Aluminium Tubing

Aluminium tubing comes in a variety of alloys.For example,in low pressure systems(below 1000 psi)such as those used for instrument air or ventilating air,commercially pure aluminium tubing made from 1100-H14 (half-hard),or aluminium alloy 3003-H14(Hlaf-Hard) is used.

Low pressure fuel and oil and medium pressure (1000 to 1500 psi)hydraulic and pneumatic systems often use lines made of 5052-0 aluminium alloy.This alloy,even in its annealed state is about one and three quarter times stronger than half-hard,commercially pure aluminium.

Occasionally,2024-T aluminium alloy is used for fluid lines because of its high strength.However,it is not as flexible and,therefore,it is more difficult to bend and flare without cracking.

Aluminium alloy tubes are indetified in a number of ways.For example,on larger tubes,the alloy designation is stamped directly on the tube's surface.However,on small tubing,the alloy designation is typically identified by a coloured band.