Aluminum tube lap welding aluminum plastic tube
Lap-welded aluminum-plastic pipe is a new type of pipe material composed of a plastic layer, an aluminum tube layer, and an adhesive layer. Its core structural feature lies in the aluminum tube layers being joined using a lap-welding process to form a stable tubular structure. This structure is then tightly bonded to the inner and outer plastic layers by the adhesive layer, combining the excellent properties of both metal and plastic. This pipe typically consists of an inner plastic layer (such as PE or PPR), an adhesive layer, an aluminum tube layer, an outer adhesive layer, and an outer plastic layer. The aluminum tube layers are lap-welded to form a sealed barrier that effectively blocks oxygen and light, preventing contamination of the fluid within the pipe while also enhancing the pipe’s rigidity and impact resistance. Compared to other types of aluminum-plastic pipe, the lap-welded structure provides a tighter connection between the aluminum tube layers, making it less susceptible to cracking or leakage when subjected to pressure and temperature fluctuations, making it a reliable composite pipe.
The production process for lap-welded aluminum-plastic pipes is complex and requires high precision. It primarily involves forming the aluminum strip, lap welding, and laminating the plastic. First, aluminum strip of uniform thickness is selected as the raw material. After cleaning and pretreatment, it enters the forming unit. A series of dies bend the strip into a tubular shape, overlapping the two edges. The overlap width must be strictly controlled to ensure weld quality. Subsequently, high-frequency induction welding is used to weld the overlapping joints. The heat generated by the high-frequency current melts and fuses the edges of the aluminum strip, forming a strong weld. The welding process requires precise control of the current intensity, welding speed, and pressure to ensure that the weld is free of defects such as cold joints and leaks. After welding, the aluminum tube is cooled and straightened before entering the lamination process. An extruder sequentially laminates the inner plastic layer, adhesive layer, and outer plastic layer onto the inner and outer surfaces of the tube, tightly bonding the layers together. Finally, the finished tube is cut to length and quality inspected.
Aluminum-plastic lap-welded pipes are widely used in building water supply and drainage, and HVAC. In building water supply and drainage systems, they can be used to transport drinking water, domestic hot water, etc. due to their excellent corrosion resistance and hygienic properties. The barrier effect of the aluminum tube layer can prevent the plastic layer from being corroded by impurities in the water, extending the service life of the pipe. At the same time, the pipe is flexible and easy to bend and lay, which can adapt to complex building pipeline layouts, reduce the number of joints, and reduce the risk of leakage. In HVAC systems, aluminum-plastic lap-welded pipes can be used to transport cold water, hot water, and air conditioning refrigerants. Their excellent thermal insulation and pressure resistance can ensure the efficient operation of the system. The rigidity of the aluminum tube layer can also reduce the deformation of the pipe under pressure, ensuring stable flow.
In the industrial and agricultural fields, aluminum-plastic lap-welded pipes also play an important role. In industrial fluid transportation, they can be used to transport liquids or gases with relatively mild chemical properties, such as lubricating oil and cooling water. The barrier properties of the aluminum tube layer can prevent chemical reactions between the fluid and the plastic layer, ensuring a safe and stable transportation process. In agricultural irrigation, this type of pipe can withstand outdoor sunlight and temperature fluctuations. The aluminum tube layer effectively blocks the aging effects of ultraviolet rays on the plastic layer, extending the service life of the pipe in open-air environments. At the same time, its impact resistance can withstand collisions and extrusions during field operations, reducing maintenance costs. In addition, in solar water heating systems, aluminum-plastic lap-welded pipes can be used to connect collectors and water tanks, withstanding long-term erosion by hot water without easily deforming.
With the deepening of green building and environmental protection concepts, the market demand for aluminum-tube lap-welded aluminum-plastic pipes continues to grow, and their production technology is also continuously optimized. Manufacturers have improved welding processes and adopted automated welding equipment to improve the uniformity and strength of welds. At the same time, they have developed new adhesive materials to enhance the bond between layers and improve the overall performance of the pipe. To meet higher pressure and temperature requirements, some products use high-strength aluminum strips and heat-resistant plastics, allowing the pipes to be used in a wider range of scenarios. In the future, as the construction industry’s requirements for pipe performance continue to increase, aluminum-tube lap-welded aluminum-plastic pipes will be used in more fields. Their environmentally friendly and durable characteristics will also provide strong support for the development of sustainable buildings.
