SPIDER Automation | Z30 CNC Aluminium Folding Arm Tube Joint | 30mm Tube Interface & Dual-Screw Folding Mechanism
The SPIDER Automation Z30 CNC Aluminium Folding Arm Tube Joint is a mechanical connector designed for folding-arm structures used in compatible RC quadcopter, hexacopter and multicopter frames. It provides the connection between a carbon fibre arm tube and the corresponding folding-joint assembly. Its specified dimensions are 30mm inner diameter, 35mm outer diameter and 112 × 58 × 40mm overall size, making tube and frame-interface verification important before installation.
The Z30 design combines a CNC-machined aluminium body, an extended square backrest, a dual-screw clamping arrangement, a stainless steel moving shaft and a dual-spring return mechanism. It also incorporates a specified 5° upward tilt and 12.9-grade fasteners. The package contains one joint and one accessories set, including screws for centre-plate installation. The required quantity depends on the number of arms in the aircraft configuration.
Product Overview & Mechanical Architecture
The Z30 is designed to connect a compatible carbon fibre tube arm to a folding-arm frame assembly. Its mechanical architecture combines the tube-clamping section, extended backrest, moving shaft and spring-return components into one integrated joint.
The extended square backrest provides an enlarged support section at the joint interface. Together with the dual-screw clamping arrangement, this design aims to improve contact between the carbon fibre tube and the folding-joint assembly, reducing unwanted clearance or movement associated with an inadequately seated connection.
CNC Aluminium Construction & Dual-Screw Clamping
The main joint body uses CNC-machined aluminium construction. Its dual-screw clamping structure is designed to secure the compatible carbon fibre tube and folding-joint interface using two clamping points.
- Machined Aluminium Body: Forms the main structural housing of the folding arm joint.
- Dual-Screw Clamping Structure: Uses two screws to secure the compatible tube and joint interface.
- Extended Square Backrest: Provides an extended support section intended to improve contact at the assembly interface.
- Carbon Fibre Tube Integration: Designed for a dimensionally compatible carbon fibre arm tube.
- Frame-Side Fastening: Supplied screws support installation at the corresponding centre plate.
The stated 30mm inner diameter is an important fitment reference. The actual clamping profile, insertion depth and tube-contact geometry should also be checked before selecting the joint for a particular frame.
Stainless Steel Moving Shaft & Dual Spring Return
The Z30 incorporates a stainless steel moving shaft in place of the earlier copper-shaft design. This shaft forms the moving mechanical connection within the folding-joint assembly.
A dual-spring return arrangement provides spring force within the mechanism. The moving shaft and springs work together as part of the folding-joint assembly, supporting its intended mechanical movement and return action.
- Stainless Steel Pivot Shaft: Used as the moving shaft component of the joint assembly.
- Dual Spring Arrangement: Incorporates two return springs within the folding mechanism.
- Mechanical Pivot Connection: Provides the moving connection between the joint sections.
- Integrated Joint Assembly: Combines the shaft, springs and clamping structure into the folding-arm connector.
5° Upward Tilt Geometry
The Z30 joint incorporates a specified 5-degree upward tilt in its geometry. This provides an angled arm connection when installed in the intended orientation. The 5° specification describes the joint’s designed geometry and does not indicate an adjustable angular range.
During frame design, replacement or assembly, check the installed joint orientation and resulting arm alignment against the multirotor’s mechanical layout.
12.9-Grade Fasteners & Centre-Plate Mounting
The joint assembly uses 12.9-grade screws, a high-strength fastener classification used in mechanical assemblies. The package also includes screws intended for mounting the joint to a compatible frame centre plate.
Correct fastener selection and installation are important for maintaining alignment between the joint, tube and frame structure. Screw dimensions, thread specifications and tightening torque should be verified against the actual assembly before installation.
Dimensional Fitment & Multirotor Compatibility
The Z30 is intended for compatible folding-arm RC quadcopter, hexacopter and multicopter structures. Its stated dimensions provide the initial reference for assessing compatibility:
- 30mm Inner Diameter: Reference dimension for checking the intended tube interface.
- 35mm Outer Diameter: Specified outer profile dimension.
