Aluminum Pipe

These products are also commonly manufactured to transport fluids or gases, making it an ideal material for products like compressed air systems, where it outperforms traditional metals such as copper and steel. Aluminum pipe systems are known to be corrosion-resistant, provide optimal airflow and offer a secure fit, eliminating the risk of leaks.

Other applications include fire protection systems and water distribution (as aluminum water pipe), where a robust material like aluminum is needed for peak performance and around the clock protection against variable temperatures and pressures.

Aluminum pipes can also be found in a range of decorative and functional consumer applications such as canopy beds and bedside tables.

To increase its effectiveness and provide additional hardness and durability, the aluminum in aluminum pipes is usually alloyed with various other metals including copper, manganese, silicon, magnesium and zinc. Common grades used for aluminum piping include 2024, 6061, 6063 and 7075.

6061 aluminum pipe is a highly versatile, heat-treatable tubular shaped pipe that is alloyed with magnesium and silicon. It is a good all-purpose solution with excellent corrosion resistance, good workability and machinability. With its high strength to weight ratio, this grade of aluminum piping is ideal for circumstances where low weight is important. This type of piping is found in medical assemblies, aircraft construction as well structural applications.

6063 aluminum pipe is a tubular shaped pipe that offers excellent corrosion resistance and weldability. It is often referred to as architecture aluminum due to its use in the field of construction. Compared to the 6061 grade, 6063 aluminum piping products afford more bendability and carry a brighter finish. With its finer grain structure, this alloy is particularly well-suited for anodizing. Specific applications can include air cylinders, electrical bus conductors and furniture construction.

Aluminum pipe and tubing are terms often used interchangeably, but they have different characteristics from one another. Pipes are tubular containers used in pipes and piping systems. To measure aluminum pipe, you start by first taking the inside nominal diameter (ID) and then the thickness of the wall (also known as schedule).

Tube is usually used in structural engineering and come in many different shapes such as round, rectangular and square tubing. Tubes are measured by the outer diameter (OD) and wall thickness. The two most common pipe schedules are Schedule 40 and Schedule 80, with the latter having thicker pipe walls than the former. Schedule 40 pipes are usually found in low water pressure and temperature situations, typically residential applications. With a thicker pipe wall, Schedule 80 pipes are more suited for high pressures and temperatures found in commercial and industrial applications.

Check out our blog for a detailed rundown on the differences between pipes and tubes.