Our last blog explored the challenges facing the aluminum extrusion industry right now, including that lead times for extruded aluminum shapes are 15-20 weeks long. Lead times are even longer for drawn aluminum tubing. Drawn tubing comes in two forms: seamless and structural. As of July 2022 both types have lead times of 25 to 30 weeks. Drawn aluminum tubing lead times are impacted by the same production constraints that we discussed last month. Primary ingot is in short supply, extrusion billet production capacity is sold, aluminum extrusion demand is unprecedented, and hiring is challenging with unemployment at record low levels.
Alternative Options to Shorten Lead Times
If 30-week aluminum drawn tube lead times are too long for your project you should consider extruded aluminum tubing as an alternative.
- The production flow path takes less time
- The production yields are higher
Drawn aluminum tubing manufacturers are very scarce in Europe and North America. Your engineering and production teams may not want to change, but being able to consider alternatives may allow your project to move forward. Especially if the lead time is 20 weeks shorter. Your customers will certainly appreciate shorter lead times!
Profile Precision specializes in tight tolerance, thin wall aluminum tubing. We have assisted a number of customers switch from drawn aluminum tubing to extruded aluminum tubing over the past 10 years. For tubes under 1.25” OD, the tolerances we hold are compatible to drawn aluminum tube tolerances. Our production lead times are currently 8-9 weeks.
Call us today and find out how we can help you deliver to your customers in less time, lower your overall costs, increase quality, and save time by allowing us to manage the value chain for you. Profile Precision Extrusions would love to help with your unique challenges!
