The lightness that holds the load – yes, we are talking about aluminum. Aluminum in pipes is not about softness, but about calculation and technology. This metal weighs three times less than steel, but with proper alloying and heat treatment it can withstand serious loads. It is not afraid of moisture, cold and temperature changes, which is especially valuable for regions like Siberia.
Aluminum pipe is easy to process, does not rust, and has a service life of decades.
The company OKB Spetstalproekt Novosibirsk supplies aluminum pipes to industrial and construction enterprises throughout Siberia — from household engineering networks to large technological productions.
How to make an aluminum pipe
It all starts with bauxite, an ore from which aluminum is extracted by electrolysis. The resulting metal is cast into ingots, and then subjected to rolling. During hot rolling, aluminum becomes more homogeneous and durable, and during cold rolling, it acquires precise geometric dimensions and a smooth surface.
Next, the workpiece is stretched through calibrated die holes called spinners, forming a tube of the desired diameter and wall thickness from it. If the product is intended for an aggressive environment or outdoor installation, the surface is subjected to anodizing — this creates a dense protective oxide film that prevents corrosion even in salty or humid atmospheres.
The wall thickness varies depending on the purpose: light thin—walled pipes go to ventilation and air conditioning, and powerful thick-walled pipes go to hydraulic lines, heat exchangers and frames.
What is an aluminum pipe?
Aluminum is famous for its low density — about 2.7 g/cm3, which makes it three times lighter than steel. At the same time, the metal retains good strength and excellent corrosion resistance.
This is achieved due to the natural oxide film: it forms upon contact with air and protects the metal from rust without additional coating.
In addition to its resistance to moisture, aluminum pipe has a high thermal conductivity. This property makes it ideal for heat exchangers, heating circuits and air conditioning systems. Another advantage is excellent plasticity. The pipe can be bent, stretched, cut and welded without risk of cracks.
The electrical conductivity of aluminum is also excellent, so it is used to make housings, casings, and channels for cable runs. In the energy sector, aluminum is already the standard, not an alternative.
Where aluminum pipes are used
Aluminum pipe is versatile, so it can be found in almost any industry. In construction, these are load—bearing and decorative elements, fences, balconies
