10 Things to Consider When Buying Aluminium Tubes

09 Apr.,2024

 

Aluminum pipes are one of the most important components in many industrial sectors. Whether you are an engineer, designer or simply someone interested in technology and materials, the following article will provide you with a comprehensive knowledge of them.

We have prepared a comprehensive overview containing everything you need to know about aluminum pipes. We will focus on their characteristics, types, production process and applications We will also suggest what to pay attention to when choosing the right aluminum pipes.

Aluminum pipes – one of the most common elements in the industry

Aluminum pipes are one of the most versatile and widely used components in many industry sectors. Thanks to their unique properties such as lightness, corrosion resistance, good thermal and electrical conductivity, as well as the ability to form into various shapes, aluminum pipes have become irreplaceable in many sectors.

Their versatility makes them an inseparable element in such diverse fields as construction, automotive, aerospace, energy or chemicals. In construction, aluminum pipes are often used in structures such as window frames, doors, building facades, as well as in ventilation and air conditioning systems. In the automotive and aerospace industries, due to their lightness and strength, they are irreplaceable in the production of various types of vehicles and machines.

Aluminum pipes are also a key component in the power industry, where their excellent thermal and electrical conductivity is essential. In the chemical industry, aluminum pipes are used in transmission systems, where their corrosion resistance is crucial.

Various shapes and sizes of aluminum pipes

Aluminum pipes are available in a variety of shapes and sizes, which makes them extremely flexible. They can be round, square or rectangular and their size can be adapted to the specific requirements of a given project. Round aluminum tubes are most commonly used because of their versatility, but square and rectangular tubes are often used where greater strength or a specific shape is required. Regardless of the shape or size, aluminum pipes always offer excellent strength and durability, making them an ideal choice for many industrial applications.

Aluminium pipes – characteristics

Due to their unique properties, aluminum pipes are one of the most important materials used in many industry sectors. Below are detailed characteristics of these extremely versatile components.

Properties and benefits of aluminum pipes

Aluminum pipes, known for their lightness, are easy to transport and install, which is one of their key advantages. Despite their low weight, they are characterized by extraordinary strength and corrosion resistance, which guarantees their long service life.

One of the most important advantages of aluminum pipes is their excellent thermal and electrical conductivity. This feature makes them an excellent choice for applications that require efficient conduction of heat or electric current.

Aluminum tubes are also easy to form and weld, which makes it possible to create intricate shapes and structures. This flexibility allows them to be used in a wide range of projects, from simple constructions to more complex structures.

In addition, aluminum pipes are available in a variety of alloys that offer multiple properties such as increased strength, better corrosion resistance, and better thermal and electrical conductivity. This allows the pipes to be adapted to the specific requirements of a given project, making them even more versatile.

Alloys used in the manufacture of aluminum tubes

Aluminum pipes are usually manufactured from various aluminum alloys, which give them additional properties. The most commonly used alloys are 2024, 3003, 6061, 5052 and 7075. Each of these alloys has its own unique properties that result from the addition of other metals such as copper, manganese, zinc, magnesium and silicon.

Alloy 2024 is an aluminum alloy with the addition of copper. It is a high-strength alloy, often used in the aerospace and automotive industries, where high strength while maintaining low weight is required.

Alloy 3003 is an aluminum alloy with the addition of manganese. It is an alloy with good corrosion resistance and excellent weldability, making it an ideal choice for applications that require forming and welding, such as building structures or ventilation systems.

Alloy 6061 is an aluminum alloy with the addition of magnesium and silicon. It is easy to weld and naturally corrosion resistant, making it an ideal choice for many applications, including structures, industrial pipes, and bicycles.

Alloy 5052 is an aluminum alloy with the addition of magnesium. It is an alloy with excellent corrosion resistance, especially in marine and brine environments, so it is used in the marine and chemical industries.

Alloy 7075 is an aluminum alloy with the addition of zinc. It is a very high strength alloy, often used in the aerospace and automotive industries, where high strength while maintaining low weight is required.

Comparison of aluminum pipes with steel pipes

Although steel pipes are also widely used in many industry sectors, aluminum tubes have several advantages that make them a more attractive choice in many applications. First of all, aluminum pipes are much lighter than steel pipes, which makes them easier to transport and install.

In addition, aluminum pipes are naturally resistant to corrosion, which means that they do not require additional corrosion protection as in the case of steel pipes. Aluminum tubes are also more flexible and easier to mold than steel tubes, allowing creating more complex shapes and structures.

