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Aluminum tubing's cost is primarily attributed to the extraction and refining process of aluminum itself. Obtaining pure aluminum from bauxite ore involves energy-intensive procedures, contributing to higher production costs.

Additionally, aluminum's excellent properties, such as lightweight and corrosion resistance, further increase its demand, resulting in a competitive market that can affect pricing.

The key distinction between aluminum pipe and aluminum tube lies in their manufacturing processes and intended applications.

Aluminum pipes have uniform dimensions, typically used for conveying fluids and gases in plumbing and industrial systems.

On the other hand, aluminum tubes are usually more versatile, available in varied shapes and sizes, suitable for structural applications, and frequently found in the aerospace and automotive industries.

The most common type of aluminum tube found in everyday applications is the 6061 aluminum tube. Its widespread popularity is due to its excellent combination of strength, weldability, and corrosion resistance, making it versatile and well-suited for various projects.

Among the various types of aluminum tubing available, the 7075 aluminum alloy stands out as the strongest. This alloy is well-regarded for its exceptional strength-to-weight ratio, making it a preferred choice for aerospace and high-stress structural applications.

Both 6061 and 6063 aluminum alloys are popular choices for tubing, but they have distinct characteristics. While 6061 is stronger and more suitable for heavy-duty applications, 6063 is known for its excellent extrudability, making it a preferred option for architectural and decorative applications.

6061 aluminum tubing boasts impressive strength properties. It has a tensile strength of around 45,000 psi and a yield strength of about 40,000 psi, making it a reliable choice for a wide range of structural and engineering applications.

Generally, square aluminum tubing exhibits higher resistance to torsion and bending forces compared to round tubing. Square tubes' shape contributes to their enhanced strength and stability, making them ideal for structural purposes.

Despite their many advantages, aluminum tubes have a few drawbacks worth considering. One notable disadvantage is their lower heat conductivity compared to copper or steel, which may affect their performance in certain applications. Additionally, aluminum tubes can be more prone to denting and scratching, requiring careful handling during use and transportation.

Copper tubing is typically stronger than aluminum tubing, but it also depends on the specific alloy and application. Copper has higher tensile and yield strength compared to most aluminum alloys, but aluminum's advantage lies in its lightweight and corrosion-resistant properties.

One of the significant advantages of aluminum tubing is its inherent resistance to rust and corrosion. Aluminum forms a protective oxide layer when exposed to air, safeguarding it from rusting, unlike steel, which is susceptible to corrosion.

The cost of aluminum tubing can vary depending on the specific type and market conditions. Generally, aluminum tubing is considered to be more expensive than steel due to the production processes and properties of aluminum. However, its advantages, such as lightweight and corrosion resistance, often justify the investment in the long run.