Aluminium scaffold tubes
Aluminium scaffold tubes in 6082, 6061 and 6060
Euralco supplies aluminium scaffold tubes to scaffolding contractors, manufacturers of scaffold systems and rental companies, in project volumes and to the applicable EN standards. The standard size is 48.3 mm outside diameter, the size used for tube-and-coupler scaffolding in Europe. For systems built to American dimensions we supply 1.5" schedule 40 pipe. Other diameters, such as 33.7 and 42.4 mm, and any wall thickness you specify are supplied from production.
Choose the alloy that suits your system and loads: EN AW-6082 T6 for the highest strength, EN AW-6061 T6 for systems used internationally and EN AW-6060 T66 for lighter structures such as guardrails and barriers. Every delivery comes with a 3.1 inspection certificate to EN 10204 as standard.
Light, strong and corrosion-resistant
An aluminium scaffold tube of 48.3 x 4.05 mm weighs around 1.5 kg per metre, roughly a third of a steel scaffold tube. For your crews that means faster erection and dismantling, lower transport costs per load and less physical strain. Aluminium does not rust and needs no galvanising, so tubes stay dimensionally stable and reliable after years of outdoor and coastal use.
Aluminium scaffold tube: 6082, 6061 or 6060?
In Europe, an aluminium scaffold tube in 6082 T6 is the standard for load-bearing scaffolds. With wall thicknesses up to 5 mm the minimum tensile strength is 290 MPa, above 5 mm it is 310 MPa. That makes 6082 the strongest of the three.
6061 T6 is widely used in scaffold systems outside Europe and is the usual alloy for schedule 40 pipe. It combines good strength with good weldability and a good response to anodising.
6060 T66 is the lighter choice for non-load-bearing or lightly loaded applications, such as guardrails, edge protection, fencing and event structures. It extrudes very well and anodises to a clean, even finish.
Mechanical properties (EN 755-2)
Minimum values for extruded tube:
| Alloy and temper | Wall thickness | Rm min. (MPa) | Rp0.2 min. (MPa) | A min. (%) | A50 mm min. (%) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| EN AW-6082 T6 | ≤ 5 mm | 290 | 250 | 8 | 6 |
| EN AW-6082 T6 | 5 < t ≤ 25 mm | 310 | 260 | 10 | 8 |
| EN AW-6061 T6 | ≤ 5 mm | 260 | 240 | 8 | 6 |
| EN AW-6061 T6 | 5 < t ≤ 25 mm | 260 | 240 | 10 | 8 |
| EN AW-6060 T66 | ≤ 15 mm | 215 | 160 | 8 | 6 |
Welding reduces the strength in the heat-affected zone. Allow for this in the structural design.
Sizes, wall thicknesses and weight
- 48.3 mm: the standard for tube-and-coupler scaffolding, in any wall thickness, for example 4.0, 4.05 or 4.47 mm
- 1.5" schedule 40: 48.26 mm (1.900") outside diameter with a 3.68 mm (0.145") wall
- 33.7 and 42.4 mm and other diameters on request
- Weight per metre: 48.3 x 4.05 mm approx. 1.52 kg/m; 48.3 x 4.47 mm approx. 1.66 kg/m; schedule 40 approx. 1.39 kg/m. Calculate other sizes and total tonnage with our aluminium weight calculator.
Schedule 40 aluminium pipe
For scaffold, access and staging systems built to American pipe dimensions, Euralco supplies 1.5" schedule 40 aluminium pipe: outside diameter 1.900" (48.26 mm), wall thickness 0.145" (3.68 mm) and a weight of approx. 0.94 lb/ft (1.39 kg/m). The outside diameter is practically the same as the European 48.3 mm aluminium scaffold tube; the wall is thinner than the usual 4.0 to 4.47 mm.
