Aluminum Square Tube
Aluminum Square Tube is a lightweight, high-strength, and corrosion-resistant aluminum alloy extrusion tube, widely used in various structural projects, especially in applications where weight and corrosion resistance are crucial. The aluminum square tubes provided by HC Aluminum mainly include common grades like 6060, 6061, and 6063.
- Lightweight: Aluminum square tubes have a low density, making them easy to transport and install.
- Corrosion resistance: The natural oxide layer formed on the surface of aluminum effectively prevents corrosion, making it suitable for outdoor and humid environments.
- Seamless: Aluminum square tubes are typically formed as a single piece, providing a more robust structure.
Aluminum Square Tube Properties
Aluminum square tubes are widely used in construction, transportation, mechanical manufacturing, and many other industries due to their excellent weldability, good processing and forming performance, and strong corrosion resistance. However, in specific applications, their wear resistance should be considered to ensure the selection of the appropriate material and treatment method.
Weldability: Excellent
Aluminum square tubes have excellent weldability, especially the 6061-T6 material. This makes aluminum square tubes very popular in structural applications, allowing them to be efficiently connected with other aluminum materials or metals to form strong structures. With proper welding techniques and material selection, the strength and durability of the welded joints can be further enhanced.
Machinability/Grinding: Good
Aluminum square tubes perform well in machining and grinding, particularly with the 6063-T52 material. Their good machinability allows for cutting, drilling, milling, and other mechanical processing, making them easy to meet various design needs. During processing, the thermal conductivity and toughness of aluminum should be considered, and appropriate machining parameters can improve efficiency and reduce tool wear.
Bending/Formability: Good
Aluminum square tubes have good bending and forming properties, making them suitable for applications requiring complex shapes. After heat treatment, 6063-T52 aluminum square tubes achieve better forming performance, making them ideal for creating bent structures or devices. Their ductility during forming makes bending within certain radii simple and effective.
Wear Resistance: Average
The wear resistance of aluminum square tubes is relatively average. Although aluminum is lightweight and easy to process, in high-wear environments (such as applications with significant mechanical contact or friction), wear and scratches may occur. Therefore, in applications requiring high wear resistance, additional surface treatments or other materials may be considered.
Corrosion Resistance: Good
Aluminum square tubes exhibit good corrosion resistance and can withstand corrosion from various chemicals and environmental factors. The aluminum surface naturally forms an oxide film, further enhancing its corrosion resistance. This makes aluminum square tubes especially suitable for outdoor or humid environments, effectively extending their service life.
Aluminum Square Tube Available Grades
| Item | Specification |
| Material | 6063-T52: Lower strength, good machinability and formability, suitable for bending and processing applications. |
| 6061-T6: High strength, suitable for demanding structural applications, excellent weldability, formability, and corrosion resistance. | |
| Standard | Conforms to ASTM B221 standard |
| Surface Treatment | Extruded Mill Finish: Suitable for load-bearing applications, the surface is unpolished and may have minor scratches or wear. |
| Available Sizes | Standard Lengths: 2 feet, 4 feet, 6 feet, 8 feet, 10 feet, 12 feet, 21 feet, 24 feet, or custom-made as required. |
| Standard Length Tolerance | ±1/4" |
| Custom Length Tolerance | ±1/16" |
Popular Aluminum Square Tubes
Aluminum square tubes 6060, 6061, and 6063 each have their unique characteristics, making them suitable for different applications. 6060 is primarily used in projects requiring good formability and weldability, 6061 is ideal for high-strength and load-bearing applications, while 6063 excels in architecture and furniture due to its easy formability and aesthetic appeal.
| Aluminum Square Tube Type | Characteristics | Typical Applications |
| Aluminum Square Tube 6060 | Good formability and weldability | Building frames |
| Relatively low strength | Decorative elements | |
| Good corrosion resistance | Furniture (e.g., tables and chairs) | |
| Aluminum Square Tube 6061 | High strength, suitable for load-bearing structures | Threaded machine parts |
| Good weldability | Truck bodies and frames | |
| Good corrosion resistance | Running boards and steps | |
| Platforms and covers | ||
| Channel covers | ||
| Aluminum Square Tube 6063 | Easy to form | Indoor and outdoor architecture |
| Smooth surface, suitable for anodizing | Garden furniture | |
| Moderate strength | Luggage racks | |
| Cylinders | ||
| 6063 T52 Aluminum Square Tube | Heat-treated, enhanced strength | Architecture and decoration |
| Good formability | Furniture and equipment | |
| 6061-T6 Aluminum Square Tube | High strength, age-hardened | High-load structures |
| Excellent mechanical properties | Transportation and industrial applications | |
| Strong corrosion resistance | Aerospace |
Aluminum Square Tube 6060
The 6060 aluminum alloy square tube has excellent formability and weldability, making it suitable for applications that require complex forming and welding. It is commonly used in structural components that require light weight and ease of processing. Its good corrosion resistance makes it widely used in the construction and transportation industries, especially in components that require easy welding and forming.
