Thin Wall Aluminum Pipe | Tubing
Thin Wall Aluminum Pipe refers to aluminum tubing characterized by a relatively small wall thickness compared to its outer diameter. Typically made from lightweight aluminum alloys, these pipes boast exceptional properties such as light weight, corrosion resistance, high ductility, and excellent machinability. Due to these advantages, thin wall aluminum pipes are extensively used across diverse industries, including aerospace, automotive manufacturing, electronic components, and architectural decoration.
Thin Wall Tube: A wall thickness to outer diameter ratio ranging from 1/20 to 1/40.
Ultra-Thin Wall Tube: A wall thickness of less than 1 mm with a wall thickness to outer diameter ratio lower than 1/50.
Thin Wall Aluminum Tube Extrusion Process
The extrusion process is ideal for producing thin wall aluminum tubes with wall thicknesses that meet the needs of most industrial applications. It enables the creation of strong, durable, and lightweight tubing with consistent structural integrity.
Key Capabilities of the Extruded Thin Wall Aluminum Tubes
- Wall Thickness Range:
- Industrial Applications: Wall thickness can range between 1 mm–2 mm, depending on the tube diameter.
- Small-Diameter Applications: For smaller diameters (e.g., <10 mm), wall thickness can reach as low as 0.8 mm, particularly suited for moderate-precision applications.
- Wall Thickness to Diameter Ratio (t/D):
Extrusion allows for a minimum t/D ratio of approximately 1/30, creating thin and lightweight tubes without compromising their strength and performance. - Typical Size Range:
- Outer diameters: 3 mm–100 mm
- Wall thicknesses: 0.8 mm–3 mm
Applications of Extruded Thin Wall Tubes:
The extruded thin wall aluminum tubes are widely used in industrial, automotive, and construction applications, where moderate precision and lightweight performance are critical.
Ultra-Thin Wall Aluminum Pipe Cold Drawing/Pulling
Cold drawing or pulling processes are highly specialized methods for manufacturing ultra-thin wall aluminum tubing. These techniques enable the production of exceptionally precise and lightweight tubes while maintaining superior dimensional uniformity.
Key Capabilities of the Ultra-Thin Wall Aluminum Tubes
- Achievable Minimum Wall Thickness:
- Small-Diameter Tubes (<20 mm): Wall thicknesses as thin as 0.2 mm–0.5 mm can be achieved.
- Medium-Diameter Tubes (20–100 mm): Wall thicknesses can range from 0.4 mm–0.8 mm.
- Large-Diameter Tubes (>100 mm): Wall thicknesses can be as low as 1 mm.
Wall Thickness to Diameter Ratio (t/D):
Cold drawing can achieve an ultra-thin t/D ratio as small as 1/50 or even 1/100. For example:- A tube with a 50 mm outer diameter can have a wall thickness of just 0.5 mm, providing exceptional weight reduction while maintaining adequate structural strength.
- High Dimensional Precision and Uniformity:
The cold drawing process creates ultra-thin wall tubing with superior consistency in wall thickness, ensuring optimal performance in high-precision applications.
Applications of Ultra-Thin Wall Tubes:
Ultra-thin wall aluminum tubing is widely used in advanced applications that require minimal weight and maximum efficiency, such as medical equipment, aerospace systems, heat exchangers, and electronic components. These tubes are ideal where high precision, excellent surface finish, and reliable structural performance are critical.
Aluminum Alloys for Thin Wall Aluminum Tubing
Thin wall aluminum tubing is commonly manufactured using the following aluminum alloys, selected to meet various performance requirements:
1100 Aluminum Alloy
- Characteristics: High-purity aluminum with excellent ductility and corrosion resistance, though relatively low in strength.
- Applications: Ideal for chemical equipment or decorative pipelines where high corrosion resistance and formability are required.
3003 Aluminum Alloy
- Characteristics: An aluminum-manganese alloy with superior corrosion resistance and moderate strength.
- Applications: Frequently used in cooling tubes for air conditioners, oil pipes, and other applications requiring corrosion resistance.
5052 Aluminum Alloy
- Characteristics: Higher strength compared to 3003 and excellent anti-oxidation properties. It also offers outstanding corrosion resistance, especially in marine environments.
- Applications: Suitable for marine equipment, chemical pipelines, and pressure tubing.
6061 Aluminum Alloy
- Characteristics: A high-strength aluminum alloy with excellent weldability and corrosion resistance. It is highly reliable for applications involving significant structural loads.
- Applications: Widely used for thin wall tubing in load-bearing scenarios such as in construction, automotive, and high-stress industrial applications.
