Rust Free Aluminum Tube High Strength Aluminium Pipe Lightweight Tubing For Automotive Aerospace Bicycle Structural Frame
Aluminum Tube & Aluminium Pipe
Aluminum tube and aluminium pipe are versatile metal products made from aluminium and aluminium alloys. They are supplied in a wide range of sizes, shapes, wall thicknesses and finishes for many different industries and applications. The words tube and pipe are often used interchangeably. In general a pipe is specified by its nominal bore, while a tube is specified by its outside diameter and wall thickness, although conventions differ between markets.
Manufacturing Methods
Aluminium tube and pipe can be produced by several methods, each suited to particular shapes and requirements. Extrusion is one of the most common routes: a heated aluminium billet is pushed through a shaped die, which allows long lengths and a wide variety of profiles to be produced. Seamless tube is formed without a welded joint running along its length, which can suit applications where a continuous wall is preferred. Drawn tube is produced by pulling extruded tube through a die to refine its dimensions and surface finish. Welded tube is made from strip or coil that is formed into shape and joined along a longitudinal seam.
Shapes, Sizes and Dimensions
Aluminium tubes and pipes are available in many cross sections, including round, square, rectangular and oval profiles, as well as custom shapes produced to a drawing. Dimensions are usually quoted as outside diameter, wall thickness and length, while square and rectangular sections are quoted by width, height and wall thickness. Tubes can be supplied in random lengths, fixed lengths or cut to size. Because the material is easy to cut, machine and join, aluminium tube and pipe are convenient for a broad range of fabrication and assembly tasks.
Surface Finishes and Treatments
A number of surface finishes are commonly available. Mill finish is the natural surface left after production and is often used where appearance is not critical. Anodizing creates a protective oxide layer and is available in clear or coloured forms. Powder coating applies a durable coloured coating, while polishing and brushing produce a brighter or more uniform decorative surface. Cutting, drilling, bending and welding can be carried out to prepare tubes and pipes for a particular task.
Ordering Information
When enquiring about aluminium tube or pipe, it helps to provide the shape and cross section, the outside diameter or width and height, the wall thickness, the length, the surface finish and the quantity required. Any additional requirements, such as cutting to length or specific tolerances, can also be discussed. Please contact us with your specifications and our team will be glad to assist.