Square/rectangular aluminum tubing

[theoldwizard1]

Why is it so hard to find square/rectangular aluminum tubing with rounded corners ? The stuff is extruded so it is just a different die !

Steel square/rectangular tubing I assume is bent/folded and welded.

 

[rwa2004]

Yes, ST tubing is bent and welded and this makes it require round corners. AL is extruded and can be tight corners.

In both products, the general market would say they want the smallest corners possible, so when they can make a sharp corner with the extrusion, they do.

The round corners on steel tubing does create a natural groove that is nice for welding, that seems to be the only advantage. More often than not the round edges are negative trait. What is your application that makes you want round edges on AL?

 

[danielbuck]

I've never thought about it before, but if I had a choice I think I'd rather have rounded corners.

 

[alwaysFlOoReD]

Rounded corners is easier on the shoulders when carrying long sticks. I have manufactured 24' aluminum poles for scaffolding and homemade 20' aluminum poles also for scaffolding. The homemade poles have round corners and are much easier on the shoulder to carry.

 

[theoldwizard1]

The round corners on steel tubing does create a natural groove that is nice for welding, that seems to be the only advantage.

That is one reason.

Every machinist will tell you that anything that is going to be handled by a human will have "break all sharp corners" (put a chamfer on edges) written on the plans !

 

[thejimmy]

There are many Alro locations in Mi, have you tried them?

I'm fortunate to have one of their outlets here in Clearwater, great selection of material

 

[racingtadpole]

Alcoa manufacturer both round and square corner. Shouldn’t be that difficult to obtain.

 

[pamike]

Alum tube typically has square outside corners as far as I know. We get a mill run of 2" x 2" tube in order to get the radius outside corner.

 

[mike13u]

Aluminum tube with rounded corners is structural tubing and is generally 6061. Tube with sharp corners is generally thought of as architectural or ornamental and is 6063. The rounded corners isn't as readily available in most parts of the country and many folks tend to purchase the less expensive 6063.

 

[theoldwizard1]

There are many Alro locations in Mi, have you tried them?

They are less than 5 miles away. Their catalog only list "sharp corner" square or rectangular, 6061 or 6063 tubing.

Most (all?) of aluminum tubing/pipe is extruded, no forming and welding. There must not be much demand as a different set of dies is not that expensive.

 

[elvee]

The fab companies that I have worked for use literally tons of radius corner square and rectangular tube per year - our whole industry does. We do everything we can to avoid sharp edge. All the jobber yards we use when we are in a pinch stock both styles. That includes yards in California, Texas, Tennessee, and Michigan.

All 6061-T6, with a lot of them stocking it in 6005.

 

[dacuda]

run a round over bit down sides ,voila rounded corners

 

[theoldwizard1]

run a round over bit down sides ,voila rounded corners

Maybe take just a tiny bit of the edge off, but any more any you have compromised the strength.