2x2 4x4 Aluminum Squre Tube Stock
What is aluminum square tube?
The aluminum square tube, also known as an aluminum square hollow section (SHS), is an extruded aluminum profile with a square cross-section and uniform wall thickness. Originally developed for architectural and industrial frameworks, it has become one of the most versatile and widely used aluminum extrusions in modern engineering.
Combining light weight, high strength, and excellent corrosion resistance, square aluminum tube is used across construction, automotive, transportation, machinery, and furniture industries. Its precise geometry, smooth surface, and excellent machinability make it ideal for both functional and aesthetic applications.
From 1x1 aluminum square tubing for lightweight furniture and display frames to 4x4 aluminum square tubing for heavy-duty structural designs, we offer a full range of extrusion sizes to meet your specific project requirements.
2. Square aluminum tube specifications
| Parameter | Specification / Range |
|---|---|
| Shape | Square (equal sides) |
| Size Range (Side Width, A) | 10 mm – 300 mm (or 0.5” – 12”) |
| Wall Thickness (t) | 1 mm – 12 mm |
| Corner Radius (R) | 0.5 – 3.0 mm (typical) |
| Length | Up to 6,000 mm (20 ft) standard; custom cutting available |
| Tolerance | ±0.15 mm to ±0.50 mm (depends on side and wall) |
| Aluminum Alloy | 6063, 6061, 6082, 6005A, 5052, 7075 |
| Temper (Heat Treatment) | T4, T5, T6, T66, H112 |
| Surface Finish | Mill finish, anodized, powder-coated, brushed, polished |
| Standards | ASTM B221, EN 755-9, GB/T 6892 |
Whether you are sourcing 2x2 aluminum square tubing for standard structural frames or precision aluminum square stock for CNC machining, our products are available in a full dimensional range with tight tolerance control.
3. How strong is square tube aluminum?
When it comes to strength-to-weight performance, aluminum square tubes offer an exceptional balance. Their square geometry provides higher torsional rigidity and bending strength compared to flat bars or circular pipes of similar weight.
Among aluminum alloys, 6061-T6 and 6082-T6 are widely recognized for their high tensile and yield strength, making them ideal for load-bearing structures, machinery frames, and transport frameworks.
For heavy structural applications—such as trusses, gantries, or industrial frames—4x4 aluminum square tubing provides a strong yet lightweight alternative to steel, offering roughly one-third the weight while maintaining high stiffness and durability.
On the other end, 1x1 aluminum square tubing is commonly used where moderate strength and high aesthetic value are required, such as display racks and architectural frameworks.
In short, square aluminum tube combines strength, corrosion resistance, and lightweight performance—delivering reliability in both structural and decorative applications.
4. How do you bend aluminum square tube?
Many persons wonder: How do you bend aluminum square tube without cracking or deforming it?
The key lies in the temper and bending technique. Softer tempers such as T4 or T5 allow easier forming and bending, while harder ones like T6 may require careful handling to avoid surface cracking. Using a larger bend radius—typically three to five times the wall thickness—helps maintain wall integrity.
For thin-walled 1x1 aluminum square tubing, manual or rotary draw bending can achieve smooth curves. For 2x2 or 4x4 aluminum square tubing, precision-controlled mandrel or roll bending is recommended to prevent collapse or wrinkling.
By following proper forming procedures, aluminum square pipe can be bent effectively to create custom shapes for railings, frames, and structural components.
5. Corner radius (R) and design considerations
| Tube Size (Side Width) | Common R Range | Description |
|---|---|---|
| ≤ 20 mm | R = 0.5 – 1.0 mm | Small decorative or frame tubing |
| 25–50 mm | R = 1.0 – 1.5 mm | Standard structural and architectural tubing |
| 60–100 mm | R = 1.5 – 2.0 mm | Medium-heavy section |
| ≥ 100 mm | R = 2.0 – 3.0 mm | Large structural square tubes |
| Custom extrusions | Up to R = 5.0 mm | Optional for aesthetic or stress design requirements |
6. How to choose aluminum alloys for square tube?
| Alloy | Key Features | Main Uses |
|---|---|---|
| 6063-T5/T6 | Excellent surface finish, corrosion resistance, easy to anodize | Windows, doors, frames, furniture, decoration |
| 6061-T6 | High strength, good machinability, weldable | Machinery, vehicles, marine, structural frames |
| 6082-T6 | Stronger than 6061, better fatigue resistance | Industrial frameworks, cranes, transportation |
| 7075-T6 | Ultra-high strength, aerospace-grade | Defense, aviation, robotics, performance machinery |
| 5052-H112 | Non-heat treatable, superior corrosion resistance | Marine, chemical, outdoor applications |
7. Surface finish options
Our aluminum square tubes are available in various finishes to meet both functional and aesthetic needs:
Mill Finish – clean extrusion surface for further machining or coating.
Anodized – enhanced corrosion resistance and surface hardness.
Powder-Coated – wide color options and weather protection.
Brushed / Polished – decorative finishes ideal for interior design and display systems.
These finishes not only extend service life but also elevate the appearance of aluminum square stock used in architectural or consumer-facing applications.
8. Applications of aluminum square tube
(1) Architecture & Construction
Used in curtain walls, window and door frames, balustrades, stair railings, partitions, scaffolding, and support columns.
Buyers often ask: How to attach a nut to an aluminum square tube end?
You can use rivet nuts, welded threaded inserts, or end caps with embedded nuts depending on the load requirement and assembly method.
(2) Automotive & Transportation
Ideal for truck racks, trailer frames, roof rails, and cargo carriers where strength and light weight must be balanced.
2x2 aluminum square tubing is commonly chosen for utility vehicle frameworks and trailer systems.
(3) Industrial Equipment
Applied in machine frames, conveyor systems, robotic arms, automation platforms, and modular workstations.
(4) Furniture & Decoration
Used in display racks, tables, benches, signage frames, and interior construction.
The sharp lines and clean finish of square aluminum tube make it a favorite for modern minimalist design.
(5) Marine & Outdoor Structures
Perfect for boat frames, ladders, marine railings, solar panel supports, and outdoor shelters thanks to its excellent corrosion resistance.
(6) Aerospace & Precision Systems
Employed in lightweight support frames, housing structures, UAVs, and testing fixtures where precision, strength, and rigidity are essential.
Contact Us
Whether for architectural elegance, industrial robustness, or mechanical precision, square aluminum tubing can be customized to suit your exact project demands.We supply a complete range of sizes and alloys, including 1x1, 2x2, and 4x4 aluminum square tubing, available in mill, anodized, or powder-coated finishes.Each extrusion is produced to ASTM B221 / EN 755-9 standards with guaranteed dimensional accuracy and surface quality.
Contact our sales team for technical consultation, custom dimensions, or sample requests.We provide tailored solutions for structural, decorative, and precision engineering applications worldwide.
