Mark III Rouz Astro Tube Mounting Rings

Rouz Astro has introduced the Mark III version of their Telescope Tube Mounting Rings, bringing significant enhancements to an already well-regarded product. The new Mark III rings maintain the lightweight and strong characteristics that users have come to expect, but with several key upgrades that promise improved performance and durability.

What are Mark III Rouz Astro Carbon Fiber Composite Tube Rings

These telescope mounting rings are CAD designed and FDM printed for a combination of exceptional strength and low weight thanks to the tough carbon fiber composite material that offers excellent mechanical properties. The use of carbon fiber composite allows these rings to weigh less than half of traditional metal rings, with some versions being up to a quarter of the weight of cast rings. This weight reduction is particularly beneficial for telescope mounts, as it leads to improved mount performance and better image quality. The lower weight of the rings, when paired with lightweight bottom and top dovetails, can result in a total weight savings of several pounds - sometimes even more than the optical tube assembly (OTA) itself.

Why?

• Unlike traditional metal rings that are heavy, these are much lighter, typically less than half the weight and up to a quarter of cast rings.
• The weight reduction significantly increases mount performance and therefore image quality.
• Paired with the lightweight bottom and top dovetails, users can save several pounds of weight, at times more than the OTA itself!
   

Strength

• Engineering grade material used is a composite of polymers and carbon fiber which are fused at high temperatures over 500 deg F (no glue or epoxy is used)
• All bolts are threaded into oversized implanted steel receptors
• For the new 2024 onward models, melted brass inserts are no longer used
• The oversized hinges also use stainless steel hardware
• Tested in various scenarios with hundreds of pounds of load – some videos can be found here

Custom sizes?

Yes! We make rings up to 12.0 (304mm) in diameter.

Rouz Astro Carbon Fiber Composite Tube Rings

One of the standout features of the Mark III rings is the upgraded material. The engineering-grade composite used in these rings is a fusion of polymers and carbon fiber, processed at high temperatures exceeding 500°F. This method of production ensures that no glue or epoxy is used, resulting in a solid and durable product. The rings are designed with oversized stainless steel threaded receptors, which replace the melted brass inserts used in previous models. This change enhances the durability and longevity of the rings, ensuring they can withstand heavy loads and harsh conditions.

The Mark III rings also feature a double-hinged design, using powder-coated stainless steel hardware. The hinges are oversized, providing additional strength and stability to the mounting system. This design has been rigorously tested under various conditions, including scenarios involving hundreds of pounds of load, to ensure reliability and performance. The hollow knobs, made from CNC-machined aluminum 6061, are another refinement in the Mark III version, offering a combination of strength and reduced weight.

Rouz Astro offers these rings in a wide range of sizes, with the ability to order custom sizes up to 12.0 inches (304mm) in diameter. The rings are sold in pairs, with typical lead times ranging from 2 to 5 days. The weight of each ring varies depending on the size, ranging from 200 to 700 grams per ring. The rings are felt-lined to protect the telescope tube and feature bolt spacing of 2.0 inches (50.8mm) with M6 bolts. Additionally, the rings are designed to withstand high UV exposure, water, and temperatures up to 140°F (60°C).

In summary, the Mark III Telescope Tube Mounting Rings from Rouz Astro offer a significant upgrade in both materials and design. The use of carbon fiber composite material reduces weight while maintaining strength, and the refined design features enhance durability and ease of use. These rings are an excellent choice for astronomers looking to improve their telescope’s performance through reduced weight and increased stability.

Available in dozens of sizes

Lightweight Telescope Tube Rings