The term seamless tubing, or seamless piping, is used to describe tubes that do not have any weld seam. They are produced using an extrusion process that results in a hollow, solid metal tube that can connect to other pipes without requiring a welding joint. Seamless aluminum tubing is used throughout many demanding applications due to the unique advantages it offers.
The Seamless Aluminum Tubing Process
While conventional aluminum tubes are typically extruded by a combined die, many types of seamless aluminum tubes are produced using a piercing extrusion process. This manufacturing method is more intricate and precise than that of welded pipe production. Producing aluminum alloy seamless tubes requires a slow-speed extrusion process and high temperatures. Depending on the wall diameter and thickness, temperature and aging time must be adjusted accordingly.
This process requires extreme precision and therefore is not well suited to small-diameter tubing. Instead, drawing is a much better-suited process for small-diameter seamless tubing production. The drawing process involves crimping and pulling a mother tube through a narrowing die. The drawn seamless aluminum tubing becomes longer and narrower the farther it is stretched until it reaches the required size.
Benefits of Aluminum Seamless Tubing
Seamless piping can be produced in several shapes to meet the needs of numerous uses. Depending on the requirements of the application, seamless tubing may outperform welded tubing and be a preferable solution. Some of the most significant benefits of seamless aluminum tubing include:
- Highly corrosion-resistant, including corrosion from chemicals, oil, gas, and water
- High pressure rating, facilitating the movement of tightly concentrated substances and high temperatures
- Extremely durable
- Symmetrical and uniform, resulting in an aesthetically pleasing appearance
- Well suited for smaller applications requiring extreme precision
- More pure steel than alternatives
Additionally, because seamless aluminum tubing features no weld seams, it provides more strength and reliability than welded tubing. Seam welds represent points of weakness in aluminum tubing since it’s possible for seams to split along welded points. If a pipe is flattened or deformed, seam splitting is a possibility, making seamless piping more reliable in critical applications. Any piping featuring weld seams must be tested for integrity.
Aluminum tubing provides flexibility and durability while remaining lightweight and economical. It is also highly conductive and environmentally friendly, as it can be easily recycled. Its excellent structural integrity makes it a safe and reliable choice for applications involving high-pressure gasses or liquids.
New Source’s Seamless Aluminum Tubing Capabilities
For aerospace and aviation applications and beyond, aluminum seamless tubing plays a critical role in numerous applications. When it comes to lightweight, corrosion-resistant materials, aluminum provides three times more volume per pound than steel, making it a highly advantageous choice for many designs.
In the aerospace and defense industry, aluminum tubing is used to produce fuel lines, hydraulic systems, and fuselages. Its heat-conductive capabilities enable it to be a suitable alternative to steel or other heavier metals. At New Source Corporation, we stock aluminum seamless tubing in a wide array of grades, shapes, and sizes. In addition to specializing in drawn aluminum and seamless tubing, we also offer welded and hydraulic tubing solutions. We provide DFARS and domestic-compliant products, as well as products for the international aerospace market.
New Source stocks rectangular and round aluminum tubing in the following alloys:
- INCONEL 625
- 1100
- 3003
- 2024
- 21-6-9
- 304/304L
- 316/316L
- 5052
- 6061
- 7075
High-Quality Solutions from New Source Corporation
For many highly demanding applications, such as those within the aerospace industry, aluminum seamless tubing provides unmatched strength and reliability. At New Source, we have over 30 years of experience providing industry-compliant aerospace-grade materials. Our aluminum seamless tubing is available in an extensive range of alloys at competitive price points.
New Source Corporation is ISO 9001:2008, AS9100, and AS9120 certified and is a Defense Logistics Qualified Supplier. You can learn more about the extruded seamless aluminum tubing and drawn seamless aluminum tubing solutions we offer by contacting us today. You can also request a quote to get started.