What are Aluminium Flanges?
Connecting the vital parts of a piping system – pipes, valves, pumps – requires reliable components. Aluminium Flanges step into this role, creating strong, secure joints that often allow for later disassembly if needed. At USA Piping Solution, we specialize in manufacturing these essential items, making full use of the unique benefits aluminium alloys offer. Perhaps their most significant advantage is their light weight, a stark contrast to traditional steel or iron. This weight reduction brings real benefits, particularly in industries like aerospace and marine engineering where lighter means more efficient.
Another key strength of aluminium is its natural ability to resist corrosion, especially when exposed to the elements or saltwater. This happens because aluminium forms a tough, self-healing oxide layer on its surface. What this means for you is longer service life and reduced maintenance headaches, even in tough operating conditions. USA Piping Solution provides a comprehensive selection of Aluminum Pipe Flanges, all made to meet recognized international standards. This commitment ensures you get dependable, interchangeable components ready for diverse industrial uses, from water treatment systems to complex process piping. Good heat transfer properties and relative ease of machining also add to aluminium's practical appeal.

Types of Aluminium Flanges
Choosing the right flange design is crucial for system performance and safety. USA Piping Solution offers several distinct types, each engineered for specific connection methods, pressure requirements, and working environments:
- Aluminium Slip-On Flanges: These are often chosen for their straightforward installation and cost-effectiveness. You simply slide the flange over the pipe end, then secure it, usually with two fillet welds (one inside, one outside). While easy to align, their strength under very high pressure or heavy vibration might be less than a weld neck type. They serve well in many lower-pressure systems where frequent disassembly isn't planned. USA Piping Solution keeps Aluminium Slip-On Flanges in various sizes and ratings.
- Aluminium Weld Neck Flanges: Easily identified by their long, tapered hub, these flanges provide a superior connection. They are designed to be butt-welded directly to the pipe, creating a smooth transition that transfers stress effectively into the pipe wall. This results in excellent strength, making them ideal for high pressures, fluctuating temperatures, and critical service lines – situations common in oil & gas or aerospace. We ensure the bore of our Aluminium Weld Neck Flanges perfectly matches the pipe's internal diameter for optimal flow.
- Aluminium Blind Flanges: Think of these as solid discs used to securely seal off the end of a pipeline, a valve port, or a vessel opening. Drilled with standard bolt patterns, Aluminium Blind Flanges are essential for safely terminating runs or isolating equipment. Because they must contain the full system pressure on their own, they are built robustly. USA Piping Solution manufactures these to handle specified pressures reliably.
- Threaded & Socket Weld Flanges: When welding isn't the preferred option, these offer alternatives. Threaded flanges screw onto the pipe, useful in low-pressure utility lines or some hazardous areas. Socket weld flanges feature a recess (socket) for the pipe end, which is then fillet-welded around the hub; this generally offers better leak protection than threaded connections for moderate service, especially in smaller pipe sizes.
- Lap Joint Flanges: This clever two-part design involves a 'stub end' welded to the pipe and a separate 'backing flange' that slides freely over it. This makes bolt hole alignment much easier during installation. A key benefit is that the backing flange doesn't touch the process fluid, potentially allowing for cost savings. They are particularly useful for systems needing regular disassembly.
Aluminium Flange Specifications
Meeting precise specifications is paramount for safe and reliable flanged joints. USA Piping Solution ensures its flanges conform to globally recognized standards and material grades.
- Key Standards: You'll often encounter standards like ASTM B247 (which governs the quality of aluminium forgings used), ANSI/ASME B16.5 (defining dimensions and ratings for sizes NPS ½-24), and ASME B16.47 (for larger diameters, NPS 26-60). European projects frequently reference EN 1092-1, while older BS and DIN standards also remain relevant in certain regions, often using PN pressure ratings.
- Common Grades: The choice of aluminium alloy significantly impacts performance:
- 6061: A versatile 'workhorse' grade offering a good balance of strength, corrosion resistance, and weldability. Widely used.
- 5083: Excels in marine environments due to superior saltwater corrosion resistance. 5083 Aluminium Flanges are strong and durable for shipbuilding and offshore use.
- 6082: Similar to 6061 with slightly higher strength, popular in European structural designs.
- 7075: One of the highest strength aluminium alloys, primarily used in aerospace where strength-to-weight is critical.
Chemical Composition and Mechanical Properties
