Aluminum Pipe

Transportation – Aluminum pipes are commonly manufactured to transport fluids or gases, making them ideal for products like compressed air systems, where they outperform 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.

Automotive and Aerospace – Aluminum pipes are used for manufacturing intake and exhaust systems, intercoolers, and radiator tubes. Aluminum’s lightweight nature helps improve fuel efficiency and enhances overall vehicle performance.

HVAC and Plumbing – A robust material like aluminum is needed for peak performance and around-the-clock protection against variable temperatures and pressures. Aluminum pipes provide excellent thermal conductivity, allowing for efficient heat transfer. They are also corrosion-resistant, making them suitable for carrying water, air, and other fluids.

Industrial Applications – Aluminum pipes are utilized in various industrial applications, such as conveyor systems, fluid transportation, and material handling equipment. Their durability, corrosion resistance, and ability to withstand harsh environments make them suitable for industrial settings.

Marine and Offshore Structures – Aluminum pipes are commonly used in marine and offshore structures due to their resistance to saltwater corrosion. They are employed in boat frames, handrails, and other structural components.

Sports and Recreation – Aluminum pipes are utilized to manufacture sports equipment like bicycles, kayaks, and ski poles. Their lightweight nature helps enhance performance and maneuverability.

Aluminum pipes can also be found in various 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 6061 and 6063.

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

6063 aluminum pipe is a tubular-shaped pipe with excellent corrosion resistance and weldability. It is often called architecture aluminum due to its use in construction. Compared to the 6061 grade, 6063 aluminum piping products have more bendability and 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.

The Differences Between Aluminum Pipes and Aluminum Tubes

Aluminum pipe and tubing are cylindrical hollow structures made of aluminum and are terms often used interchangeably. However, they have different characteristics and applications:

Aluminum pipes are tubular containers with a round cross-sectional shape used in pipes and piping systems. They tend to be lighter due to thinner walls, making them advantageous in applications where weight reduction is critical. Aluminum pipes are usually manufactured through extrusion, where a heated aluminum billet is forced through a shaped die to form a continuous length of pipe. They are commonly used for fluid transport, such as water, gases, or other liquids in plumbing, HVAC systems, and industrial applications. 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).

Aluminum tubes are usually used in structural engineering and come in many shapes, such as round, rectangular, and square tubing. They can be made through various methods, including extrusion, seamless tube production, or welded tube production. 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 temperatures, typically in residential applications. With their thicker pipe walls, Schedule 80 pipes are more suited for high pressures and temperatures in commercial and industrial applications. Aluminum tubes are measured by the outer diameter (OD) and wall thickness.

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

Metal Supermarkets – Your Source for High-Quality Aluminum Pipes

Whether you need aluminum pipes for plumbing, HVAC systems, industrial projects, or any other purpose, Metal Supermarkets is your go-to destination. With our extensive selection of high-quality aluminum pipes, we guarantee that you will find the perfect aluminum pipe solution for your specific needs. Contact us or shop online to discover the unbeatable quality and reliability our aluminum pipes can offer.