Drawn Aluminum Tubing in Philadelphia, PA

When it comes to aluminum tubing, durability and precision are paramount. At McKnight Steel & Tube Co., we supply drawn aluminum tubing suitable for a wide range of demanding applications. Known for its superior strength-to-weight ratio, corrosion resistance, and machinability, drawn aluminum tubing meets the demands of modern engineering projects. Contact us today to learn more about our inventory and how our aluminum products can meet your project requirements.

What Is Drawn Aluminum Tubing?

Drawn aluminum tubing is a metal product created through a cold working process known as drawing. This process starts with a larger, pre-formed tube, often an extruded tube hollow or bloom. The initial tube is pulled through a series of dies and mandrels, which progressively reduce its diameter and wall thickness to achieve precise, final dimensions. Unlike extrusion, which shapes metal at high temperatures, drawing is typically performed at or near room temperature. The cold-drawn aluminum tubing process fundamentally changes the metal’s grain structure, resulting in a product with enhanced mechanical properties and surface finish.

The Drawing Process

The drawing process is a multi-step procedure designed to refine an initial tube hollow into a finished product. Here’s what the process entails:

• Preparing – The process begins with a larger, seamless extruded tube, often called a tube hollow or bloom. This hollow is inspected, cleaned, and lubricated to prepare it for drawing. Proper lubrication reduces friction, prevents galling, and ensures a smooth surface on the final product.
• Drawing – The prepared tube hollow is then pulled through a die with a smaller diameter than the tube itself. Simultaneously, a mandrel is held inside the tube to control the internal diameter and wall thickness. This combined action reduces both the outer diameter and the wall thickness, while also increasing the length of the tube.
• Annealing – Because the cold drawing process hardens the aluminum, the tube may become too brittle to undergo further reductions. To restore its ductility, the tube is annealed, which involves heating it to a specific temperature and then cooling it. This heat treatment allows for subsequent drawing passes.
• Finishing – After the final draw, the tubing is straightened, cut to the required lengths, and deburred. Depending on the customer’s specifications, it may undergo additional testing or finishing processes before being prepared for shipment.

How Does the Drawing Process Improve Tubing Quality?

When comparing extruded vs drawn aluminum tubing, the fundamental difference lies in the temperature at which the metal is worked. Extrusion is a hot-working process, while drawing is a cold-working process. The cold working involved in drawing refines the grain structure of the aluminum. This metallurgical change increases the material’s strength and hardness. Additionally, the slow and controlled reduction through polished dies creates a much smoother and more uniform surface finish compared to the faster, high-temperature extrusion process.

Key Features and Benefits of Drawn Aluminum Tubing

The drawing process has several distinct advantages that make this type of tubing a preferred choice for many critical applications. These benefits include:

• Tight Dimensional Tolerances – The drawing process allows for control over the tube’s outer diameter, inner diameter, and wall thickness. This precision is essential for components that require a close fit or uniform fluid flow.
• Enhanced Mechanical Properties – Cold working realigns the grain structure of the aluminum, increasing its tensile strength and hardness. This makes drawn aluminum stronger and more durable than hot-worked alternatives of the same alloy and temper.
• Concentricity and Straightness – Using a mandrel ensures uniform wall thickness and strong concentricity. The process also yields straight tubes, which are critical for applications involving rotating parts or precision alignment.

Customization Options for Your Project

One of the benefits of working with drawn aluminum tubing manufacturers is the ability to procure tubing that meets your specific requirements. Purchasers can specify a wide range of parameters, including:

• Alloy and Temper – Tubing is available in various alloys (like 6061, 2024, and 7075) and tempers (such as T3, T6, and T73), allowing for a precise match to the required strength, corrosion resistance, and formability.
• Dimensions – Outer diameter, inner diameter, and wall thickness can be controlled to tight tolerances, often beyond what’s achievable with standard extrusion.
• Lengths – Tubing can be cut to certain lengths as required by the project, minimizing waste and additional processing.

Quality Assurance From Raw Material to Final Product

The manufacturing process for drawn tubing incorporates several quality control checkpoints. From the initial inspection of the raw material to in-process dimensional checks and final verification of mechanical properties, every step is monitored to ensure compliance with industry standards and customer specifications. Documentation and material traceability are maintained throughout the process, providing the necessary certification and peace of mind that the product meets all stated requirements.

Your Source for Drawn Aluminum Tubing

Drawn aluminum tubing offers a solution when standard products fail to meet the dimensional accuracy, surface finish, and mechanical strength required by an application. At McKnight Steel & Tube Co., we understand the needs of metal purchasers in Philadelphia and beyond. We supply a comprehensive stock of aluminum drawn tubing in a variety of alloys, tempers, and sizes. Our commitment is to provide materials that meet your specifications, backed by the necessary documentation and quality assurance. Contact us today to discuss your requirements and request a quote for your next project.