Finally, aluminum tubes have better thermal and electrical conductivity than steel tubes, making them a perfect choice for applications that require efficient heat or electric conduction.

Aluminium pipes – types

Aluminum tubes are available in a variety of shapes and sizes, which makes them versatile. Below are the three main types of aluminum pipes.

Round aluminum pipes

Round aluminum tubes are the most commonly used type of aluminum tubes, thanks to their versatility and ease of processing. They are used in many industrial sectors, from construction, through the bicycle industry, to the aviation industry. Their round shape makes them easy to form and weld, which makes it possible to create complex shapes and structures. In addition, round aluminum tubes are very durable and resistant to corrosion, which translates into their long service life. Their lightness and durability make them an ideal choice for many applications.

Square aluminum pipes

Square aluminum pipes are often used where greater strength or a specific shape is required. They are often used in structures such as window frames, doors, as well as in the manufacture of furniture. Their square shape provides greater strength and rigidity, which is especially important in supporting structures. Square aluminum tubes are easy to cut and weld, which makes it possible to create precise shapes and structures.

Rectangular aluminum pipes

Rectangular aluminum pipes are ideal for applications that require greater strength and rigidity. They are often used in structures such as window frames, doors, as well as in the manufacture of furniture. Their rectangular shape provides additional strength and rigidity, which is especially important in supporting structures. Rectangular shaped aluminum tubes can be easily cut and welded, which allows you to form accurate shapes and structures.

Regardless of the shape, all pipes are resistant to corrosion, which guarantees a long service life of these components.

Production of aluminium tubes

The production of aluminum pipes is a complex process that requires precise control and experience. This process consists of two main steps: aluminum extrusion and finishing, and heat treatment.

Aluminum extrusion process

Aluminum extrusion is the first stage of aluminum pipe production. This process involves heating the aluminum alloy to the right temperature and then pressing it through a matrix that gives it the desired shape. The die can have different shapes, depending on the requirements of a particular project, which allows the production of pipes of various shapes, such as round, square or rectangular.

Finishing and heat treatment process of aluminum pipes

After the extrusion process, aluminum pipes are subjected to a finishing and heat treatment process. The finishing process can include cutting pipes to the right length, cleaning the surface, as well as painting, anodizing or coating, depending on the requirements of the specific application.

Heat treatment, in turn, involves heating the pipes to a certain temperature and then cooling, which improves their mechanical properties, such as strength and hardness. This process is necessary to ensure that the final aluminum pipes meet all requirements and quality standards.

The entire aluminum tube production process requires precise control and experience to ensure that the ready-to-use product meets all requirements and quality standards.

Application of aluminum pipes

Aluminium tubes are extremely versatile and are used in many industrial sectors. Here are some examples:

Construction & Architecture

In construction, aluminum pipes are often used in structures such as window frames, doors, building facades, as well as in ventilation and air conditioning systems. Thanks to their corrosion resistance, they are ideal for outdoor applications where they are exposed to weather conditions.

Furniture industry

In the furniture industry, aluminum tubes are used in the manufacture of various types of furniture, from tables and chairs, to cabinets and shelves. Thanks to their lightness and strength, they are ideal for the manufacture of furniture that must be both durable and easy to move.

Bicycle industry

In the bicycle industry, aluminum tubes are a key component of bicycle frames. Thanks to their lightness and durability, they allow the production of lightweight and durable bicycles that are at the same time easy to control and comfortable to use.

Automotive

In the automotive industry, aluminum tubes are used in many components, from vehicle frames to cooling systems to interior trim. Thanks to their lightweightness, they help to reduce the weight of the vehicle, which translates into better fuel efficiency.

Aerospace

In the aerospace industry, aluminum tubes are irreplaceable due to their high strength and low weight. They are used in many aircraft components, from the fuselage structure, through hydraulic systems, to interior elements.

Energy industry

In the power industry, aluminum pipes are often used in transmission systems where their good electrical conductivity is essential. They are also used in wind turbine constructions, where their lightness and strength are crucial.

Chemical & Pharmaceutical

In the chemical and pharmaceutical industries, aluminum pipes are used in transmission systems, where their corrosion resistance is extremely important. They are also used in the production of laboratory equipment, where their next feature, which is the ease of cleaning, is checked.

How to choose aluminum pipes?

Choosing the right aluminum pipes is crucial for the success of a given project. Below are some criteria that are worth considering when choosing aluminum pipes.

Criteria for the selection of aluminum pipes

When choosing aluminum pipes, one of the most important criteria is their purpose. Different applications may require different properties such as strength, corrosion resistance, thermal and electrical conductivity, as well as shape and size.

