When sourcing soft, highly corrosion-resistant aluminum tubing for your manufacturing project, the 1100 extruded aluminum round tube is one of the most reliable and cost-effective choices on the market.
An 1100 extruded aluminum round tube is a commercially pure aluminum product (containing at least 99.0% aluminum) formed through the hot extrusion process. It is widely known for its exceptional corrosion resistance, lightweight nature, and extreme formability. Because it is highly ductile and easy to shape, it is a staple material in industrial heat exchangers, HVAC systems, and non-pressure chemical fluid transfer.
However, because it is essentially pure aluminum, it is very soft. If you are a buyer or an engineer, you need to understand its exact mechanical limits before placing a bulk order. In this comprehensive guide, we will break down the specifications, the extrusion process, practical applications, and how it compares to other common aluminum tubes.
What is 1100 Aluminum Tubing?
To understand the tube, you must first understand the metal. The 1xxx series represents commercially pure aluminum.
By industry definitions, 1100 aluminum tubing must contain a minimum of 99.0% aluminum. Because it lacks significant heavy alloying elements like magnesium, silicon, or zinc, it is classified as a non-heat-treatable alloy. You cannot put it in a furnace to make it stronger.
Core Characteristics: It possesses the highest degree of ductility, meaning it is incredibly easy to bend, flare, and form without cracking. It also forms a natural oxide layer that makes it highly resistant to rust and chemical corrosion. Its only major drawback is its low mechanical strength.
What is an Extruded Aluminum Tube?
How is this tube actually made? The word "extruded" refers to the manufacturing process.
The Extrusion Process:
Imagine squeezing toothpaste out of a tube. Extrusion works exactly like that, but with hot metal. A solid, heated cylinder of 1100 aluminum (called a billet) is pushed with immense hydraulic pressure through a round steel die. As the metal squeezes through the die, it forms a continuous, seamless, or semi-seamless round tube.
Why buyers prefer extruded tubes:
- Cost-Effective: The tooling (the steel die) is relatively cheap to produce.
- Custom Sizes: You can easily request custom outer diameters (OD) and wall thicknesses without paying massive setup fees.
- Uniform Cross-Section: The extrusion process guarantees consistent wall thickness along the entire length of the pipe.
Chemical Composition of AA1100 Aluminum Tube
The physical behavior of the metal is dictated by its chemistry. Here is the standard breakdown of AA1100:
| Element | Content Percentage (%) |
| Aluminum (Al) | ≥ 99.0 |
| Copper (Cu) | 0.05 – 0.20 |
| Iron (Fe) + Silicon (Si) | ≤ 1.0 (combined) |
| Zinc (Zn) | ≤ 0.10 |
| Manganese (Mn) | ≤ 0.05 |
Factory Insight: Notice the small amount of Copper (0.05 - 0.20%). This slight addition gives the 1100 alloy just enough internal stability to handle the extrusion process smoothly, making it slightly stronger than the purer 1060 or 1050 grades.
Mechanical Properties of AA1100 Aluminum Tube
How much physical stress can this tube handle? The answer depends entirely on the "Temper" (the state of the metal's hardness).
| Temper | Tensile Strength | Yield Strength | Elongation |
| O (Annealed/Soft) | 70 – 95 MPa | 20 – 35 MPa | High (Very flexible) |
| H14 (Half-Hard) | 90 – 110 MPa | 35 – 50 MPa | Medium |
| H18 (Full-Hard) | 110 – 130 MPa | 75 – 95 MPa | Low (Hard to bend) |
Note: For tight-radius bending in HVAC systems, the "O" temper is the most commonly purchased. If the tube needs to remain straight during handling, H14 is a better choice.
Are you struggling to bend your current aluminum tubes without them cracking or collapsing? The temper might be wrong. Contact GNEE's engineering team today. Tell us your bending radius, and we will recommend and quote the exact 1100 aluminum round tube specification you need to optimize your production.
Key Features and Advantages of AA1100 Extruded Aluminum Tube
- Extreme Corrosion Resistance: It easily withstands damp environments, making it ideal for cooling lines.
- Lightweight: It is only one-third the weight of copper or steel tubing, saving massive costs on shipping and structural support.
- Superior Formability: It causes very little wear and tear on your factory's bending and cutting machinery.
