Round tube
The strongest shape for torsion and internal pressure. Used for fluid lines, shafts, poles and frames.
Tube & pipe
Aluminium Tube & Pipe
Round, square and rectangular aluminium tube and pipe for structures, fluid lines, machinery and aerospace. Metline Industries supplies extruded, drawn and seamless tube from Mumbai in the alloy, size and tolerance your application needs.
- Shapes
- Round, square, rectangular, oval
- Common alloys
- 6061, 6063, 6082, 2024, 5083, 7075
- Production
- Extruded, drawn, seamless
- Standards
- ASTM B221, B210, B241, EN 755
Overview
Tube, pipe and how they are made
In everyday use the words overlap, but the trade draws a distinction. Pipe is sized by nominal pipe size and schedule, and is used to carry fluids or gases. Tube is sized by its actual outside diameter and wall thickness, and is used for structural, mechanical and precision applications.
How the tube is made matters as much as the alloy. Extruded tube is economical and available in many shapes. Drawn tube is pulled through a die after extrusion for tighter tolerances and a better surface. Seamless tube has no weld line or extrusion seam, which is what pressure, hydraulic and aerospace applications require.
Choosing the tube alloy
| Alloy | Family | What it is good at | Typical uses |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6063 | Al–Mg–Si | Excellent extrudability and surface finish, anodises well | Architectural tube, furniture, handrails, irrigation |
| 6061 | Al–Mg–Si | Strong, weldable and machinable all-rounder | Structural frames, bicycle and vehicle parts, machine components |
| 6082 | Al–Mg–Si | Higher strength structural alloy common in European specifications | Scaffolding, trusses, cranes, load-bearing frames |
| 3003 | Al–Mn | Formable, corrosion resistant, easy to braze | Heat exchanger and refrigeration tube, fluid lines |
| 5083 / 5086 | Al–Mg | Excellent seawater resistance and weldability | Marine piping, offshore structures, cryogenic lines |
| 2024 | Al–Cu | High strength and fatigue resistance | Aircraft structural tube, high-stress fittings |
| 7075 | Al–Zn | Very high strength for lightweight load-bearing parts | Aerospace, sporting equipment, high-load components |
Not sure which alloy suits your pressure, load or environment? Send us the conditions and we will recommend one.
Tube shapes and their uses
Square tube
Flat faces make joining and mounting easy. Used for frames, racks, furniture and supports.
Rectangular tube
Higher stiffness in one direction. Used for beams, rails, trailer chassis and façade mullions.
Oval and special profiles
Custom hollow profiles extruded to a drawing for handles, ladders and architectural sections.
Seamless pipe
Pressure-rated pipe for hydraulic, pneumatic and process systems.
Precision drawn tube
Tight OD, ID and wall tolerances for bushes, cylinders and instrument parts.
Industries that use aluminium tube
Building and architecture
Handrails, curtain wall framing, canopies and structural glazing supports.
Transport
Trailer frames, bus structures, rail interiors and lightweight chassis members.
Aerospace
Hydraulic and fuel lines, structural tube and fittings.
Marine
Rails, davits, masts and seawater piping.
HVAC and refrigeration
Heat exchanger, condenser and evaporator tube.
Solar and energy
Mounting structures, tracker tubes and support frames.
What to include in your enquiry
- Alloy and temperFor example 6061-T6 or 6063-T5.
- Shape and sizeOD × wall, or width × height × wall.
- Production routeExtruded, drawn or seamless.
- LengthStock lengths or cut to size.
- SpecificationStandard, tolerances and any pressure rating.
- Quantity and deliveryPieces or weight, and delivery city or port.
Tube and pipe products
1100 Aluminium Tube
2024 Aluminium Round Tube
2024 Aluminium Square Tube
3003 Aluminium Tube
3003 Cold Drawn (Rolled) Seamless Tubes
5052 O H112 Tubing
5083 Aluminium Pipe
5086 Aluminium Pipe
6060 Aluminium Tube
6061 Aluminium Rectangular Tubing
6061 T6 Aluminium Square Tubing
6061 Aluminium Tube
6063 Aluminium Rectangular Tube
6063 Aluminium Square Tube
6063 Aluminium Tube Pipe
6066-T6 Aluminium Tube for Structural Extrusion Applications
6082 Aluminium Tube
7005 Aluminium Tube Pipe
7020 Aluminium Tube
7075 Aluminium Tube
Tube and pipe questions
What is the difference between aluminium tube and pipe?
Pipe is specified by nominal size and schedule and is mainly used to carry fluids. Tube is specified by its actual outside diameter and wall thickness and is used for structural and mechanical work.
Which aluminium tube is the strongest?
7075 and 2024 tube offer the highest strength. 6061-T6 and 6082-T6 are the usual choices when you also need good weldability and corrosion resistance.
Is seamless tube better than extruded tube?
Seamless tube has no weld or extrusion seam, so it is preferred for pressure, hydraulic and aerospace use. For structural work, extruded tube is perfectly adequate and more economical.
Which tube is best for marine use?
5083 and 5086 offer the best seawater resistance. 6061-T6 is also widely used for rails and fittings above the waterline.
Can you cut tube to length?
Yes. Send the lengths and quantities you need with your enquiry.
Need aluminium tube or pipe?
Send us the alloy, shape, size, length and quantity. We will reply with availability, lead time and a competitive quote.
