What diameters and wall thicknesses are available for aluminium tubes?

Aluminium round tubes are available in outer diameters ranging from Ø 8 mm up to Ø 580 mm for industrial grades. For event and truss applications, the most relevant range is Ø 30 mm to Ø 120 mm with wall thicknesses from 1 mm (thin-wall drawn) to 5 mm and above. Standard stock lengths are 1 m, 2 m, 3 m and 6 m. Cut-to-length orders allow you to specify the exact dimension required for your project, minimising waste and on-site cutting time.

Is the aluminium tube anodised or available in other surface finishes?

Aluminium tubes are available in several surface finishes to suit different applications. Natural mill finish (pressblank) is the standard for structural and hidden components. Anodised (eloxiert) tubes feature an electrochemically thickened oxide layer of 5–25 µm, improving corrosion and abrasion resistance — available in silver (E6/EV1) and bronze tones. Powder-coated tubes are available in any RAL colour and are ideal for visible exhibition and stage furniture. Polished and brushed finishes are also available for decorative applications.

What aluminium alloy is used for the tubes — for example, EN AW-6060?

The most common alloy for extruded aluminium tubes is EN AW-6060 (AlMgSi 0.5, F22 temper), compliant with EN 755-1/-2/-8/-9. It offers good corrosion resistance and excellent surface quality, making it suitable for exhibition stands and light-duty frames. For load-bearing truss and rigging applications, EN AW-6082 T6 is the professional standard, delivering yield strengths above 250 MPa. Using EN AW-6060 as a structural replacement for EN AW-6082 T6 truss chord tubes is a safety risk and must be avoided.

Can aluminium tubes be cut to a custom length?

Yes — aluminium tubes can be ordered cut to your exact required length. LTT offers a cut-to-length service so tubes arrive ready for immediate assembly. When specifying lengths, account for the depth of any spigot, sleeve or coupler connection at each end — typically 50–100 mm per joint depending on the hardware. Custom lengths eliminate on-site cutting, reduce material waste and ensure precise fit within modular truss or exhibition systems.

Are aluminium tubes suitable for truss and stage construction?

Yes — aluminium tubes are the primary structural component of virtually every professional truss system used in stage and event construction, including systems from Naxpro-Truss, Global Truss and Prolyte. For load-bearing chord and brace tube applications, EN AW-6082 T6 is the correct alloy specification. Tubes must match the original manufacturer's diameter, wall thickness and alloy to maintain the truss system's certified working load limit (WLL). Always request a material certificate (EN 10204 Type 3.1) for structural tube purchases.

What is the load capacity (WLL) of an aluminium tube?

The working load limit (WLL) of an aluminium tube cannot be stated as a single figure — it depends on the alloy and temper, outer diameter, wall thickness, unsupported span, connection type and direction of applied loads. For event structures, load calculations must comply with EN 1090-3 and, in Germany, DIN 4113 and BGV C1 / DGUV Regulation 17 & 18. For public events above defined thresholds, a TÜV SÜD or equivalent third-party static assessment is required. Always consult a qualified structural engineer or the truss manufacturer's load tables for your specific configuration.

What is the difference between EN AW-6060 and EN AW-6082 aluminium tubes?

EN AW-6060 and EN AW-6082 are both aluminium-magnesium-silicon (AlMgSi) alloys, but with significantly different mechanical properties. EN AW-6060 in F22 temper has a typical yield strength of around 60–120 MPa and is widely used for decorative profiles, exhibition furniture and light-duty frames. EN AW-6082 in T6 temper achieves yield strengths above 250 MPa and is the standard structural alloy for load-bearing truss chord and brace tubes in professional event and stage construction. Substituting EN AW-6060 for EN AW-6082 in a structural application reduces load capacity by more than half.

How can aluminium tubes be welded, drilled or bent?

Aluminium tubes can be welded using TIG (GTAW) or MIG (GMAW) processes with appropriate filler wire matched to the base alloy — ER4043 or ER5356 are common choices. Drilling is straightforward with standard HSS or carbide bits at moderate speeds and with cutting fluid. Bending is possible using a mandrel tube bender to prevent wall collapse; EN AW-6060 bends more easily than EN AW-6082 due to its lower strength. Note that welding EN AW-6082 T6 reduces local strength to the annealed condition — any welded structural joint must be reassessed against the applicable load standard.

Aluminium tubes

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