Aluminum Tube Applications

Aluminum is known for its high strength-to-weight ratio. It is lighter than other metals such as steel, stainless steel and brass, and is a non-magnetic, non-ferrous material that is corrosion resistant and conductive. The strength of the tube depends on the aluminium alloy used, the wall thickness and the size of the tube. Larger diameter tubes can withstand less stress and pressure.

Aluminum tubes are used in a variety of industries and hobbyists, in a variety of DIY projects and in a variety of manufacturing and construction fields. In addition, it is widely used in the aerospace industry.

6061 is the most versatile heat treatable aluminum alloy. This aluminum/magnesium-silicon alloy is easy to manufacture, corrosion-resistant, weldable, and has good formability. Due to these factors, alloy 6061 is most commonly used for round aluminum tubes.

Typical applications: Screw machine parts, frames, machine parts, truck and marine parts, marine accessories, electrical accessories and connectors, bicycle frames, railings, truck racks, etc.

A good example is 6061-T6 aluminum tube, which is commonly used in the aircraft/aerospace industry due to its strength, weldability, and ease of processing. Most all aluminum tubes can be furnace brazed and welded with all types of welding.

5052 is the strongest alloy of the non-heat treatable grades. The fatigue strength of this aluminum/magnesium alloy is higher than that of most aluminum alloys. It has excellent workability and is easy to weld. 5052 is particularly resistant to marine atmospheric and saltwater corrosion.

Typical Applications: Applications ranging from aircraft components to household appliances, shipbuilding, transportation, pressure vessels, bridges and buildings, marine and transportation industrial parts, heavy duty cookware and bulk food processing equipment.

2024 is a high strength aluminum/copper alloy with excellent strength and fatigue resistance. it is desirable for structures and parts where a good strength-to-weight ratio is desired and is heat treatable.

Typical Applications: aerospace and aircraft applications Aircraft structural components and parts for the transportation industry.

Aluminum and aluminum alloys are the most commonly used metals in the aerospace industry for a number of reasons. Its relatively low cost, light weight and machinability are one of the main reasons for its widespread use.

Aluminum is non-sparking, non-magnetic, electrically and thermally conductive, and chemically resistant. In addition to the aircraft industry, it is also popular in construction and marine applications due to its ease of manufacture, non-toxicity, strength and corrosion resistance in industrial and marine environments.

Anodized aluminum improves its corrosion resistance and allows for iridescent finishes in a variety of colors. Since some alloys can be slightly corrosive, they are coated with a thin layer of aluminum for added protection.

Aluminum alloy pipes can be widely used in construction, machinery, electronics, sports equipment, advertising, transportation, consumer goods, furniture, aviation, military and other applications. We also offer anodizing, bending, welding, polishing and stamping services.