Another important criterion is the type of aluminum alloy from which the pipes are made. Different alloys have different properties that can be better or worse adapted to a specific application, as we wrote above.

Different characteristics of aluminum pipes

Aluminum pipes have many characteristics that can affect their suitability for a particular application. For example, their shape and size can affect their strength and ability to carry loads. Their thermal and electrical conductivity can be important in applications that require efficient conduction of heat or electric current. Corrosion resistance, on the other hand, can be crucial in applications that require prolonged exposure to moisture or chemicals.

In conclusion, choosing the right aluminum pipes requires careful consideration of many factors, including their purpose, the properties of the alloy, as well as various characteristics that can affect their suitability for a particular application.

Advantages of using aluminum tubes

Aluminum tubes offer many advantages that make them an ideal choice for many applications. Below are a few of them.

Longevity and corrosion resistance

One of the most important advantages of aluminum pipes is their longevity. Thanks to their natural corrosion resistance, aluminum pipes can last for many years without significant deterioration, even in harsh weather conditions or when exposed to aggressive chemicals. This makes them an ideal choice for outdoor applications such as building structures, as well as for applications in the chemical and pharmaceutical industries.

Lightness and good thermal and electrical conductivity

Another important advantage of aluminum pipes is their lightness. They are much lighter than steel pipes, which makes them easy to transport and install. Despite their lightness, aluminum tubes are extremely durable, making them ideal for applications that require both lightness and strength.

In addition, aluminum tubes are characterized by excellent thermal and electrical conductivity. This makes them irreplaceable in applications requiring efficient heat or electric conduction. Hence, they are often used in cooling systems, in the energy industry, as well as in the production of electronic equipment.

Aluminium pipes – summary

Aluminum pipes are an extremely versatile material that is used in many industrial sectors, from construction, through furniture, bicycles, automotive, to energy, chemical and pharmaceutical industries. Thanks to their unique properties such as lightness, strength, corrosion resistance and excellent thermal and electrical conductivity, aluminum tubes are irreplaceable in many applications.

Choosing the right aluminum pipes depends on many factors, such as their purpose, alloy properties, as well as various characteristics that can affect their suitability for a particular application. Aluminum tubes offer many advantages such as longevity, corrosion resistance, lightness and good thermal conductivity.

If you are reading this article, you may want to know the characteristics of the aluminium tube and whether it meets your needs. This article will show the contents of the aluminium tube from multiple aspects, possibly some of you are known. This article will describe this content in more detailed, and popularize more knowledge about aluminium tubes.

1. What is aluminium tube?

Usually, the aluminium tube refers to a hollow pipe made of pure aluminium or aluminium alloy. And the aluminium tube shape is determined by its outer diameter and wall thickness. There is circular, rectangular, square or elliptical, in inches or millimetres distinguish. Aluminium pipes have extensive in the field of aerospace and commercial manufacturing, including healthcare products, entertainment products, and machine parts. The weight of aluminium is one-third of steel, and the manufacturer welcomes aluminium due to its durability. The aluminium tube can be effectively applied to multiple fields due to various features, such as intensity and flexibility.

2. What are the characteristics of the aluminium tube?

Lightweight

Due to the lightweight of the aluminium tube, the aluminium tube per unit of weight is more than the steel pipe. Many products benefit from products that use lighter pipes, especially those that require a certain degree of activity, such as wheelchairs and outdoor furniture.

Heavy Corrosion Resistance

The aluminium tube is more difficult to lose gloss than other metal tubes. It is easier to apply to the decoration of paints and other decorations, thereby enhancing its aesthetic attraction.

High thermal conductivity

Aluminium has excellent thermal conductivity, making the aluminium tube an ideal choice for relying on temperature control product(including refrigerators, solar and air conditioning systems). And the lightweight and durability of aluminium pipes benefits the hydraulic system, fuel line, framework and rack.

Workability

The toughness of the aluminium tube is very strong, which can be processed into any available shape. So it is often used as a connecting tool.

3. Type of aluminium tube

Aluminium has several different alloys. Aluminium mix with magnesium and silicon have a solid alloy. It also means that different alloy combinations can form different aluminium tube types. Their functions are different. For example, manufacturers often use aluminium squares alloys 6061 for many medium and high-intensity applications because it increases weldability and excellent corrosion resistance. 6061 Aluminium tube is also easy to anode oxidation, which makes it very suitable for heat treatment. It is also the cheapest aluminium tube alloy.

