Where Can I Buy Aluminum Tubing?

Finding the right supplier for aluminum tubing can feel overwhelming. You might worry about quality, price, or getting the exact specifications you need, leading to project delays or subpar results. Knowing where to look is the first step to success.

You can buy aluminum tubing¹ from several places: general metal suppliers, specialized online retailers, directly from manufacturers like us (especially for custom or bulk orders), and sometimes even large home improvement stores for common sizes. The best source depends on your specific needs.

Choosing a source is easier once you understand exactly what you're buying and how it differs from similar products. Let's explore aluminum tubes in more detail.

What Is the Aluminum Tube?

Are you confused by metal terms like "tube," "pipe," or "profile"? Using the wrong term when ordering can lead to receiving incorrect materials, wasting valuable time and money on returns or unusable stock. Let's clarify what we mean by "aluminum tube."

An aluminum tube is a hollow profile, most often cylindrical (round), square, or rectangular, made from an aluminum alloy. Its key feature is being defined by its precise outer dimensions (like Outer Diameter or OD for round tubes) and its Wall Thickness (WT).
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Dive Deeper Paragraph: Understanding Tube Characteristics

Aluminum tubes are valued for specific characteristics that make them suitable for certain jobs.

• Shapes: While round tubes are very common, you'll also find square and rectangular tubes frequently used in structural frames, machinery, and architectural applications. Other extruded shapes are possible but less common for general "tubing."
• Measurement: Precision is key. Round tubes are defined by their Outer Diameter (OD) and Wall Thickness (WT). Square and rectangular tubes are defined by their outer dimensions (e.g., Height x Width) and wall thickness. This exact measurement is crucial for engineering applications where components need to fit together perfectly. This is different from aluminum pipe, which we'll discuss next.
• Common Alloys: Tubes are often made from alloys like 6061 or 6063. 6061 offers good strength, weldability, and machinability, making it very versatile. 6063 is often used for architectural applications due to its excellent surface finish and corrosion resistance. As a forging company, we work extensively with alloys like 6061, so we understand its properties well.
• Key Properties: Like other aluminum products, tubes are lightweight, resist corrosion, and have a good strength-to-weight ratio. Their hollow shape makes them efficient for structural support, providing rigidity without excessive weight.
  Common Tube Applications vs. Other Profiles:

Understanding these basics helps ensure you specify and order the correct product for your needs.

What Is the Difference Between Aluminum Pipe and Aluminum Tube?

Have you ever ordered aluminum "pipe" but needed "tube," or vice versa? This common mix-up can cause major headaches during assembly because the sizing standards are completely different, leading to parts that simply don't fit. Knowing the distinction is crucial.
The main difference is how they are measured and intended for use. Tubes are measured by their exact Outer Diameter (OD) and Wall Thickness (WT) for structural or precise applications. Pipes are measured by a nominal (not exact) Inner Diameter (ID) related to carrying fluids or gases.

Dive Deeper Paragraph: Pipe vs. Tube Explained

Let's break down the differences in more detail:

• Tube Measurement:
  • Outer Diameter (OD): This is the actual, precise measurement across the outside of the tube. If you order a 2-inch OD tube, its outside diameter will be very close to 2 inches, within manufacturing tolerances.
  • Wall Thickness (WT): This is specified directly (e.g., in inches or millimeters) and determines the tube's strength and Inner Diameter (ID = OD - 2*WT).
  • Use Case: Because of the precise OD, tubes are used where exact dimensions and fit are important – structural components, machine parts, heat exchangers, telescoping applications. Our machining clients at SWA Forging almost always require tube specifications for their precision work.
• Pipe Measurement:
  • Nominal Pipe Size (NPS): This is a dimensionless number that relates to the internal diameter, but it's not the actual ID measurement for most sizes below NPS 14. For example, a 2-inch NPS pipe does not have an inner diameter of 2 inches.
  • Schedule (Sch.): This number indicates the approximate wall thickness (e.g., Sch 40, Sch 80). Higher schedule numbers mean thicker walls and a smaller actual ID for the same NPS.
  • Use Case: Pipes are primarily designed for transporting fluids or gases under pressure. The focus is on flow capacity (related to ID) and pressure rating (related to wall thickness/schedule).
    Pipe vs. Tube Comparison:

Always check whether your application requires the precise dimensions of a tube or the flow characteristics of a pipe before ordering.

Is Aluminum Tubing Cheaper Than Steel?