An alloy's specific chemical makeup determines its physical capabilities. The tables show typical values – always rely on the Material Test Certificate (MTC) provided with your specific order for guaranteed figures.
Chemical Composition (Typical Weight %)
Grade |
Si |
Fe |
Cu |
Mn |
Mg |
Cr |
Zn |
Ti |
Al |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
6061 |
0.4-0.8 |
≤0.7 |
0.15-0.4 |
≤0.15 |
0.8-1.2 |
0.04-0.35 |
≤0.25 |
≤0.15 |
Bal |
5083 |
≤0.4 |
≤0.4 |
≤0.1 |
0.4-1.0 |
4.0-4.9 |
0.05-0.25 |
≤0.25 |
≤0.15 |
Bal |
6082 |
0.7-1.3 |
≤0.5 |
≤0.1 |
0.4-1.0 |
0.6-1.2 |
≤0.25 |
≤0.2 |
≤0.1 |
Bal |
7075 |
≤0.4 |
≤0.5 |
1.2-2.0 |
≤0.3 |
2.1-2.9 |
0.18-0.28 |
5.1-6.1 |
≤0.2 |
Bal |
Mechanical Properties (Typical Minimums for T6/H111 Temper)
Grade |
Tensile Strength (MPa / ksi) |
Yield Strength (MPa / ksi) |
Elongation (%) |
Hardness (Brinell) |
---|---|---|---|---|
6061-T6 |
290 / 42 |
240 / 35 |
10 |
95 HB |
5083-H111 |
290 / 42 |
145 / 21 |
16 |
75 HB |
6082-T6 |
310 / 45 |
260 / 38 |
10 |
95 HB |
7075-T6 |
572 / 83 |
503 / 73 |
11 |
150 HB |
Applications and Industries Served
Thanks to their useful blend of properties, aluminium flanges find homes in a wide range of industries:
- Marine & Shipbuilding: Essential for seawater cooling, ballast systems, and lightweight structures (5083 is key here).
- Aerospace: Critical for fuel lines, hydraulic systems, and airframes where weight is paramount (7075 often used).
- Oil & Gas: Used selectively for offshore weight reduction, LNG handling (good low-temp properties), and compatible process streams.
- Water Treatment: Great for potable water, wastewater, and desalination due to corrosion resistance and non-toxicity.
- Structural & Architectural: Chosen for lightweight frames, bridges, and facades.
- Process Industries: Applied in chemical processing (where compatible), food/beverage (hygienic), and pharmaceuticals.
- Heat Transfer & Cryogenics: Valued for thermal conductivity in heat exchangers and toughness at low temperatures.
- Transportation: Help reduce weight in automotive cooling systems and vehicle structures.
Aluminium Flanges Size Chart
USA Piping Solution stocks and supplies Aluminium Flanges across the standard size spectrum. You'll typically find sizes NPS ½” through 24” adhering to ASME B16.5 dimensions, while larger sizes (NPS 26” to 60”) usually follow ASME B16.47. Key dimensions like OD, PCD, bore, and thickness are defined by the standard and pressure class. We can provide detailed data sheets and often accommodate custom size requests.
Surface Finish and Pressure Ratings
Achieving a reliable seal depends on the flange face design, its surface finish, and selecting the correct pressure rating for your system.
- Facings: Raised Face (RF) is very common and helps concentrate bolt load on the gasket. Flat Face (FF) is used for lower pressures or when mating with cast iron/non-metallic flanges. Ring Type Joint (RTJ) provides the highest sealing integrity for demanding high-pressure/temperature service.
- Surface Finish: The standard 'Stock Finish' (with fine grooves) works well for most common gaskets. Smoother finishes can be provided if required by specific gasket types.
- Pressure Ratings: ASME Classes 150 and 300 are most typical for aluminium. European PN ratings (PN10, PN16, etc.) are also widely used. Higher ratings are possible but less common than with steel.
Why Choose USA Piping Solution for Aluminium Flanges?
Working with USA Piping Solution brings clear advantages:
- Quality Assurance: We rigorously adhere to standards like ASTM B247 and provide full MTC traceability.
- Ready Inventory: Our substantial stock of common types and grades (esp. 6061, 5083) means faster delivery across the USA.
- Knowledgeable Support: Our team understands aluminium flanges and can help you select the best option.
- Trusted Sourcing: We partner with reputable mills for consistent material quality.
- Custom Solutions: We can arrange manufacturing for non-standard requirements.
- Reliable Logistics: We focus on getting your order to you on time.
- Solid Value: We offer high-quality Aluminum Pipe Flanges competitively.
Certifications and Compliance
We ensure our products meet industry benchmarks:
- ISO 9001:2015: Our quality system is certified.
- Standard Compliance: Flanges meet specified ASTM, ASME, EN, or DIN requirements.
- Material Test Certificates (MTCs): Full documentation (EN 10204 3.1) provided.
- PED Capable: We can supply flanges meeting European Pressure Equipment Directive needs.
Related Products
Consider these other piping components from USA Piping Solution:
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Flanges in Stainless Steel, Carbon Steel, Duplex

Aluminium Pipes and Tubes

Buttweld and Forged Fittings (various materials)

Gaskets and Industrial Fasteners
Final Call to Action
Are you ready to source high-performance Naval Brass Plates that meet the demanding needs of your application? Connect with the experienced team at USA Piping Solution today. Whether you require standard stock sizes of C46400 Naval Brass Plate, need custom cuts compliant with Naval Brass ASTM B171, or seek technical guidance, we are prepared to help.
Let's discuss your Naval Brass Plates requirements and let you experience the USA Piping Solution difference in quality, expertise, and dependable service.
Request Your Aluminium Flanges Quote Today!