What Is The Production Process Of Seamless Aluminum Tubes? How Are They Made?

The production of seamless aluminum tubes is a sophisticated process that ensures strength and precision. At Southwest Aluminium (Kunshan) Co., Ltd, we've refined this craft since 2012, creating tubes for aerospace and automotive applications. How are they made?

It begins with a high-quality aluminum billet, typically 6061 or 7075, heated to 400°C-500°C for malleability. The billet undergoes piercing, where a mandrel creates a hollow core, forming a thick-walled tube blank. This blank is then extruded through a die using our 500 to 8,000-ton presses, shaping it into a seamless tube with uniform thickness.

For precision, cold drawing may follow, reducing diameter and wall thickness while enhancing surface finish and tolerances (±0.1mm). Heat treatment, like T6 for 7075, boosts strength to 570 MPa, followed by quenching and aging. Final steps include surface treatments (e.g., anodizing) and rigorous testing-ultrasonic and hydrostatic-to ensure defect-free tubes per ASTM B241.

Our 70,000-ton capacity and ISO 9001 processes ensure efficiency for distributors in the Middle East, while CNC machining capabilities meet Australian factories' needs. With SGS certifications and 24-hour quotes, Southwest Aluminium delivers seamless tubes, from EV cooling lines to drone frames, blending precision with performance.