Aluminium is a lightweight, durable and corrosion-resistant metal that is easily formable, which makes it an ideal material for fabricating various shapes and sizes. Having a wide range of aluminium tube sizes is paramount for any aluminium supplier as the metal is used in numerous industries for various applications. Aluminium tube sizes determine the capacity, strength, flexibility and suitability for a specific use. For example, an aluminium tube designed for a bicycle frame would not have the characteristics for use in an aeroplane structure or as building support.
In addition to aluminium tube size variations, the shape can be critical as different shapes can offer distinct advantages in terms of strength, aesthetics and functionality. One of the most important factors when deciding on the ideal aluminium tube for its intended purpose, is to calculate the load it will bear and how the weight is distributed. For example, square or rectangular tubes offer greater resistance against torsional or twisting forces compared to round tubes, whereas round tubes will handle axial and radial forces better than square tubes.
Common Aluminium Tube Sizes in the UK
UK aluminium tubes come in various shapes and sizes to suit numerous applications in transportation, construction, electronics, piping and fluid transport, furniture, sporting goods, packaging and more. Some of the most common shapes of aluminium extrusions include round tubes, square and rectangular tubes, flat bars, sheets, plates, angles 3 channels. Depending on the location of the project, or the nationality of your collaborators, you may find yourself sourcing profiles in either metric or imperial dimensions. At LA Metals, we supply aluminium tube size charts to help translate measurements to ensure the precise fit for your project. While there are many standard aluminium tube sizes in the UK, the most common sizes will vary between industry and application. Here are some of the most common sizes for various shapes:
- Round tubes: 10mm, 12mm, 16mm, 20mm, 25mm, 30mm, 40mm and 50mm.
- Square tubes: 20x20mm, 25x25mm, 30x30mm, 40x40mm, 50x50mm.
- Rectangular tubes: 20x10mm, 40x20mm, 50x25mm, 50x30mm, 60x30mm, 100x50mm.
If you’re sourcing aluminium tubes for a specific application or project, get in touch with LA Metals, as we stock a wide range of aluminium tubes in various sizes, as well as other shaped profiles, including, equal angle, unequal angle, channels, t-sections, zed sections and more.
How about some interesting aluminium facts
Aluminium is used to make tubes, channels, sheets and sections, but what else has it been used for?
Before the modern process of extraction, aluminium was considered more valuable than gold. In fact, Napoleon III of France reportedly reserved a set of aluminium cutlery for special guests at state banquets.
Aluminium retains its properties indefinitely when recycled. Remarkably, about 75% of all aluminium ever produced is still in use today. Your Coca-Cola can from the 80s became the plane you flew to Ibiza on in the 90s, the bike you cycled to work on in the 00s and a can again now.
Thanks to its superb strength-to-weight ratio, aluminium is widely used in the aerospace industry. The Wright brothers used aluminium in the engine of their first plane in 1903.
It is often found in architecture and was used for the tip of the Washington Monument in the late 1800s as it was considered a symbol of wealth and prestige at the time.
Aluminium also has an extraterrestrial connection. It’s believed a specific isotope of aluminium called aluminium-26 played a role in the heat processes of the early solar system.
The Statue of Eros in London is often mistaken as bronze due to its decolourising through weathering for over a century, but it is, in fact, cast from aluminium. Erected in the 1890s, it was one of the earliest aluminium statues made.
Where to buy aluminium tubes in the UK
At LA Metals, we are proud to be the UK’s premier supplier of aluminium extrusions, with a wide range of profiles in various shapes and sizes. We also offer a bespoke service meaning we can fabricate pieces required for the most unique designs, and finish them with powder, paint or anodising. Get in touch with our friendly team to see how we can help make your grand plans become reality.