The manufacturer also uses aluminium alloy tube 6063 to achieve an extremely smooth surface finish. Since the aluminium alloy 6063 has only half of the aluminium alloy 6061, it often appears in valued rather than intensity applications. This material still has many anodized capacities as the aluminium alloy 6061.

When using metal parts in manufacturing and construction, heating strength is often a key factor. A metal tube is no exception. In most cases, the two manufacturing tasks required for aluminium tubes are bending and joining.

For the bending tube, consider three main factors:

Moldable

Certain aluminium alloys, such as 3xxx, 5xxx, and 6xxx series, have higher formability than other aluminium alloys, making it a good material that is curved. Typically, a higher intensive alloy also has a lower strength.

Thickness and bending radius

Aluminium is like other metals, “processing harden” during the bending process, which means aluminium will become more and more robust when formed. However, if the radius is too small in the thickness of the tube, the material is excessively machined, more likely to fail.

Extendability

The elongation percentage is a way to describe the difference between metal yield strength and its limit tensile strength. Yield strength is a point that aluminium alloy can be bent and no longer restore its original shape. On the other hand, the tensile strength is the maximum stress that can be applied to aluminium before aluminium cracking. The larger the difference between these strengths, the higher the formability of the alloy.

The connecting tube typically means that a tube is connected to another tube, or one end is connected to some type of container. Most commercially produced pipes can be designed for specific types, shapes and sizes of connections.

The above example is for considering the need for bending and connected aluminium tubes. If the aluminium tube function you need is just bending and connection, you can directly refer to the above recommendations. The type of aluminium tube is very rich, and other types of aluminium tubes need to be analyzed for industry characteristics. For more aluminium tube information, you can get the answer by contacting us.

4. What is the use of aluminium tube?

Aluminium is applied to various industries because of its low density and through the passivation process. Because when metal parts are used in manufacturing and construction, the heating strength is often a key factor. The metal tube is no exception. Top-tensive strength refers to a dual fusion that requires flexibility and intensity, and the aluminium tube can achieve this application. The aluminium tube is lightweight, so the volume per unit weight of the aluminium pipe is more than the steel. Many products are more inclined to use lighter pipes, especially those who need mobility, such as wheelchairs and outdoor furniture. In addition, aluminium tubes are also ideal for use in the following industries or product types:

Heat exchanger

The aluminium tube is a strong thermal conductor. The 1000 series of aluminium alloy is the best choice compared to similar conductors. Usually, The tube is a carrier that transferring heat from one place to another. The following products are available in the field of heat exchanger:

  • Engine
  • Refrigerator
  • Air conditioning and heating system
  • Ventilation
  • Solar energy
  • Steam generator
  • Reboiler

Transportation (including aerospace)

The versatility of aluminium tubes is very suitable for vehicles such as automotive, aerospace and rail transportation. As they need a strong but light material assembly to assist completion. This includes:

  • Car body
  • Railing
  • Journey
  • Fuel pipe
  • Hydraulic system
  • Frame

Frame structure or public utilities

You may see a lot of billboards, road sign, etc., on the highway and include the guardrails and other signs. Most of these facilities are made of aluminium tubes from corrosion resistance and low maintenance costs. Other public applications using aluminium tubes also include:

  • Building Decoration
  • Fencing
  • Outdoor structure
  • Framework and support

Frame structure or public utilities

You may see a lot of billboards, road sign, etc., on the highway and include the guardrails and other signs. Most of these facilities are made of aluminium tubes from corrosion resistance and low maintenance costs. Other public applications using aluminium tubes also include:

  • Building Decoration
  • Fencing
  • Outdoor structure
  • Framework and support

5. Aluminum tube VS other metal pipes

Many industries must use metal tubes, and now more and more industries also use aluminium tubes instead of other traditional metal tubes. What is the difference between the aluminium tube and other metal tubes are? What are their respective advantages? Seeing the following analysis, I believe you can choose the suitable pipe according to your own industry needs.

Aluminium tube has the following advantages compared to other hard metal tubes (such as copper and stainless steel):

Material lightweight: There is a big advantage in the fields of ships, aerospace and other fields;

Strong toughness: as high plasticity of the connection material;

Heavy corrosion resistance: longer service life, more cost-effective;

The surface is smooth, it is not easy to rust: strong decoration performance, low maintenance cost;

Heavy thermal conductivity: The aluminium itself has strong thermal conductivity, which can achieve the same performance as other materials being processed.

