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

Aluminium Pipe

We offer a wide selection of aluminium pipe 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 are a versatile and practical choice for a wide range of applications. Manufactured by Speciality Metals, these tubes have a 8mm outer diameter and a 1mm wall thickness, making them ideal for a range of uses. The 6082 grade aluminium used in these tubes provides excellent corrosion resistance and durability, making them perfect for use in a range of environments. Their lightweight construction makes them easy to handle and transport, making them a popular choice for everything from industrial uses to DIY projects. Additionally, these aluminium pipes boast excellent heat and electrical conductivity, as well as being highly ductile, making them an ideal choice for a variety of uses. Available in various lengths, these aluminium pipe tubes are the perfect choice for any project requiring a durable, long-lasting and versatile material.

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 – 1mm
• Internal Diameter – 6mm

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

What are Aluminium Pipes Used for?

1. Construction: Aluminium’s strength-to-weight ratio makes it ideal for use in construction. It’s used in scaffolding, structural frames and other construction elements where weight is a consideration.

2. Automotive and Aerospace Industries: Aluminium pipes are commonly used in car and aircraft manufacturing because they offer a good balance of strength and weight, as well as corrosion resistance. They’re used in components like heat exchangers, hydraulic systems and exhaust pipes.

3. Plumbing and HVAC: Aluminium pipes are used in various plumbing applications, including water supply and waste pipes. They are also commonly used in heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) systems because of their excellent heat conduction properties.

4. Electrical Conduits: Aluminium’s electrical conductivity makes it suitable for use in electrical conduits. Aluminium pipes are used to house and protect electrical wiring.

5. Irrigation: Aluminium pipes are often used in irrigation systems due to their light weight, making them easy to move and install, and their corrosion resistance, particularly to water.

6. Marine Applications: Because of its corrosion resistance, aluminium is commonly used in marine applications. It’s used in components of boats and ships, and in offshore structures.

7. Industrial Manufacturing: In factories and industrial settings, aluminium pipes are often used for the delivery of compressed air or other gases.

8. Solar Panel Frames: Due to their durability and resistance to weather, aluminium pipes are frequently used as part of the frames that hold solar panels.

9. Furniture: Because aluminium can be bent and shaped relatively easily, it’s often used in the construction of furniture, particularly outdoor furniture that needs to resist the elements.

10. Antenna Structures: Aluminium pipes are commonly used to build antenna structures, due to their good conductivity, strength and resistance to atmospheric corrosion.

Are Aluminium Pipes Better than PVC?

The decision between aluminium and PVC pipes largely depends on the specific requirements of your application, as each material has its strengths and limitations.

Aluminium pipes have several advantages. They are highly resistant to corrosion, lightweight and have excellent heat resistance and thermal conductivity. This makes them suitable for applications that require heat resistance or when weight is a concern, such as in the automotive, aerospace and solar industries. Aluminium pipes also offer higher strength and durability, which can be advantageous in construction or industrial settings.

On the other hand, PVC pipes are typically more cost-effective than aluminium and are easier to work with, making them a popular choice for many plumbing and residential applications. PVC is also resistant to corrosion, but unlike aluminium, it does not conduct heat well, making it unsuitable for applications that require thermal conductivity. PVC also has lower structural strength compared to aluminium, but it’s often sufficient for low-pressure applications such as domestic water systems and sewage.

Therefore, neither material is inherently better than the other and the choice between aluminium and PVC pipes should be based on the specific needs of your project. Factors to consider include cost, durability, heat resistance, weight, ease of installation and the nature of the substance being transported.

Are there any Disadvantages to Using Aluminium Pipes?

While aluminium pipes have many advantages, they also come with some disadvantages that you should be aware of:

1. Limited Strength: Compared to materials like steel, aluminium has a lower overall strength. Therefore, it may not be the best choice for applications that require high strength and durability.

2. Corrosion in Certain Environments: While aluminium is known for its resistance to corrosion, it can corrode in certain environments, such as in highly alkaline or acidic conditions or in contact with saltwater.

3. Galvanic Corrosion: If aluminium comes into contact with certain other metals (such as copper), it can lead to galvanic corrosion. Special consideration must be given to prevent this when aluminium pipes are used in systems with other metal components.

4. Cost: Aluminium pipes can be more expensive than pipes made of other materials such as PVC or steel. The exact cost difference will depend on the specific type and size of pipe needed.

5. Specialised Handling: Welding aluminium pipes can be more challenging than welding steel pipes, requiring specialised techniques and equipment. Similarly, joining aluminium pipes to pipes of other materials can require special connectors to prevent galvanic corrosion.

6. Thermal Expansion: Aluminium has a higher rate of thermal expansion compared to some other materials, which means it can change size more significantly with temperature changes. This needs to be taken into account in applications with significant temperature fluctuations.