Seamless aluminum tubes are high-performance tubes made without welds or seams, achieved through extrusion or cold drawing processes, which provides structural integrity, superior pressure resistance, and a smooth finish. They are ideal for demanding applications like aerospace, automotive systems, high-pressure hydraulics, and compressed gas cylinders, as well as any project requiring uniform appearance or high-stress structural strength.
How They Are Made1. Extrusion:A heated solid or hollow aluminum billet is forced through a die and mandrel to create a hollow tube shape. 2. Piercing:A solid billet can be pierced by a mandrel in a piercer press, which then extrudes the billet in a second stroke. 3. Cold Drawing:The extruded seamless tube can then be drawn through dies to achieve tighter tolerances, thinner wall thicknesses, and a smoother finish. Key BenefitsStructural Integrity:The absence of a weld seam ensures uniformity and strength, making it ideal for high-pressure applications. Pressure Resistance:The lack of a weak point from a weld makes them suitable for systems that experience high internal pressures, such as hydraulic cylinders. Uniform Appearance:Seamless tubes provide a consistent surface finish, which is beneficial for applications where aesthetics or anodizing are important. Formability:They are well-suited for demanding forming operations and can withstand significant deformation without splitting. High-Stress Applications:Their increased structural integrity makes them a preferred choice for parts in aerospace, automotive, and heavy equipment manufacturing. Common Applications Aerospace: Structural components and fuel lines.Automotive: Structural parts, driveshafts, and various fluid systems.Hydraulics: High-pressure cylinders and lines.Energy: Conduits for electricity (bus conductors) and components for pressure vessels.Medical Equipment: Components for devices requiring high precision and cleanliness.Consumer Goods: Frames for lighting and other structural elements.
Seamless Tube:
Hydro seamless tubes are produced using two methods. One method pushes a hollow aluminum billet through a Die and Mandrel Press with tremendous force at high temperatures. The other method pushes a solid billet through a Piercer Press and then a mandrel pierces and extrudes the billet in a second forward stroke. Regardless of the method used, the tube will have no weld or seam, making it ideal for anodizing and other finishing procedures.
Advantages of seamless tube and pipe:No weld seams, preferred for pressure vesselsMore uniform anodizing appearance, especially on heavier wall sectionsNo weld seams that could split in forming operationIncreased structural integrityStructural Tube:
Hydro structural tube is produced with either the porthole or bridge die method. Solid aluminum billet is pushed through the die with tremendous force at high temperatures. The tube separates during the process and is formed back together by an inherent welding process while passing through the extrusion die. There is a slightly visible seam that may be noticeable to the naked eye if the tube is anodized or "finished."
