Aluminum Tubes / Aluminum Pipe
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Structural Integrity
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Easy Fabrication
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Versatile Use
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Detailed Description of Aluminum Tubes
Aluminum tubing is made by forcing a heated aluminum billet through a form or die in order to create some common or exact cross-section shape. This extrusion method allows for complex shapes and accurate profiles. The two most common alloys are 6063 which is available with an excellent surface finish and is ideal for anodized finishes, making it an excellent choice for architectural applications, and 6061 which has more structural strength than 6063 . The primary benefit of aluminum is the natural passive aluminum oxide layer, which forms on its surface when exposed to air and then stops oxidizing further and provides a corrosion resistant layer to aluminum. This is why aluminum is very durable in variety of environments without the need for coatings.
Key Parameters for Aluminum Tubes
Parameter |
Details |
Manufacturing Process |
Extrusion (most common), Drawing (for seamless precision tubes) |
Alloy & Temper |
6063-T5/T6, 6061-T6, 6082-T6, 5083, 3003 |
Standards |
ASTM B221 (Extruded), ASTM B210 (Drawn Seamless), EN 755 |
Size Range (OD) |
10mm - 400mm, custom shapes and sizes available |
Wall Thickness (WT) |
0.8mm - 50mm |
Length |
Typically 6m, can be cut to custom lengths |
Surface Finish |
Mill Finish (as-extruded), Anodized (Clear, Bronze, Black), Powder Coated, Polished |
Shapes |
Round, Square, Rectangular, Oval, Custom Profiles |
Aluminum Tube Specifications
Standard / Product |
Applicable Products |
Core Features |
ASTM B210 |
Aluminum Tubes |
Standard Specification for Aluminum and Aluminum-Alloy Drawn Seamless Tubes. |
ASTM B221 |
Aluminum Tubes |
Standard Specification for Aluminum and Aluminum-Alloy Extruded Bars, Rods, Wire, Profiles, and Tubes. |
ASTM B241 |
Aluminum Tubes |
Standard Specification for Aluminum and Aluminum-Alloy Seamless Pipe and Seamless Extruded Tube. |
EN 755-2 |
Aluminum Tubes |
European standard specifying the mechanical properties of extruded profiles, rods, bars, and tubes made of aluminum alloys. |
EN 755-7 |
Aluminum Tubes |
European standard specifying the tolerances on dimensions and form for seamless tubes made of aluminum alloys. |
Main Application Areas for Aluminum Tubes
Due to many of Aluminums' properties, it is used in many industries, such as:
● Architecture & Construction: for window and door frames, curtain walls, hand rails, balustrades, decorative trim, etc.;
● Scaffolding: Light weight, quick to erect, and corrosion resistant;
● Industrial & machinery: for frames for automation equipment, compressed air piping systems, machine guards;
● Transportation: for automotive (radiators, frames), aerospace, marine;
● Furniture & consumer goods: for frames for outdoor furniture, shelving and recreational equipment;
● For heat transfer: heat exchangers, condensers, cooling systems;
Advantages of Aluminum Tubes
● Lightweight: About one-third the weight of steel - this saves money on transport and also helps ease installation.
● High Strength-to-Weight Ratio: Can deliver an excellent structural performance level with very little weight.
● High Corrosion Resistance: Naturally corrosion resistant and will never rust or get weathere.
● High Thermal & Electrical Conductivity - Great for heat transfer applications like heat sinks too or electrical conduits.
● Fabrication is Easy: Lightly structural aluminum can be cut, machined, welded, and bent like nothing else.
● Recyclable - Aluminum can be recycled many times over without losing its important properties for future use.