6063 Aluminum Alloy
- Characteristics: Medium strength with an aesthetically smooth surface finish, making it ideal for decorative and architectural applications.
- Applications: Commonly used in window frames, curtain walls, furniture manufacturing, and other decorative profiles.
7075 Aluminum Alloy
- Characteristics: Extremely high strength combined with good performance in harsh environments.
- Applications: Perfect for aerospace, automotive, and other sectors requiring ultra-thin wall tubing with high strength and lightweight properties.
Surface Finish Options
1. Anodizing
Anodizing forms a protective oxide layer on the aluminum surface, enhancing corrosion and wear resistance. It also allows for matte, glossy, or colored finishes, making it suitable for decorative and architectural applications.
2. Electrophoretic Coating (E-Coating)
E-coating applies a smooth, uniform layer to aluminum tubes, offering excellent corrosion and UV resistance. It provides a glossy finish and is commonly used in decorative, automotive, and furniture applications.
3. Powder Coating
Powder coating creates a durable, weather-resistant layer using a dry powder cured on the surface. Available in various colors and textures, it is ideal for architectural, outdoor, and decorative uses.
Aluminum Tube Manufacturing Capabilities
HTS-ALU, headquartered in Eastern China, specializes in providing comprehensive aluminum tube manufacturing solutions. Our expertise spans custom mold design, precision extrusion, advanced cold drawing, and high-quality surface finishing.
We possess the expertise to design and produce extrusion molds in-house, ensuring precision and efficiency in aluminum profile manufacturing. Our experienced team works closely with clients to develop custom molds based on drawings or samples, ensuring optimal performance for their specific requirements. Typically, the mold production process takes about 7 days, after which we provide samples for client confirmation before beginning full-scale production.
Our production facility houses over 40 advanced extrusion lines, featuring cutting-edge equipment such as a powerful 6000-ton extrusion press. This enables the creation of aluminum profiles in various sizes and forms, ranging from standard industrial applications to specialized products like thermal break profiles for high-end doors and windows. The flexibility of our extrusion capability ensures we can cater to a broad spectrum of industries, including construction and precision engineering.
Our advanced cold drawing process is ideal for manufacturing ultra-thin wall aluminum tubes with superior accuracy and surface quality. Cold drawing enhances mechanical properties, including strength and dimensional uniformity, making it suitable for applications requiring high precision and lightweight components, such as medical equipment, heat exchangers, and aerospace systems.
For superior durability and visual appeal, we offer various surface treatment solutions. These include anodizing for added corrosion resistance, powder coating for vibrant finishes, fluorocarbon coating for enhanced weather resistance, and wood grain transfer technology for elegant, natural-looking designs. These treatments are customizable to fit specific aesthetic and functional needs, ensuring that profiles not only perform well but also look exceptional.
Our Factory
Our factory is equipped with 40 extrusion production lines to efficiently manufacture aluminum profile. We have one anodizing and electrophoresis line, along with two vertical spraying machines and two horizontal spraying machines for surface treatment. Additionally, we operate two sandblasting machines and six wood grain transfer printing lines, enabling us to provide various aesthetic finishes. To support our production, we also have furnaces for casting aluminum bars, aging furnaces, annealing furnaces, water cooling treatment equipment, and machining equipment, ensuring comprehensive capabilities for high-quality output.
Custom Thin Wall Aluminum Pipe from Us
1. Precision and Quality: We specialize in producing ultra-thin wall aluminum pipes with exceptional accuracy, consistent dimensions, and superior strength through advanced cold drawingtechniques.
2. Custom Solutions: With in-house mold design and flexible production capabilities, we tailor aluminum pipes to meet your exact requirements, from unique shapes to precise tolerances.
3. Premium Materials: We use high-quality aluminum alloys like 6061, 6063, and 7075, offering excellent corrosion resistance, lightweight strength, and durability for a wide range of industries.
4. High-Quality Finishes: Choose from various surface treatments, including anodizing, powder coating, and electrophoretic coating, for enhanced corrosion protection and professional aesthetics.
5. Trusted Manufacturing Partner: With advanced production technology, industry expertise, and reliable quality control, we are dedicated to delivering aluminum pipes that meet your needs with efficiency and reliability.
Other Related Products
RFQ of Extruded Aluminum Profile
Aluminum extrusions undergo various surface treatments to enhance aesthetics, corrosion resistance, and functionality. Here are the common surface treatment methods used in the industry:
Main Surface Treatment Methods
Anodizing (Oxidation)
- Process: A controlled electrochemical process that forms a protective oxide layer on the aluminum surface.
- Features:
- Provides a durable, corrosion-resistant, and environmentally friendly finish.