We supply schedule 40 pipe in 6061 T6 and 6082 T6, with mechanical properties to EN 755-2 and a 3.1 inspection certificate as standard. In 6061 T6, schedule 40 pipe can also be supplied to ASTM B429, the American specification for extruded structural pipe.
Standards and certificates
Chemical composition to EN 573-3, mechanical properties to EN 755-2 and dimensional tolerances to EN 755-7 or EN 755-8. Every delivery comes with a 3.1 inspection certificate to EN 10204 as standard; a 3.2 certificate is available on request. The requirements for the complete scaffold system (EN 12810 and EN 12811) rest with the system manufacturer. We supply the aluminium scaffolding tube that system is designed around.
Supply in project volumes
We supply aluminium scaffold tubes in standard lengths or cut to length, bundled in wooden frames and ready for transport. For platforms, walkways and stair treads in the same structure, Euralco also supplies aluminium tread plate. Scaffold tubes for fall protection and access structures are also covered on our Safety & protection page. State the alloy, outside diameter, wall thickness, length and quantity in your request and you will receive a project quotation.
Frequently asked questions about aluminium scaffold tubes
How much does an aluminium scaffold tube weigh?
An aluminium scaffold tube of 48.3 x 4.05 mm weighs approx. 1.52 kg per metre, so a 6 metre tube weighs just over 9 kg. With a 4.47 mm wall it is approx. 1.66 kg per metre. A 1.5" schedule 40 aluminum pipe weighs approx. 0.94 lb/ft (1.39 kg/m).
What is the difference between 6082 and 6061 scaffold tubes?
Under EN 755-2, 6082 T6 has the higher minimum values: with a wall thickness up to 5 mm, a tensile strength of 290 MPa and a yield strength of 250 MPa, against 260 and 240 MPa for 6061 T6. Both alloys weld well and resist corrosion. 6082 is the common choice in Europe; 6061 is often requested for systems used internationally and for schedule 40 pipe.
Can you supply schedule 40 aluminium pipe?
Yes. We supply 1.5" schedule 40 aluminium pipe with a 1.900" (48.26 mm) outside diameter and a 0.145" (3.68 mm) wall, in 6061 T6 and 6082 T6 to EN 755-2. In 6061 T6 it is also available to ASTM B429.
Which wall thicknesses are available?
We supply aluminium scaffold tubes in any wall thickness from production, for example 4.0, 4.05 or 4.47 mm at 48.3 mm outside diameter. State the alloy, diameter, wall thickness, length and quantity in your request to receive a matching project quotation.
Which certificate comes with aluminium scaffold tubes?
As standard, a 3.1 inspection certificate to EN 10204, showing the chemical composition and the measured mechanical properties of the delivered cast. If independent inspection is required, a 3.2 certificate is available on request.
Global sourcing and supply
At Euralco Europe B.V. we believe that quality, security of supply and competitive pricing are the result of a strong international supply chain. That is why we source our aluminium worldwide through our international production network of carefully selected producers. We always look for the best option for our customers, whether that means material from the Netherlands, elsewhere in Europe or other parts of the world.
Our international production network
Through our international production network we can:
- Extrude profiles in the 6000 and 7000 series (including 6061, 6082, 7010, 7075 and 7175), custom-designed to our customers' requirements.
- Supply plate and coil from production, including special widths and stress-relieved grades for yacht building and shipbuilding.
- Process coils by decoiling, slitting and cutting to length, so we deliver exactly the dimensions our customers need in their production.
- Offer advanced processing through specialised service centres, such as laser-cut kits, machined parts and surface treatments.
By working with both large international producers and specialised niche producers, we combine the advantages of scale with the flexibility of custom production.
Contact us today to find out how Euralco can support your projects with high-quality aluminium plate and extrusions.
Euralco Europe B.V. is a member of the Dutch Aluminium Association (DAA), an industry group run by and for its members, and of Koninklijke Metaalunie, the Dutch association for small and medium-sized manufacturing companies.
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