The disadvantage of aluminium tubes are:

Heating will deform: Ordinary aluminium tubes that are heated to a certain extent will deform. Therefore, aluminium processing is generally carried out according to the use of aluminium tubes, which is not easily deformed;

Material lightweight: Some hard metals will be more advantageous in some areas that require quality strength;

Price cost: The price cost of aluminium can be high than other metals. Because the weight of aluminium is lighter than other metals, and 1 pound aluminium is much more than 1 pound of other metals.

More about aluminium tubes and other metals, you can view this article: 

Difference Between Aluminium Tube and Steel Tube

In summary, the main factor to consider when choosing the most suitable tube for your application is the characteristics of the application environment, such as whether it takes corrosion resistance, whether it takes later maintenance, whether to conduct conductive heat transfer is required. Once the metal category that best suits your application is selected, you can choose the necessary metal series and alloy processing.

6. Precautions

Aluminium must be mixed with other metals

In order to make aluminium to be acceptable building materials – which means that aluminium products require greater load-bearing capacity – it needs to be mixed with other metals. When mixed in an appropriate ratio, the strength of aluminium can actually be equal to the strength of the steel without sacrificing its weight advantage. Engineers often use aluminium alloys in components that require low or high corrosion resistance.

Aluminium can’t be heated

If you don’t need the conductivity of the aluminium tube, do not heat the aluminium tube. As mentioned earlier, low temperature will enhance the toughness of the aluminium tube. Conversely, heating will affect the performance of aluminium.

Rough things in aluminium

Aluminium will be diluted (or corrosion) in high stress or high corrosive environments. More durable metals in aluminium will be revealed. This can also be understood to refine ore compositions.

The inner surface and outer surface of the metal tube should be coated and finishing. However, it requires a specific surface treatment process, for example:

  • Galvanized – the tube has galvanized layers to improve corrosion resistance.
  • Shining surface – secondary polishing should make the pipe look bright.
  • Plating-tube will apply another thin metal coating to enhance its external physical properties such as conductivity and corrosion resistance.
  • Painting – the tube will have a powder coating for identifying and corrosion resistance.

Before purchasing metals, you need to pay attention to the above matters, and the aluminium tube can be maximized during the operation.

7. Get Suitable Prices of Aluminium Tubes

In general, the price of the aluminium tube on the market is determined by the series of aluminium tube. It is divided into 1-9 series aluminium tube, the higher the coefficient, the higher the price of an aluminium tube. Because of the difference in precision and use, various series of aluminium Tube needs and other metallic mixing alloys. The following are the various series of aluminium tubes and recommended alloys provided by CHAL

Options of aluminum alloy

Aluminum SeriesAlloy GradeCHAL Usage RatioRecommendation1XXX1050/1060/1100/119710%Pure aluminum, Main component Al≥99%2XXX2011/2017/20242%Copper- Aluminum Alloy3XXX3003/3103/3A03/3A2115%Manganese -Aluminum Alloy4XXX 3%Silicon-Aluminum Alloy5XXX5049/5052/5083/50867%Magnesium-Aluminum Alloy6XXX6005A/6061/606352%Magnesium Silicon-Aluminum Alloy7XXX70757%Zinc-Aluminum Alloy9XXX9A66/9A524%Customized alloy

The price of the aluminium tube is based on the specific needs of the product. Large producers usually need to customize aluminium tubes, length, size, wall thickness, aluminium, etc., which need to be considered in pricing. There are hundreds of hundreds of aluminium tubes in different precision, and the price is also not uniform.

The only thing you can do is on which aspect of the aluminium tube you need. You can find a trusted aluminium tube supplier give you professional suggestion, or you propose your specific aluminium tube specifications and quantity of CHAL Aluminium Corporation. We will help your manufacturer produce the best and more cost-effective products that you can imagine.

8. Conclusion

All of the above is the description of aluminium tubes, and you should be able to think about what kind of materials you need for your manufacturer.

In short, the first thing to consider when choosing a metal tube is what industry you need to use, what special properties are needed in this industry. Lightweight, strong electrical conductivity, strong corrosion-resistance, high toughness, low maintenance cost, strong plasticity, is the performance of aluminium tubes. You also need to note that the aluminium tube will affect its toughness after heating. Generally, if used outdoors, it will rarely be heated to the point where it affects its performance.

If you have already determined that the aluminium tube meets your needs, and hope to find a trusted aluminium tube supplier as soon as possible. Please visit the CHAL website or contact our sales staff. CHAL is committed to providing customers with the best quality aluminium products and meets the key criteria for the market. We offer complete aluminium product manufacturing, processing, packaging, assembly, and logistics, and after-sales service and support.

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