- Produces a metallic finish with a variety of natural tones (e.g., silver, black, bronze).
- Improves surface hardness and protects against scratching.
- Applications: Architectural frames, decorative profiles, heat sinks.
Electrophoresis Coating (E-Coating)
- Process: After anodizing, the aluminum is coated with paint using an electrochemical process.
- Features:
- Enhances corrosion resistance and offers a smooth, glossy finish.
- Provides more color and texture variation compared to anodizing alone.
- Applications: Furniture profiles, indoor architectural components.
Powder Coating
- Process: Electrostatic application of powder paint, followed by curing under high temperature to form a solid coating.
- Features:
- Wide variety of colors and textures.
- Excellent weather resistance and corrosion protection.
- Cost-effective and highly versatile.
- Applications: Outdoor frames, fences, railings, general industrial use.
PVDF Coating (Polyvinylidene Fluoride)
- Process: A specialized fluoropolymer coating is applied in multiple layers, commonly over a pretreated surface.
- Features:
- Exceptional weather resistance and UV stability.
- Highly durable, resistant to fading, chalking, and chemical damage.
- Ideal for long-term outdoor use.
- Applications: Curtain walls, high-performance architectural facades.
Wood Grain Transfer Printing
- Process: A heat-transfer printing process that applies a wood grain effect onto a pre-coated aluminum surface.
- Features:
- Mimics the appearance of wood while retaining aluminum’s durability.
- Lightweight and weather-resistant alternative to natural wood.
- Applications: Furniture, decorative coverings, outdoor panels.
Film Lamination
- Process: Adhesive application of a protective or decorative film onto the aluminum surface.
- Features:
- Provides a glossy, textured, or patterned finish.
- Often used for applications requiring specific textures like marble or leather effects.
- Applications: Interior decor, windows.
Pre-Treatment Processes
Prior to surface treatment, the aluminum surface can be pre-processed for specific textures or finishes:
Brushing/Polishing
- Removes surface imperfections and creates a smooth, reflective finish.
- Often used for decorative purposes.
Sanding/Grinding
- Produces a matte or satin finish by applying abrasives.
Shot Blasting/Sandblasting
- Sprays abrasives at high velocity to create a textured surface, often used before anodizing for a uniform appearance.
Stretching and Tension Leveling
- Straightens the aluminum profile and improves shape accuracy after extrusion.
Cost and Durability Comparison Table
| Treatment Method | Process Cost | Surface Durability | Weather Resistance | Applications |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Anodizing (Oxidation) | Medium | Very Durable | High | Architectural frames, industrial parts. |
| Electrophoresis (E-Coating) | Medium-High | Durable | Medium | Furniture, indoor parts, decorative uses. |
| Powder Coating | Medium | Highly Durable | High | Outdoor frames, industrial fixtures. |
| PVDF Coating | High | Extremely Durable | Excellent | Curtain walls, high-end exteriors. |
| Wood Grain Printing | Medium | Moderate (topcoat dependent) | Medium | Decorative panels, furniture. |
| Film Lamination | Low-Medium | Moderate | Low | Indoor decorations, windows. |
| Brushing/Sandblasting (Pre-Treatment) | Low | Not Applicable (Preparation only) | N/A | Preparation for further treatment. |
. Anodizing (Oxidation)
- Common Colors:
Natural silver
Black
Champagne
Light bronze
Dark bronze
Gold
2. Electrophoresis Coating (E-Coating)
- Common Colors:
Black
Champagne
Light bronze
Dark bronze
Custom metallic colors
3. Powder Coating
- Colors:
Can match any color based on the RAL color chart.
Offers textures like matte, gloss, satin, and custom finishes.
4. PVDF Coating (Polyvinylidene Fluoride)
- Colors:
Also customizable using the RAL color chart.
High-end finishes with matte or glossy effects.
5. Wood Grain Transfer Printing
- Colors and Patterns:
Mimics various wood types (e.g., oak, walnut, teak, mahogany).
Custom patterns available based on provided samples.
6. Film Lamination
- Colors and Patterns:
Includes textures like marble, leather, and solid colors.
Custom finishes and patterns based on provided samples.
Pre-Treatment Options (Impact on Final Color)
- Brushing/Polishing: Produces smooth or reflective metallic surfaces.
- Sandblasting: Adds a rough, matte texture before the final surface treatment.
We provide a wide range of machining services for aluminum extrusions to meet specific requirements. These include cutting off/section removal, slotting, drilling holes, tapping threads, bending, and localized stamping to create deformations. For example, we can trim extruded profiles to custom lengths, mill precise grooves, create threaded holes for fasteners, bend profiles into specific shapes, or apply localized stamping to achieve custom forms or deformation.
