Introduction
Aluminium tubes are used in a variety of applications, from aerospace to construction. They are available in two main types: extruded and rolled. Extruded aluminium tubes are created by forcing molten aluminium through a die, while rolled aluminium tubes are created by rolling a flat sheet of aluminium into a tube. Both types of tubes have their own advantages and disadvantages, which are explored in this detailed comparison.
Production Process
Extruded Aluminium Tubes: Extruded aluminium tubes are produced by forcing molten aluminium through a die. This process can create tubes with complex shapes and cross-sections, and it can also be used to create tubes with a variety of wall thicknesses.
Rolled Aluminium Tubes: Rolled aluminium tubes are produced by rolling a flat sheet of aluminium into a tube. This process is simpler and less expensive than extrusion, but it can only be used to create tubes with simple shapes and cross-sections.
Mechanical Properties
Extruded Aluminium Tubes: Extruded aluminium tubes have higher strength and hardness than rolled aluminium tubes. This is because the extrusion process aligns the grain structure of the aluminium, which makes it more resistant to deformation.
Rolled Aluminium Tubes: Rolled aluminium tubes have lower strength and hardness than extruded aluminium tubes. However, they are more ductile, which means that they can be bent and formed more easily.
Corrosion Resistance
Extruded Aluminium Tubes: Extruded aluminium tubes have better corrosion resistance than rolled aluminium tubes. This is because the extrusion process creates a smoother surface on the tube, which makes it less likely to corrode.
Rolled Aluminium Tubes: Rolled aluminium tubes have lower corrosion resistance than extruded aluminium tubes. However, they can be coated with a protective layer to improve their corrosion resistance.
Surface Finish
Extruded Aluminium Tubes: Extruded aluminium tubes have a smooth, polished surface. This makes them ideal for applications where appearance is important, such as in architectural applications.
Rolled Aluminium Tubes: Rolled aluminium tubes have a rougher surface than extruded aluminium tubes. This makes them less ideal for applications where appearance is important, nhÆ°ng they are more suitable for applications where strength is more important than appearance.
Cost
Extruded Aluminium Tubes: Extruded aluminium tubes are more expensive than rolled aluminium tubes. This is because the extrusion process is more complex and requires more specialized equipment.
Rolled Aluminium Tubes: Rolled aluminium tubes are less expensive than extruded aluminium tubes. This is because the rolling process is simpler and requires less specialized equipment.
Applications
Extruded Aluminium Tubes: Extruded aluminium tubes are used in a wide variety of applications, including:
Aerospace
Automotive
Construction
Medical
Oil and gas
Rolled Aluminium Tubes: Rolled aluminium tubes are used in a wide variety of applications, including:
Automotive
Construction
Food and beverage
Medical
Packaging
