Block Pultruded Connector

0.5" Threaded Pultruded Tube Connector (Male)