In addition to these processes, we also offer TIG/MIG welding to join aluminum components for a solid structure. Furthermore, our services include assembly of common accessories, such as brackets, corner connectors, screws, hinges, end caps, and rubber seals, providing complete and ready-to-install profile solutions tailored to your project needs. This ensures that we can handle everything from simple cuts to highly customized fabrication and assembly, all with precision and efficiency.
For custom aluminum extrusion projects, we accept a variety of drawing formats, including CAD files, STEP files, and PDF files. However, for extrusions that require additional machining processes, it’s recommended to provide STEP files, as they ensure precise 3D modeling for machining accuracy.
While PDF files are acceptable, converting them into CAD drawings may result in the loss of certain details, requiring us to manually redraw the design, which could increase lead time. For the fastest and most accurate quotation, we recommend providing CAD files (e.g., DWG/DXF) and STEP files to ensure efficient design evaluation and pricing.
Mold fees are an essential part of the custom aluminum extrusion process. Since every order requires a uniquely designed mold tailored to specific requirements, these molds cannot be used for other products. Therefore, the mold fee is necessary and non-negotiable.
We require 100% upfront payment of the mold fee before mold development begins to ensure timely production. However, as a token of appreciation for your support, we offer a refund of the mold fee or equivalent discounts once the order reaches a certain production volume. Specific policies can be discussed based on your order volume and collaboration details.
Our minimum order quantity (MOQ) varies depending on the size of the product. For smaller-sized products, the MOQ is typically 500kg, while for larger-sized products, it is 2 tons.
We will specify the exact MOQ requirements during the quotation process. If your order quantity does not meet the MOQ, we can still arrange production, but an additional fee will be applied to cover mold preheating and production setup time. Rest assured, this extra fee will be reasonable, and we aim to keep it as minimal as possible to ensure smooth cooperation.
Packaging can be customized according to your needs. Options include using protective film or paper to separate and protect the surface, or foam film for additional surface protection. Products can be palletized or packed into cartons, and the quantity per pallet or carton can be specified by the customer.
The standard packaging involves bundling several pieces together with plastic wrap and then securing them onto pallets. Any packaging requirements beyond the standard will be accommodated, and the associated costs will be clearly provided to the customer.
Mold production typically takes 7 days. After the sample is confirmed, producing a full container load of 26 tons generally requires 14 days for extrusion alone. If surface treatment is required, an additional 3 days will be needed. For machining, extra time will be required depending on the complexity and volume of the machining work. The exact additional time for machining will be determined based on the specific processing requirements.
Aluminum profiles are naturally corrosion-resistant due to the formation of a thin, protective oxide layer when exposed to air or water. This oxide layer is stable and self-repairing, meaning that even if the surface is scratched or cut (such as at exposed ends or during processing), the aluminum will not rust or corrode like iron or steel. Instead, the exposed areas will quickly form a new oxide layer, providing continuous protection against further oxidation.
With proper design, installation, and maintenance, aluminum profiles can last for decades, even in challenging environments. For example, untreated aluminum can easily withstand 20-30 years in outdoor applications, while profiles with surface treatments like anodizing or powder coating can last even longer, often exceeding 50 years. This makes aluminum an excellent choice for applications where durability and long-term performance are essential.
The price of aluminum profiles consists of several components: raw material costs, extrusion processing fees, surface treatment fees, machining costs, and additional packaging fees. Among these, the cost of aluminum as a raw material tends to fluctuate frequently, while other fees remain relatively stable. Due to these fluctuations, our quotations are typically valid for 7 days.
Pricing can be structured in different ways depending on the product and requirements. It can be calculated by weight (e.g., cost per ton), by length (e.g., cost per meter), or by piece (e.g., cost per unit). For products involving extensive machining, such as heat sinks, pricing is generally calculated on a per-piece basis to accurately reflect the additional processing costs. This flexible pricing approach ensures the quote is tailored to the specific needs of the customer.
We can manufacture aluminum profiles in compliance with technical requirements that meet European standards (EN), American standards (ASTM/AA), or other standards as specified by the customer. Custom production is tailored to ensure that the profiles meet the specific standard requirements requested.
Our production equipment is designed for the metric system. If the drawings provided are in the imperial system, we will convert them into metric units for production to ensure accuracy.
It is important to note that while we can machine imperial-threaded holes for fasteners, if you require us to supply matching imperial fasteners, they may not always be available in stock. Custom orders for imperial fasteners typically require a large volume for production. Please consider this when planning your project.
