Aluminum was used in construction and building environments in the 1920’s, but more for show in decorative detailing and art deco structures. Its real structural use came in 1930, when the New York City, Empire State Building used aluminum in its interior structures and its famous spire design. Modern aluminum manufacturing has its use as strong, reliable, and sustainable. Buildings and structures of all kinds, including residential homes, are using aluminum in its constructions. The aluminum metal and its alloys are very light, corrosion resistant and recyclable. Nearly 75% of all aluminum produced today is still in use.
Benefits and Industries of Aluminum Tubing
Aluminum tubing is best used where weight is a crucial factor, such as in a domestic, Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement and import material. Aluminum has value added services for heat treatment, processing, testing, etc., and it can easily transmit heat quickly and evenly, which makes it the perfect alloy for the following industries:
* Aerospace as an Aerospace quality system
* Automotive
* Healthcare
* Electronics
* Leisure sports
* Outdoor lawn furniture
* Marine accessories.
Aluminum Tube – Rectangles
The rectangle aluminum tubing is used for architectural trim for doors and windows, furniture parts, safety and deck structures, athletic equipment, conveyors, machine parts, and more. Aluminum 6061 is the most widely used alloy for this, as it provides better corrosion resistance and for its ability to be welder friendly. The 6063 alloy is generally used for outdoor structural use in aluminum tube railings and trims. Rectangle aluminum tubing has many different applications in construction, industrial, marine, automotive, furniture, appliances, and the agriculture industries.
Aluminum Tubes – Round
Round aluminum tubing is great for cutting, stamping, bending, deep drawing, drilling, spinning, tapping and in all alloy standard methods. Round aluminum tubing is available in alloys, identified as 6061, 6063, and 2024. The 6061 alloy is more widely used in frame work, machine parts, truck and marine parts and fittings, electrical fittings, electrical connectors, high impact bike frames, railings, and more. The 6063 alloy is corrosion resistant and is used for outdoor structures. The 2024 is a very high strength alloy, which is popular in aerospace environments.
Aluminum Tube – Square
Its uses involve the same features as rectangle aluminum tubing. Square aluminum tubing is available in alloys 6061-T6 and 6063-T52. The 6061 square aluminum tubing is slightly more rounded than alloy 6063. Both the 6061 and the 6063 alloy models are corrosion resistant, easy to weld, and has a durable strength to weight ratio. Its uses involves the same features as aluminum tubing – rectangle.
There is also the 7075 Aluminum tube, which is a zinc and copper alloy. It is very popular in the aerospace industry due it its superior strength, but lightweight construction. Its grade factor is stronger than most mild steels and it has good corrosion and fatigue resistance, but it has average capability of being cut or shaped with machine tools, and it is not generally considered weldable.
If you need the exactness of aluminum tubing, contact Aerotech Alloys. Choose from among a large inventory selection with competitive pricing and an award winning customer service. When you need in house precision cutting contact them today. No matter what your due date is, your order will be met, with free local delivery in the Greater Los Angeles area.
