When selecting aluminum pipe in Schedule 40, you want a balance of strength, machinability, and corrosion resistance. This guide highlights five practical options from Online Metals and trusted fittings, focusing on common dimensions and versatile uses—from marine applications to structural projects. Each entry includes key specs and notable features to help you compare at a glance.
Summary of chosen products (without links):
| Product | Brand | Size / ID / OD | Length | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6061 Aluminum Pipe, Schedule 40, 2″ Nominal | Online Metals | 2.067″ ID / 2.38″ OD | 36″ | Good strength-to-weight; weldable; corrosion resistant |
| Aluminum 6061-T6 Pipe Schedule 40 1″ Nominal | Online Metals | 1.049″ ID / 1.32″ OD | 72″ | Smooth bore; seamless/drawn construction |
| Aluminum 6061-T6 Pipe Schedule 40 3/4″ Nominal | Online Metals | 0.824″ ID / 1.05″ OD | 36″ | Lightweight; corrosion resistance; seam-drawn |
| USA SEALING ZUSA-PF-5779 Schedule 40 Pipe Nipple 3/4″ NPT | USASEALING | 3/4″ NPT | 6″ | Seamless aluminum; threaded on both ends |
| Merit Brass Aluminum Nipple, 1-1/2″ NPT, Schedule 40 | Merit Brass | 1-1/2″ NPT | 4-1/2″ | Male threads; lightweight aluminum |
6061 Aluminum Pipe, Schedule 40, 2″ Nominal
Brand: Online Metals
- 2″ nominal size with 2.067″ inside diameter and 2.38″ outside diameter
- 0.15″ wall; 36″ length
- 6061 aluminum offers a favorable strength-to-weight ratio, good corrosion resistance, and excellent weldability
- T6 extruded processing enhances machinability and structural performance
Aluminum 6061-T6 Pipe Schedule 40 1″ Nominal
Brand: Online Metals
- 1″ Nominal with 1.049″ ID and 1.32″ OD; 72″ length
- Used in marine and transportation structural applications
- 6061 aluminum provides strength, weldability, and resistance to stress cracking and corrosion
- Seamless and drawn construction yields smoother bore and more consistent wall thickness
Aluminum 6061-T6 Pipe Schedule 40 3/4″ Nominal
Brand: Online Metals
- 3/4″ nominal with 0.824″ ID and 1.05″ OD; 36″ length
- 6061 aluminum suitable for structural use and optics of precision assemblies
- Seamless and drawn to provide a consistent bore and wall thickness
USA SEALING ZUSA-PF-5779 Aluminum Schedule 40 Pipe Nipple
Brand: USASEALING
- Material: Aluminum; Schedule 40
- Threaded on Both Ends; 3/4″ NPT; 6″ Long
- Construction: Seamless; ideal for joints requiring quick assembly
Aluminum Pipe Fitting, Nipple, 1-1/2″ NPT
Brand: Merit Brass
- 1-1/2″ NPT male threads; 4-1/2″ length
- Made for connecting and extending aluminum pipes
- Lightweight aluminum construction
- Compliance with standard NPT threading and Schedule 40
Buying Guide: Aluminum Schedule 40 Pipes And Fittings
- Material grade and treatment: 6061-T6 is common for structural and architectural projects due to high strength, good corrosion resistance, and excellent weldability. Consider T6 temper for consistent mechanical properties.
- Wall thickness and bore: Schedule 40 defines standard wall thickness. For critical tolerances, seek seamless and drawn tubing to achieve smoother bores and uniform walls.
- Diameter options: Determine ID and OD to match connectors, fittings, and mounting hardware. Larger IDs generally enable higher fluid flow but add weight.
- Welding and fabrication: 6061 aluminum welds well with proper technique. If welding is planned, ensure compatible filler material and post-weld treatment to minimize distortion.
- Corrosion resistance: Aluminum resists corrosion, but consider environment (marine, outdoors) and potential galvanic interactions if paired with other metals.
- Threaded fittings: When using nipples and couplings, verify NPT standard compatibility (female/male) and ensure threads are clean and properly sealed with appropriate Teflon tape or sealant.
- Length considerations: Long sections may require handling equipment and support; shorter lengths offer easier transport and assembly but may necessitate more joints.
- Applications: Suitable for structural frameworks, scaffolding, marine hardware, hydraulic lines, and lightweight frames where corrosion resistance and weldability are beneficial.
- Cost and availability: Aluminum Schedule 40 is widely available; compare vendors for consistency in wall thickness and bore quality to avoid mismatched components.
- Safety: Inspect for surface defects, dents, or corrosion before assembly. Verify load requirements and avoid over-torquing threaded connections to prevent damage.