BRUNNER ENTERPRISES
AMERICA‘S PREMIER DISTRIBUTOR OF ALUMINUM EXTRUSIONS
Aluminum stands out as one of the most widely utilized metals in the construction and engineering sectors, coming in second only to steel. Its versatility and impressive properties make it an excellent choice for applications requiring strength and durability.
Why Choose Aluminum Tubing?
Aluminum’s remarkable strength-to-weight ratio, combined with its ductility and malleability, allows it to be formed into a variety of shapes through both traditional rolling and extrusion methods. This capability ensures that aluminum tubing is not only precise but also cost-effective.
When placed side by side with steel, aluminum holds two significant advantages: superior strength relative to its weight and corrosion resistance. Although steel may be stronger in terms of volume—meaning a steel bar will outperform an equivalent aluminum bar in strength—the reality is that aluminum’s strength-to-weight ratio is far superior.
In practice, if you were to design two structures capable of bearing the same load, one made of aluminum and the other of steel, the aluminum structure would be larger but would weigh less than half of what the steel structure would.
How is Aluminum Tubing Produced?
Aluminum is extracted from an ore known as alumina, which primarily consists of aluminum oxide along with some trace impurities. The smelting process employs electric arc furnaces, allowing the oxides to rise to the surface, from where pure aluminum is collected.
After purification, aluminum is alloyed with various elements to create different grades and tempers tailored to specific needs. Following this, the material is cast into ingots or slugs, which are then sent to an extrusion facility where they are transformed into tubes.
The extrusion process involves several key steps:
1. Selecting and Loading the Correct Tube Die: This choice depends on the desired size and shape, with die preparation often involving oiling and water cooling when necessary.
2. Preheating the Aluminum Slug: This step facilitates the extrusion process, minimizing surface defects, protecting the dies, and simplifying the formation of complex shapes.
3. Loading the Heated Slug into the Extrusion Chamber.
4. Extruding the Slug: Using hydraulic rams, the slug is pushed through the die with forces ranging from 100 to 1,500 tons, depending on the specific material and shape required.
5. Cutting and Cooling: The newly formed aluminum tube is cut to the desired length and cooled to room temperature.
…OUR GOAL IS TO PROVIDE A SUPERIOR PRODUCT AT A FAIR PRICE.
Common Applications of Aluminum Tubing
The strength-to-weight ratio of aluminum lends itself exceptionally well to any industry where lightness is crucial, including:
- Aerospace: Nearly all commercial aircraft incorporate aluminum into their structural components.
- Motorsport: Aluminum is widely used for various brackets, fuel tanks, and heat shields.
- Rigging: Lightweight aluminum towers and structures are frequently utilized in lighting and rigging, making assemblies easy to transport.
In summary, aluminum tubing provides diverse benefits across multiple industries, thanks to its unique properties and adaptability.
Typical Applications of Aluminum Pipe
While aluminum pipe may not be as commonly used as steel or stainless steel, it finds its place in several key applications:
- Air Conditioning: Whether in vehicles or industrial systems, aluminum pipe is favored due to its lightweight nature, excellent thermal conductivity, and resistance to corrosion.
- Process Pipework: In environments that utilize gases like nitrogen or helium, aluminum pipe is often the go-to choice for managing low to medium pressure systems.
Understanding the Difference Between Pipe and Tube
Generally speaking, pipe is designed for transporting liquids and gases, while tube is used for constructing frameworks and other fabricated structures.
One key distinction is in the way they are measured: pipe is measured by its internal or “nominal” diameter alongside a pressure rating, whereas tube is measured according to its outer diameter and wall thickness. This difference arises from their functional purposes of conveying fluids.
Additionally, pipes are exclusively round, whereas aluminum tubes can be found in various shapes—round, oval, square, rectangular, and more. The high ductility of aluminum allows for the production of these complex forms, providing added versatility.
Custom and OEM aluminum extrusions are manufactured, stocked, and provided by Brunner Enterprises™ Inc. In the event that we don’t have the expelled aluminum part that meets your determinations, our experts will help you make and specialist one to address your issues. We are able to satisfy nearly all of our customers’ aluminum extrusion requirements thanks to our custom and OEM extrusion services. Get in touch with our knowledgeable support staff right away.
Advantages of Aluminum Tubing
Compared to alternatives like steel, stainless steel, and titanium, aluminum offers several advantages when used under the right conditions:
- Lightweight: Aluminum is significantly lighter than its steel, stainless steel, and titanium counterparts.
- Stronger: With a higher strength-to-weight ratio than steel and stainless steel, aluminum is ideal for lightweight yet high-stress scenarios.
- Corrosion Resistant: While steel may be less expensive, items exposed to outdoor conditions typically require additional finishes such as painting or galvanizing. Aluminum, on the other hand, is naturally resistant to corrosion in most applications.
- Cost-Effective: Aluminum is considerably more affordable than titanium, making it a viable option for those seeking a lightweight, corrosion-resistant alloy.
Aluminum Shapes
With its remarkable malleability, aluminum can be shaped into a diverse array of forms, outpacing both steel and stainless steel in terms of possibilities.
- Round Pipe: Ideal for transporting fluids and gases.
- Round Tube: Perfect for use in structural applications, both commercial and aesthetic.
- Rectangular Tube: Frequently employed in lightweight industrial frameworks and supports.
- Square Tube: Common in industrial frames, as well as in motorsport chassis and supports.
Custom and OEM aluminum extrusions are manufactured, stocked, and provided by Brunner Enterprises™ Inc. In the event that we don’t have the expelled aluminum part that meets your determinations, our experts will help you make and specialist one to address your issues. We are able to satisfy nearly all of our customers’ aluminum extrusion requirements thanks to our custom and OEM extrusion services. Get in touch with our knowledgeable support staff right away.
