How Aluminum Tubes Are Made: The Complete Production Process Explained

Time : 2026-02-28
How Aluminum Tubes Are Made: The Complete Production Process Explained

The Complete Production Process of Aluminum Tubes: Precision Engineering Explained

As a premier manufacturer with over two decades of expertise, Shandong Diwang Aluminum Technology Co., Ltd. unveils the sophisticated manufacturing process behind industrial-grade aluminum tubes. Our vertically integrated production facility operates 5 advanced production lines with an annual output of 900,000 tons, serving clients across 30+ countries in aerospace, automotive, and construction sectors.

Stage 1: Raw Material Selection & Preparation

The production journey begins with carefully selected aluminum ingots, primarily from the 1000 series (1060, 1070) and 3000 series (3003, 3004) alloys. These materials are chosen for their:

  • High purity (Al>99.0%) ensuring optimal conductivity
  • Superior corrosion resistance for harsh environments
  • Excellent weldability and formability
Alloy SeriesKey PropertiesIndustrial Applications
1000 Series (1060)99.6% purity, high conductivityElectrical components, heat exchangers
3000 Series (3003)20% stronger than 1000 seriesFuel tanks, chemical equipment
5000 Series (5052)Marine-grade corrosion resistanceShipbuilding, offshore structures

Stage 2: Extrusion Process - Shaping the Aluminum Tube

Our automated extrusion lines transform aluminum billets into precise tubular profiles through:

  1. Preheating: Billets heated to 400-500°C for optimal plasticity
  2. Extrusion: Hydraulic presses (8,000-15,000 tons) force material through dies
  3. Cooling: Water quenching achieves T5 temper properties

Factory-direct production eliminates 3-5 intermediary markups, reducing costs by 30-45% compared to distributors. Our Aluminum sheets 1060 Series demonstrate how material purity translates to performance advantages in tube manufacturing.

Stage 3: Precision Finishing & Quality Control

Post-extrusion treatments enhance durability and functionality:

ProcessTechnical SpecificationPerformance Benefit
Anodizing5-25μm oxide layerCorrosion resistance +300%
Precision Drawing±0.05mm toleranceHydraulic system compatibility
Heat TreatmentT6 temperingTensile strength 310 MPa

Factory Direct Advantages: Why Choose Our Aluminum Tube Production

Cost Efficiency Through Vertical Integration

Our manufacturing model delivers quantifiable savings:

Cost FactorTraditional Supply ChainOur Direct ModelSavings
Material Procurement3-5 intermediariesDirect from smelters18-22%
ProductionSubcontracted processesIn-house extrusion12-15%
LogisticsMultiple handlingDirect shipping8-10%

Technical Superiority in Aluminum Tube Manufacturing

Our production capabilities outperform industry standards:

  • Wall thickness consistency: ±0.03mm vs. industry ±0.08mm
  • Surface finish: Ra 0.8μm mirror finish achievable
  • Production speed: 60 meters/minute on high-speed lines

Frequently Asked Questions About Aluminum Tube Production

1. What's the minimum order quantity for custom aluminum tubes?

Our factory-direct model enables flexible MOQs starting from 500kg for standard alloys, with no minimum for our stock Aluminum sheets 1060 Series products. High-volume orders (5+ tons) qualify for additional 5-8% bulk discounts.

2. How does your aluminum tube compare to steel in weight savings?

Our aluminum tubes provide 50-60% weight reduction versus steel counterparts while maintaining comparable strength in many applications. The 6061-T6 alloy, for instance, offers a strength-to-weight ratio 40% higher than mild steel.

3. What certifications do your production facilities hold?

We maintain ISO 9001:2015, AS9100D for aerospace applications, and DNV-GL certification for marine-grade aluminum tubes. All production undergoes rigorous testing including:

  • Eddy current testing for wall integrity
  • Spectrometer analysis for alloy composition
  • Hydrostatic pressure testing

Partner with a Trusted Aluminum Tube Manufacturer

With 300+ skilled technicians and 20 years of metallurgical expertise, Shandong Diwang Aluminum Technology delivers precision-engineered aluminum tubes that meet the most demanding industrial specifications. Our factory-direct pricing model ensures you receive aerospace-grade quality at competitive rates, with lead times 30% faster than industry averages.

Contact our engineering team today to discuss your project requirements and receive a customized quotation within 24 hours.

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