mineral / Metallic / Non-Ferrous

Aluminium tube, various OD and wall thicknesses (Specified by diameter & wall thickness)

Lightweight, corrosion-resistant hollow extrusions available in structural (6061-T6) and architectural (6063-T6) grades, offering excellent strength-to-weight ratios and 95% recyclability for sustainable construction applications

Atlas code
MIN-MET-NF-009
mineralmetallicnon-ferrousaluminiumextrudedstructuralarchitectural
Aluminium tube, various OD and wall thicknesses (Specified by diameter & wall thickness)
At-a-glance signals

Lightweight, corrosion-resistant hollow extrusions available in structural (6061-T6) and architectural (6063-T6) grades, offering excellent strength-to-weight ratios and 95% recyclability for sustainable construction applications

Overview
Executive summary

Aluminium tubes are precision-extruded hollow sections manufactured from high-grade aluminium alloys, primarily 6061-T6 for structural applications and 6063-T6 for architectural uses. These tubes comply with AS/NZS 1866:1997 standards and offer exceptional corrosion resistance, particularly in Australian marine and coastal environments. Available in diameters from 6mm to 300mm with wall thicknesses from 1mm to 25mm, they provide versatile solutions for frameworks, handrails, structural supports, and architectural features. The material's inherent properties include excellent thermal conductivity, non-combustibility for bushfire compliance, and infinite recyclability with minimal energy input.

Best when…
  • Excellent strength-to-weight ratio (tensile strength 240-310 MPa)
  • Superior corrosion resistance in marine environments
  • 95% energy savings through recycling
  • Non-combustible - suitable for all BAL ratings
  • No VOC emissions during service life
  • Termite and rot resistant
  • Excellent thermal and electrical conductivity
  • Precision dimensional tolerances per AS/NZS 1866
  • Wide range of surface finishes available
  • 100% recyclable at end of life
Top advantages
  1. 01 Excellent strength-to-weight ratio (tensile strength 240-310 MPa)
  2. 02 Superior corrosion resistance in marine environments
  3. 03 95% energy savings through recycling
  4. 04 Non-combustible - suitable for all BAL ratings
  5. 05 No VOC emissions during service life
Top limitations
  1. 01 Higher initial cost than steel ($30-90/metre typical)
  2. 02 Lower elastic modulus than steel (69 GPa vs 200 GPa)
  3. 03 Requires specialised welding techniques (TIG/MIG)
  4. 04 Galvanic corrosion risk with dissimilar metals
  5. 05 Limited availability of large diameter heavy wall sections
Technical
Physical ·9
Density
2700 kg/m³ 6061-T6 and 6063-T6 alloys
Specific gravity
2.7 unitless 2.70
Porosity
0 % Non-porous solid metal
Water absorption
0 % Impermeable material
Hardness
84 HB range: 73-95 HB - 73 for 6063-T6, 95 for 6061-T6
UV resistance
Excellent - No degradation under UV
Chemical resistance
Good (pH 4-9) - Passive oxide layer protection
pH tolerance
4.0-9.0 pH pH Optimal range for corrosion resistance
Surface roughness
2 μm range: 0.8-3.2 μm Ra - Mill finish to machined
Mechanical ·7
Tensile strength
275 MPa range: 240-310 MPa - 240 for 6063-T6, 310 for 6061-T6
Compressive strength
260 MPa range: 240-280 MPa - Similar to tensile for aluminium
Flexural strength
285 MPa range: 250-320 MPa - Calculated from tensile properties
Shear strength
177.5 MPa range: 150-205 MPa - 150 for 6063-T6, 205 for 6061-T6
Poisson's ratio
0.33 unitless 0.33
Impact resistance
Good - Maintains properties at low temperatures
Creep resistance
Good below 150°C - Temperature dependent
Sustainability & Health
Embodied carbon & energy ·7
Embodied carbon
1.8-8.2 kg CO₂e/kg Depends on recycled content
Carbon footprint
1.8-8.2 kg CO₂e/kg Recycled to primary aluminium
Embodied energy
20-170 MJ/kg 20 for recycled, 170 for primary
Water footprint
1.2-125 L/kg Varies with production method
Recycled content
20-80 % Australian market average
Renewable content
0 % Mineral-based material
Circular score
9 out of 10 Excellent recyclability and durability
Compliance & Fire
Fire performance ·6
Combustibility class
Non-combustible BCA Group 1 material
Fire resistance level
Non-combustible AS 1530.1 compliant
Ignition temp
Not applicable °C Non-combustible
Flame spread index
0 Non-combustible per AS 1530.3
Smoke dev. index
0 No smoke generation
Heat release rate
0 kW/m² Non-combustible
Cost & Lifecycle
Capex & lead time ·6
Material cost (range)
$8-25/kg Australian market 2024-2025
Material cost (per unit)
$30-90/metre Varies by size and alloy
Lead time
1-14 days Stock items to special orders
Lifecycle cost
$100-300/metre 50+ year analysis
Annual maintenance
$0-5/m² Minimal maintenance required
Market availability
Readily available Multiple Australian suppliers
Service life & durability ·3
Expected lifespan
50+ years With minimal maintenance
Maintenance interval
Annual inspection Visual check only
Warranty period
10-25 years Typical manufacturer warranties
Layer D

Where it's used

Structural frameworks and space frames
Architectural handrails and balustrades
Curtain wall and facade systems
Solar panel mounting structures
Marine and coastal applications
HVAC ducting and ventilation systems
Temporary structures and scaffolding
Automotive and transport applications
Greenhouse and agricultural structures
Signage and display systems
MIN-MET-NF-009 · Materials Atlas · CLAD Atlas data is reference-only. Verify against manufacturer specifications and current standards before specifying.