Because of its light weight, aluminum pipe offers a greater volume of tubing per weight purchased than steel. Many products benefit from the use of a lighter tubing material, particularly those that require a degree of mobility such as wheelchairs and outdoor furniture. Aluminum tubing also does not tarnish, and it is more receptive to paint and other decorations than other metals, enhancing its aesthetic appeal.

Aluminum conducts heat extremely well, making aluminum tubing a great candidate for applications reliant on temperature control, including refrigerators, solar power, and air conditioning systems. Additionally, applications such as hydraulic systems, fuel lines, frames, and racks benefit from aluminum tubing’s lightweight and durability.

Aluminum comes in several different alloys. Aluminum forms strong alloys with a variety of different combinations of magnesium and silicon. In particular, manufacturers use the aluminum square tube alloy 6061 for many medium- to high-strength applications because of its increased weldability and exceptional corrosion resistance. The 6061-aluminum square tube also anodizes easily, and its properties render it great for heat treating. It’s also the least expensive aluminum tube alloy available.

Manufacturers also use aluminum square tube alloy 6063 for its extremely smooth surface finish. Because it possesses only about half the strength of aluminum alloy 6061, aluminum alloy 6063 often appears in applications that value aesthetics over strength. This material still possesses many of the same anodizing capabilities as aluminum alloy 6061.