Are you concerned about project costs? Just assuming steel is always cheaper might make you miss out on aluminum's potential long-term savings, especially when weight or corrosion resistance are important factors. Let's look at the real cost picture.

Typically, aluminum costs more than steel per pound or kilogram. However, because aluminum is about one-third the weight of steel, you get significantly more tube length for the same weight, which can make aluminum more cost-effective for certain projects.

Dive Deeper Paragraph: Comparing True Costs

Comparing aluminum and steel tubing costs requires looking beyond the initial price per unit weight.

• Price per Weight: Steel generally has a lower purchase price per pound or kilogram than most common aluminum alloys. If your primary concern is just the raw material cost by weight, steel often wins.
• Price per Length/Volume: This is where it gets interesting. Since aluminum's density is much lower (approx. 2.7 g/cm³ vs. steel's 7.85 g/cm³), a one-meter length of aluminum tube will weigh significantly less than the same dimension steel tube. Therefore, the cost per meter might be closer, or even favor aluminum, depending on the specific alloy and dimensions. You need less weight of aluminum to get the same volume or length of tubing.
• Fabrication Costs: Aluminum is generally easier and faster to cut, drill, and machine than steel. This can lead to lower labor costs and faster production times, reducing the overall project cost. Our machining customers often appreciate this aspect.
• Finishing Costs: Steel often requires painting or galvanizing to prevent rust. Aluminum has inherent corrosion resistance, often eliminating the need for protective coatings, saving cost and maintenance.
• Transport & Handling: Lighter aluminum tubes reduce shipping costs and make manual handling easier on-site, potentially lowering installation costs.
• Lifecycle Costs: Aluminum's durability and corrosion resistance can mean a longer lifespan with less maintenance compared to steel in many environments, especially outdoors or in moist conditions.
  Cost Factor Summary:

So, while steel might seem cheaper initially based on weight, aluminum tubing can be the more economical choice when considering the volume needed, fabrication ease, finishing, and long-term performance.

How Strong Is a 2mm Aluminium Tube?

Are you wondering if an aluminum tube with a 2mm wall thickness is strong enough for your needs? Simply looking at the wall thickness can be misleading and might lead to choosing the wrong tube, potentially causing failure or unnecessary weight. Strength depends on more than just thickness.

The strength of a 2mm wall aluminum tube varies greatly depending on its Outer Diameter (OD), the specific aluminum alloy used (like strong 6061 or weaker 3003), and its temper (heat treatment state, like high-strength T6). Wall thickness is only one piece of the puzzle.

Dive Deeper Paragraph: Factors Determining Tube Strength

Let's examine the key factors that influence how strong a tube with a 2mm wall actually is:

• Alloy: This is critical. Different aluminum alloy²s have vastly different inherent strengths. For example:
  • High Strength Alloys: 6061-T6 or 7075-T6 are significantly stronger and more rigid than softer alloys. A 2mm wall tube made of 7075-T6 will handle much higher loads. We work with these high-strength alloys at SWA Forging.
  • Lower Strength Alloys: 1100 (commercially pure) or 3003 are much softer and weaker, suitable for applications where strength is not the primary concern. A 2mm wall in 3003 will bend or buckle much more easily.
• Temper: The heat treatment applied to the alloy drastically affects its mechanical properties. The '-T6' temper (solution heat-treated and artificially aged) is common for structural applications and significantly increases yield strength and tensile strength compared to the annealed '-O' temper or intermediate tempers. A 2mm wall 6061-T6 tube is far stronger than a 2mm wall 6061-O tube.
• Outer Diameter (OD): For a fixed wall thickness (like our 2mm example), a larger diameter tube will generally be much more resistant to bending and buckling than a smaller diameter tube. Think about how much easier it is to bend a thin straw compared to a large cardboard tube, even if the cardboard isn't super thick.
• Load Type: How the force is applied matters. The tube might be under tension (pulling), compression (pushing), bending, or torsion (twisting). Its capacity will differ for each load type.
  Key Strength Influencers:

Therefore, stating a tube has a "2mm wall" provides incomplete information about its strength. You must consider the alloy, temper, and diameter in combination to assess its suitability for a specific load-bearing application. Always refer to engineering data sheets or consult an engineer for critical applications.

Conclusion
You can buy aluminum tubes from metal suppliers, online, or manufacturers. Remember tubes (exact OD/WT) differ from pipes (nominal ID/Sch). Aluminum's cost vs. steel depends on volume and other factors, not just weight. Tube strength relies heavily on alloy, temper, and diameter, not just wall thickness.