- Good Weldability: It can be easily brazed, soldered, or welded using standard commercial methods.
- High Thermal Conductivity: It transfers heat rapidly, which is why the refrigeration industry loves it.
Applications of AA1100 Extruded Aluminum Tube
Because of its unique blend of softness, conductivity, and chemical resistance, this tube is found in specific everyday industrial applications.
Industrial & Manufacturing Uses:
- Heat Exchangers & Radiators: Used for cooling coils where rapid heat transfer is required.
- Chemical Equipment Piping: Ideal for transferring non-pressurized chemicals, food liquids, or gases where rust cannot be tolerated.
- HVAC Piping: Widely used as a cost-effective alternative to copper tubing in air conditioning systems.
Decorative & General Uses:
- Furniture Tubing: Used for lightweight aluminum chairs or table frames.
- Architectural Trim: Handrails, curtain wall supports, or display racks.
- Lighting Fixtures: Because it is easy to anodize into bright colors, it is used for tubular lamp casings.
Extruded Aluminum Tube vs Drawn Aluminum Tube
| Feature | Extruded 1100 Tube | Drawn 1100 Tube |
| Manufacturing Method | Pushed through a heated die | Pulled cold through a die over a mandrel |
| Cost | Lower (More economical) | Higher (Extra processing steps) |
| Dimensional Precision | Medium (Standard tolerances) | High (Extremely tight tolerances) |
| Surface Finish | Standard commercial finish | Smooth, highly polished finish |
| Mechanical Strength | Lower (Hot process) | Higher (Cold-worked process) |
If you are building standard HVAC coils, chemical pipes, or furniture, extruded aluminum tubing is your most cost-effective choice. However, if you are making high-end medical devices or hydraulic cylinders where the outer diameter must be accurate to a fraction of a millimeter, you must pay the premium for drawn aluminum tubing.
When to Choose 1100 Extruded Tube
Choose the 1100 extruded tube if:
- You are building heat transfer equipment or cooling coils.
- Your project is highly cost-sensitive and requires large-volume tubing.
- You need to do complex, tight-radius bending.
- The pipe will not bear any structural weight.
Do not choose the 1100 extruded tube if:
- You are building high-pressure systems: the pipe will burst. Switch to a 5052 aluminum pipe.
- You are building structural frames: they will bend under heavy load. Switch to a 6061 aluminum tube.
Comparison with Other Aluminum Tube Grades
If you are unsure if 1100 is right for you, compare it to these common alternatives:
| Alloy Grade | Relative Strength | Primary Benefit | Typical Use |
| 1100 Tube | Low | High purity, max bending | Heat exchangers, HVAC, general tubing |
| 3003 Tube | Medium | Stronger than 1100, still bends well | Industrial fluid lines, automotive piping |
| 5052 Tube | Higher | Saltwater corrosion resistance | Marine applications, medium-pressure fuel lines |
| 6061 Tube | High | Structural stiffness | Scaffolding, machinery frames, heavy duty parts |
Don't let high raw material costs or long lead times delay your project. As a direct factory supplier, we offer flexible MOQs and custom cut-to-length services. Request a Free Quote Now and secure the best price for your bulk 1100 extruded aluminum round tube orders.
Why Choose GNEE as Your Aluminum Tube Supplier?
At GNEE, we are a professional and globally trusted aluminum tube supplier. We understand the precise needs of international buyers:
- Full Alloy Range: We don't just supply 1100. We maintain a full inventory of 1050, 3003, 5052, 6061, and 7075 aluminum tubing.
- Extruded & Seamless Options: We provide both cost-effective extruded tubes and high-precision drawn seamless tubes.
- Custom Sizes & Tempers: From fully soft O temper capillary tubes to H14 industrial pipes, we manufacture to your exact outer diameter and wall thickness requirements.
- Fast Delivery & Stable Supply: Our high-output extrusion lines ensure your assembly lines never face material shortages.
- Expert Export Packaging: We know how to protect soft aluminum. We use rigid wooden crates, interleaving paper, and secure strapping to guarantee 100% damage-free delivery anywhere in the world.
Stop worrying about material quality and shipping damage. Contact GNEE today for premium 1100 extruded aluminum round tubes, competitive factory-direct pricing, and reliable global delivery.
