Aluminium Pipe Tubes | 8mm x 1.6mm (5/16″ OD x 1/16″ Wall)

Pipe Tubes

We offer a wide selection of aluminium pipe tubes 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.

Aluminium pipe tubes by Speciality Metals are the perfect solution for a variety of industrial and residential needs. Designed with 6082 grade aluminium, these tubes come in various lengths and are corrosion resistant, durable and lightweight. What’s more, our pipe tubes exhibit exceptional heat and electrical conductivity, making them ideal for thermal and electrical applications. Additionally, they are highly ductile, allowing for ease of installation and maintenance. With our tube’s incredible strength and resistance to damage from factors like weather and chemicals, they’re a superior choice for any job. Trust Speciality Metals for all your aluminium pipe tube needs and enjoy the highest level of quality and dependability.

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 – 8mm
• Wall Thickness – 1.6mm
• Internal Diameter – 4.8mm

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

How do you Clean Aluminium Pipe Tubes?

To clean 6082 grade aluminium pipe tubes, first remove any loose dirt or debris using a soft cloth or non-abrasive brush. Then, prepare a cleaning solution by mixing warm water with a mild detergent or dish soap. Use a soft cloth or sponge to apply the cleaning solution to the pipe, rubbing gently to avoid scratching the surface. Pay attention to any stained or particularly dirty areas. After cleaning, rinse the pipe thoroughly with clean water to remove any soap or detergent residues, and dry with a clean cloth to prevent water spots or streaks. If the pipe still appears dirty or has tough stains, a solution of vinegar and water can be applied to the stains and let sit for a few minutes before rinsing and drying. If desired, a commercial aluminium polish can be used following the manufacturer’s instructions for a final shine. Avoid strong acids or bases when choosing your cleaning agents, as aluminium can react adversely with these substances.

Can Aluminium Pipe Tubes be used for Plumbing?

Aluminium pipe tubes can technically be used for plumbing applications, however, they are not typically the first choice for a few reasons. One of the main concerns is the potential for galvanic corrosion, which can occur when aluminium comes into direct contact with certain other metals commonly used in plumbing, such as copper. To avoid this, special dielectric unions or fittings would be required to safely join aluminium pipes to pipes of different materials. Another concern is that aluminium may react with certain chemicals in water, potentially leading to corrosion over time. While aluminium does have benefits like being lightweight and resistant to rust, for most plumbing applications, materials like copper, PVC or PEX are usually more suitable due to their proven track record, ease of installation and compatibility with a wide range of water conditions.

How can you Join Aluminium Pipe Tubes?

Joining aluminium pipe tubes can be accomplished in a few ways, depending on the requirements of the application:

1. Welding: Aluminium can be welded together using Tungsten Inert Gas (TIG) welding or Metal Inert Gas (MIG) welding. These methods require skill and special equipment, but they create a strong and permanent bond. Note that aluminium requires thorough cleaning before welding and certain alloys are more weldable than others.

2. Brazing: Brazing is another method for joining aluminium pipes. It’s similar to welding but uses a filler metal with a lower melting point than aluminium, allowing for a bond to be created without melting the aluminium itself. This method is less common than welding but can be useful in certain circumstances.

3. Mechanical Fastening: Mechanical fasteners like screws, rivets and bolts can be used to join aluminium pipes. This method does not require special equipment or skills and is easily reversible, but the connection is less permanent and may not be as strong or airtight as a weld.

4. Adhesive Bonding: Special adhesives designed for use with metals can be used to bond aluminium pipes together. This method is often used in applications where welding isn’t practical, such as when working with thin-walled aluminium tubes.

5. Flanges or Compression Fittings: For plumbing or fluid transport applications, flanges or compression fittings can be used to join aluminium pipes. These fittings create a secure, leak-proof connection without requiring welding.

6. Soldering: For some applications, soft soldering can be used, but this is typically less common due to the lower strength of the joint compared to welding or brazing.

Each method has its pros and cons, and the best one to use will depend on factors such as the specific application, the properties of the aluminium alloy being used, the required strength and permanence of the joint and the equipment and skills available.