- 112mm Length: Overall length reference for frame layout and installation clearance.
- 58mm Width: Overall width reference for checking adjacent frame components.
- 40mm Height: Overall height reference for joint orientation and clearance.
Before installation, verify the carbon fibre tube’s actual outside diameter, clamping profile, insertion depth, centre-plate mounting-hole positions and surrounding clearance. Nominal diameter alone does not guarantee compatibility with every 30mm-class arm tube or folding-arm frame.
Applications
The Z30 CNC aluminium folding arm tube joint is intended for mechanical integration and maintenance of compatible folding-arm multirotor structures.
- RC Quadcopter Frames: Folding-arm connection for compatible four-arm multirotor assemblies.
- RC Hexacopter Frames: Mechanical arm-joint integration in compatible six-arm airframes.
- RC Octocopter Frames: Arm connection for compatible eight-arm multirotor configurations.
- Carbon Fibre Tube Arms: Clamping and joint integration with dimensionally compatible carbon fibre tubes.
- Folding Multirotor Structures: Mechanical connection for airframes designed around folding-arm assemblies.
- Custom Frame Fabrication: Integration into multirotor structures with matching tube and centre-plate geometry.
- Airframe Maintenance: Replacement of a worn or damaged compatible folding arm joint.
- Multirotor Frame Modification: Mechanical integration in compatible airframe redesign and arm-assembly projects.
Package Includes
- 1 × Z30 CNC Aluminium Folding Arm Tube Joint
- 1 × Accessories Set
Quantity planning: One joint is required per arm. A four-arm quadcopter requires four joints, a six-arm hexacopter requires six joints and an eight-arm octocopter requires eight joints. This package contains one joint only; additional units must be purchased separately for multi-arm installations.
Product Specifications
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Product Model | Z30 |
| Product Type | CNC Aluminium Folding Arm Tube Joint |
| Main Body Material | Aluminium |
| Outer Diameter (OD) | 35mm |
| Inner Diameter (ID) | 30mm |
| Length | 112mm |
| Width | 58mm |
| Height | 40mm |
| Product Weight | 145g |
| Clamping Structure | Dual-Screw Clamping Arrangement |
| Backrest Design | Extended Square Backrest |
| Moving Shaft Material | Stainless Steel |
| Spring Configuration | Dual Spring Return |
| Fastener Grade | 12.9 Grade Screws |
| Arm Tilt Geometry | 5° Upward Tilt |
| Frame Installation | Centre-Plate Screw Installation |
| Intended Frame Types | Compatible RC Quadcopter, Hexacopter and Multicopter Frames |
| Package Quantity | 1 Joint |
| Included Accessories | 1 Accessories Set |
Installation & Operating Recommendations
- Verify Tube Fitment: Confirm that the carbon fibre arm tube matches the actual internal clamping geometry and insertion depth of the joint before assembly.
- Check Frame Mounting: Verify centre-plate dimensions, mounting-hole positions and screw clearance before installing the joint.
- Inspect Joint Components: Examine the aluminium body, stainless steel moving shaft, springs and fasteners for damage or deformation before installation.
- Align the Clamping Interface: Position the tube correctly within the joint and ensure proper contact between the clamping surfaces.
- Tighten Both Screws Evenly: Apply progressive, balanced tightening to the dual-screw arrangement. Avoid excessive force that could damage the carbon fibre tube or threaded components.
- Check Pivot Movement: Confirm that the moving shaft and spring-return mechanism operate without binding or abnormal play after installation.
- Verify Arm Orientation: Install the joint in its intended orientation and check the specified 5° upward tilt against the airframe geometry.
- Inspect Fastener Seating: Confirm that all screws are correctly seated and the joint remains aligned with the frame.
- Check Folding Clearance: Verify that the arm can move through its intended folding path without interference from the frame, wiring or adjacent components.
- Perform Periodic Inspection: Recheck tube retention, centre-plate fastening, pivot movement and spring condition after transport, maintenance or mechanical impact.
- Pre-Operation Verification: Confirm that the arm joint is securely assembled and that there is no abnormal movement before operating the multirotor.
