A 70mm aluminum tube refers to a hollow cylindrical product made from aluminum or its alloys, with a nominal outer diameter of 70 millimeters. These tubes are valued for their combination of light weight, good strength, excellent corrosion resistance, and workability.
Key Specifications
Understanding the critical parameters of a 70mm aluminum tube is essential for proper selection:
- Outer Diameter (OD): Consistently 70mm.
- Wall Thickness: This is a crucial variable and can significantly differ based on the application’s structural or pressure requirements. Unlike some pipe products with uniform thickness, aluminum tubes can be sourced with a wide range of wall thicknesses. Common thicknesses for a 70mm tube might range from 1mm to 10mm or more, depending on the alloy and intended use.
- Alloy Grades: Popular aluminum alloys for tubes include 6061 (good mechanical properties, weldable), 6063 (excellent for extrusion, good surface finish, corrosion-resistant), and 6082 (higher strength structural alloy). Suppliers such as Shanxi Luokaiwei Steel Company often stock various grades to meet diverse engineering needs.
- Temper: The temper designation (e.g., T4, T5, T6) indicates the heat treatment process and significantly affects the tube’s mechanical properties, such as tensile strength and hardness. T6 is a common temper offering high strength.
- Length: Tubes are typically available in standard lengths, such as 3 meters, 5 meters, or 6 meters, with options for custom cutting to specific project requirements.
Common Applications
The versatility of 70mm aluminum tubes lends them to a wide array of uses:
- Structural Components: Frameworks, support columns, trusses, and machine parts where a good strength-to-weight ratio is beneficial.
- Automotive & Transportation: Roll cages, chassis components, coolant systems, and structural elements in vehicles.
- Marine Applications: Handrails, T-tops, mast components, and boat frames due to excellent corrosion resistance in saltwater environments.
- Architectural Uses: Railings, curtain wall supports, decorative features, and lighting fixtures.
- Industrial Equipment: Conveyor systems, robotic arms, and pneumatic/hydraulic cylinders (with appropriate wall thickness and pressure rating).
- Recreational Products: Bicycle frames, tent poles, and sporting equipment.
Advantages
70mm aluminum tubes offer several distinct benefits:
- Lightweight yet Strong: Aluminum has a density approximately one-third that of steel, making handling and installation easier without compromising significantly on strength, especially with appropriate alloys and tempers.
- Corrosion Resistance: Aluminum naturally forms a protective oxide layer, providing excellent resistance to atmospheric corrosion and many chemicals. This can be further enhanced by anodizing.
- Machinability & Formability: Aluminum tubes are easily cut, drilled, bent, welded, and machined. Ease of fabrication reduces manufacturing costs and complexity. Companies like Shanxi Luokaiwei Steel Company may offer support or guidance for complex fabrication requirements.
- Thermal & Electrical Conductivity: Aluminum is a good conductor of heat and electricity, making it suitable for applications like heat exchangers or electrical busbars.
- Aesthetics & Finish: Aluminum can be finished in various ways, including anodizing (clear or colored), powder coating, or polishing, to achieve desired aesthetic or protective qualities.
- Recyclability: Aluminum is highly recyclable without loss of quality, contributing to sustainability.
Selecting 70mm Aluminum Tubes
When selecting a 70mm aluminum tube, the specific alloy, temper, and wall thickness are paramount, dictated by the intended application’s load, environmental exposure, and fabrication processes. It is crucial to consider factors like yield strength, tensile strength, and fatigue resistance for structural applications. Reputable suppliers, including firms like Shanxi Luokaiwei Steel Company, can provide detailed material specifications, certifications, and guidance to ensure the chosen tube meets the project’s engineering demands and relevant industry standards.