Aluminum Square Tube 6061
The 6061 aluminum alloy square tube has high strength and good corrosion resistance, making it suitable for load-bearing and pressure-bearing structures. It is widely used in applications with high load requirements, such as truck bodies, frames, platforms, steps, covers, and channels. The corrosion resistance and good mechanical properties of 6061 aluminum square tube make it especially important in industrial and construction fields.
Aluminum Square Tube 6063
The 6063 aluminum alloy square tube is often used in the design of complex structures due to its easy formability. It has good weldability and corrosion resistance, making it suitable for interior and exterior decoration, furniture, luggage racks, and other applications. 6063 aluminum square tube is widely used in decorative and non-structural uses, especially in applications that require both aesthetic appeal and functionality.
6063 T52 Aluminum Square Tube
The 6063 T52 aluminum alloy square tube offers good formability and strength while maintaining high corrosion resistance. It is commonly used in construction, mechanical, and electrical applications where moderate strength and high corrosion resistance are required, such as in frames and structural components. Its excellent surface treatment performance also makes it widely used in exterior decoration.
6061-T6 Aluminum Square Tube
The 6061-T6 aluminum alloy square tube, heat-treated to T6, further enhances its strength and durability, making it particularly suitable for high-load structural applications. It is commonly used in truck bodies, machine parts, building support frames, platforms, and other areas requiring high strength. Its excellent strength and corrosion resistance make it outstanding in various heavy-load environments.
Aluminum Square Tube Applications
Aluminum square tubes are widely used in structural manufacturing projects, especially in areas that require high strength, light weight, and corrosion resistance. Common applications include:
1. Frames and Support Structures
Aluminum square tubes are commonly used in the manufacture of frames and support structures due to their light weight, high strength, and corrosion resistance, making them ideal for industrial and commercial buildings. Aluminum square tubes can effectively bear vertical and horizontal loads and are commonly found in mechanical equipment supports, shelves, display racks, and more. Thanks to the excellent weldability of aluminum, frame structures can be assembled through welding or bolted connections, ensuring stability and safety. This application is particularly suitable for scenarios where reducing overall weight is essential, such as in the aerospace, automotive, and transportation industries.
2. Gates and Fences
Aluminum square tubes are widely used in the production of gates and fences due to their corrosion resistance and aesthetic appeal, which makes aluminum gates and fences perform excellently in outdoor environments. The strength of aluminum square tubes is sufficient to provide necessary security, while their lightweight nature allows the door leaves to open and close smoothly. The surface of aluminum square tubes can be treated in various ways (such as spraying, anodizing) to offer a variety of appearance options to meet different aesthetic needs. Additionally, the weather resistance of aluminum ensures its long-term use in various climatic conditions.
3. Handrails and Railings
Aluminum square tubes are also widely used in handrails and railings, particularly in stairways, balconies, and corridors. The strength and rigidity of aluminum square tubes provide the required support to ensure pedestrian safety. Due to aluminum's corrosion resistance, aluminum handrails and railings perform well in outdoor environments, resisting rain, sunlight, and other environmental factors. Their lightweight nature simplifies the installation process and effectively reduces construction costs. Furthermore, aluminum square tubes can be customized according to design requirements to meet varying heights and style needs.
4. Building Supports and Decorative Structures
In the construction industry, aluminum square tubes are not only used for supporting structures but also as decorative elements. Due to aluminum's malleability and a variety of surface treatment options, aluminum square tubes can be designed in various shapes and styles to enhance the aesthetic appeal of buildings. Common applications include columns, exterior shading structures, curtain wall frames, and more. The lightweight nature of aluminum square tubes enables architects to create more innovative and visually appealing designs while reducing the burden on infrastructure. In modern construction, the use of aluminum square tubes also contributes to sustainability goals, as aluminum is recyclable and reduces environmental impact.
HC Aluminum offers stock inventory, and customers can choose to purchase pre-cut or rolled lengths online, or order aluminum square tubes cut to size at wholesale prices.
If you need more information about aluminum square tube products or ordering assistance, feel free to contact HC Aluminum at any time!
