Aluminim Tube | 12mm x 3mm (1/2″ OD x 1/8″ Wall)

Aluminim Tube

We offer a wide selection of aluminim tube online from trusted mills in the UK. Providing high-quality, low-priced aluminium piping to UK businesses and the general public, Speciality Metals is a leading aluminium metals supplier.

Aluminum tube is a highly sought-after material in industries across the board, and Specialty Metals’ offering of 12mm diameter x 3mm wall tubes is a standout product. This tube is made from 6082 grade aluminum, a strong and durable alloy that is also extremely lightweight, making it perfect for use in everything from aerospace engineering to sporting equipment. The tube comes in various lengths and has excellent corrosion resistance, ensuring long-lasting quality even in harsh environments. Its ductile nature allows for easy bending and shaping, while its heat and electrical conductivity properties make it a versatile material for several different applications. The mechanical properties of this aluminum tube are unmatched, making it the ideal choice for those seeking a combination of strength and versatility.

Speciality Metals is known to be the United Kingdom’s best up-and-coming small-quantity metal company.

Over 50,000 customers of Speciality Metals are provided with fast, friendly customer service every year. We’re the place to try when you need metal of any shape and size. We’re based in Warrington, UK. We pride ourselves on our rapid turnaround and a large range of options.

We are the exact suppliers for you because:

• FREE UK delivery on all orders
• Order dispatch within 24 hours of order
• Located in Warrington, UK which is the UK home of mesh and metals
• Our experienced staff are experts in the mesh market and care personally about your customer experience

Key information:

• Shape – Round Tube
• Grade – 6082
• External Diameter – 12mm
• Wall Thickness – 3mm
• Internal Diameter – 6mm

We also carry a wide range of mild steel sheet metal, angle iron and flat bar.

Is Aluminum Tubing Conductive?

Yes, aluminum tubing is conductive, both electrically and thermally. Aluminum is an excellent conductor of electricity and has approximately 61% of the conductivity of copper, which is one of the best electrical conductors. This property makes aluminum tubing a popular choice for electrical applications, such as wiring, power transmission and electrical conduits.

Aluminum is also a good conductor of heat. It has about twice the thermal conductivity of steel, making aluminum tubing suitable for heat transfer applications, including heat exchangers, HVAC systems and other thermal management systems.

The combination of its electrical and thermal conductivity, along with its lightweight and corrosion-resistant properties, makes aluminum tubing a versatile material for a wide range of industrial, commercial and consumer applications.

Can Aluminum Tubing Be Used In Structural Applications?

Yes, aluminum tubing can be used in structural applications. Aluminum is a lightweight but strong material, and its use in structural applications has become increasingly common due to its numerous advantages. Some of the key reasons why aluminum tubing is suitable for structural applications include:

1. Weight Savings: Aluminum is significantly lighter than steel, making it an excellent choice for applications where weight reduction is critical. Its low density allows for easier handling, transportation and installation.

2. High Strength-to-Weight Ratio: Despite its low weight, aluminum has excellent strength properties, offering a favorable strength-to-weight ratio. This means that aluminum structures can withstand significant loads while still maintaining a relatively low weight.

3. Corrosion Resistance: Aluminum naturally forms a thin oxide layer on its surface, providing inherent corrosion resistance. This makes aluminum tubing ideal for outdoor or marine structural applications, as it can withstand harsh environments without significant deterioration.

4. Design Flexibility: Aluminum tubing can be easily fabricated and formed into various shapes, allowing for greater design flexibility in structural applications. It can be bent, welded and extruded to create custom shapes and structures.

5. Durability: Aluminum structures are known for their longevity and durability. The corrosion resistance of aluminum, combined with proper maintenance, ensures that the structures can withstand the test of time.

6. Recyclability: Aluminum is highly recyclable, making it an environmentally friendly material choice for sustainable structural designs.

Common structural applications of aluminum tubing include aircraft frames, bicycle frames, scaffolding, portable structures, handrails, architectural elements and various support structures in construction.

However, it’s essential to consider the specific requirements and load-bearing capacities of the structural application. In some cases, thicker-walled aluminum tubing or additional reinforcement may be necessary to meet the structural integrity demands of the project. Consulting with structural engineers and adhering to relevant building codes and standards is crucial when using aluminum tubing in structural applications to ensure safe and reliable designs.

How Do I Protect Aluminum Tubing Against Galvanic Corrosion?

To protect aluminum tubing against galvanic corrosion, it is essential to prevent direct contact between the aluminum and dissimilar metals in corrosive environments. Galvanic corrosion occurs when two different metals with distinct electrochemical potentials come into contact in the presence of an electrolyte, leading to the accelerated deterioration of the less noble metal, in this case, aluminum.

To prevent galvanic corrosion in aluminum tubing, consider the following measures:

1. Select Compatible Materials: When designing a system or structure involving aluminum tubing, use fasteners, fittings and other components made from metals with similar electrochemical properties. This reduces the potential for galvanic corrosion.

2. Insulate Dissimilar Metals: If the use of dissimilar metals is unavoidable, insulate or separate them using non-conductive materials such as plastic or rubber gaskets, washers or sleeves. This physical barrier prevents direct electrical contact between the metals, reducing the risk of galvanic corrosion.

3. Apply Protective Coatings: Protective coatings, such as paint, powder coating or anodising, can act as a barrier between the aluminum surface and the corrosive environment, hindering the occurrence of galvanic corrosion.

4. Cathodic Protection: Consider using cathodic protection methods, such as sacrificial anodes or impressed current systems. These techniques involve introducing a more reactive metal (sacrificial anode) to the aluminum surface, which sacrifices itself to protect the aluminum from corrosion.

5. Proper Design and Maintenance: Ensure proper design practices, including avoiding sharp bends or crevices that could trap corrosive substances. Regular maintenance is crucial to promptly address any damage or scratches that may compromise the protective oxide layer on the aluminum surface.

By implementing these protective measures, you can significantly reduce the risk of galvanic corrosion and extend the lifespan of aluminum tubing in corrosive environments. It is advisable to seek guidance from corrosion and materials experts to select appropriate materials and protection methods tailored to your specific application.