32x32x13mm T-Piece Aluminium Joiners

Mirror polishing is a more advanced and time-consuming process than standard polishing, but it can create a highly reflective and flawless finish on metal pipes, including aluminium. Here are the general steps involved in mirror polishing pipes:

• Preparation: Begin by cleaning the pipe thoroughly to remove any dirt or debris. Then, use
  progressively finer grits of sandpaper to remove any scratches, dents, or other imperfections. Start
  with a coarse grit, such as 240, and work up to finer grits, such as 320, 400, 600, 800, 1200, and
  2000. Be sure to sand evenly and in the same direction to create a uniform finish.
• Buffing: Once the pipe has been sanded, use a buffing wheel or pad and a polishing compound to
  start the mirror polishing process. Apply the polishing compound to the wheel or pad and then run
  the pipe against it at a low speed, working from one end to the other. Repeat this process, gradually
  increasing the speed and pressure until you achieve the desired level of shine.
• Finishing: Once the pipe has been buffed, use a finer polishing compound to further refine the finish.
  You may also want to use a felt wheel or pad to create a smoother surface. Repeat the buffing
  process, using lighter pressure and a higher speed, until you achieve a mirror-like finish.
• Final cleaning: Once the mirror polishing is complete, clean the pipe thoroughly to remove any
  residue from the polishing compound. You may want to use a clean cloth or a solvent such as
  acetone to ensure that the surface is completely clean.

Keep in mind that mirror polishing requires a high level of skill and patience, and the process may vary depending on the type of metal and the specific tools and materials you are using.

Absolutely. Aluminium tubing is commonly used in intercooler systems, intake pipework, turbochargers, and custom exhausts. Its lightweight yet strong construction makes it perfect for motorsport and performance upgrades.

Roll beading is a process that involves forming a bead or raised ridge around the circumference of an aluminium pipe, typically near the end or edge of the pipe. The purpose of roll beading is to create a secure connection point for hoses or other components, preventing them from slipping off or becoming dislodged. Here are the general steps involved in roll beading aluminium pipes:

• Cutting: Start by cutting the aluminium pipe to the desired length, using a saw or other cutting tool.
  Make sure that the pipe is straight and free from any burrs or sharp edges.
• Marking: Use a marker or other tool to mark the location where the bead will be formed. This is
  typically near the end of the pipe, but the exact location may vary depending on the specific
  application.
• Beading: Next, use a roll beading machine or tool to form the bead around the circumference of the
  pipe. The beading tool typically consists of a set of rollers that apply pressure to the pipe, gradually
  forming the desired shape. The size and shape of the bead can be adjusted by changing the position
  of the rollers or using different tool heads.
• Finishing: Once the bead has been formed, use a deburring tool or sandpaper to smooth out any
  rough edges or burrs that may have been created during the beading process. This will help to
  ensure a secure and tight fit when connecting hoses or other components to the beaded end of the
  pipe.

Roll beading can be done manually using a hand-held beading tool, or with a motorised roll beading machine for larger volumes or higher precision. It is important to follow proper safety precautions when working with aluminium pipes, including wearing gloves and eye protection, to avoid injury.

Yes, aluminium has excellent heat resistance, making it suitable for high-temperature environments such as turbocharger systems and cooling setups. It also dissipates heat quickly, improving efficiency.

At Viper Performance, we supply high-quality 6063 and 6061 aluminium tubing, which are widely used in automotive, motorsport, and industrial applications thanks to their strength, corrosion resistance and ease of welding.

Carbon fibre pipes and aluminium pipes both have their own advantages and disadvantages. Here are some general advantages and disadvantages of Aluminium Pipes:

• Advantages of aluminium pipes:
  Lightweight: While not as lightweight as carbon fibre, aluminium is still a relatively lightweight material that is easy to handle and transport.
  Easy to modify: Aluminium is a more malleable material than carbon fibre, which makes it easier to modify, bend or cut to fit specific applications.
  Affordable: Aluminium is generally more affordable than carbon fibre, making aluminium pipes a more cost-effective option.
  High ductility: Aluminium has a high ductility, which means it can deform and bend without breaking.
• Disadvantages of aluminium pipes:
  Less strong than carbon fibre:Aluminium has a lower strength-to-weight ratio than carbon fibre, which means it may not be as strong or durable.
  Corrosion-prone: Aluminium is prone to some corrosion under certain circumstances, which can weaken the pipe over time.
  Poor thermal conductivity: Aluminium has a higher thermal expansion rate and lower thermal conductivity than carbon fibre, which can make it prone to warping or cracking when exposed to high temperatures.

Ultimately, the choice between carbon fibre and aluminium pipes will depend on the specific application and requirements. Carbon fibre pipes may be preferable for applications that require lightweight and high strength, while aluminium pipes may be more appropriate for applications that require easy modification and affordability.

One of aluminium's outstanding attributes is its low thermal expansion coefficient, meaning it doesn’t expand or contract significantly in response to temperature changes. This stability ensures that structures or parts made of aluminium tubes maintain their form and functionality even under varying weather conditions. This is crucial in applications where dimensional stability is key, such as in aircraft and automobile manufacturing.

• Additionally, aluminium tubes are excellent heat conductors. They dissipate heat more efficiently than many other materials, including steel. This property is leveraged in heat exchangers in HVAC systems and automotive radiators, where rapid heat transfer is critical.
• Aluminium tubes also have a natural resistance to corrosion that is not significantly affected by temperature changes. It retains its anti-corrosive properties across a wide temperature range, providing long-lasting durability.

Use T-bolt clamps, Mikalor clamps, or high-strength hose clamps when joining aluminium tubes to silicone hoses or other components.

Yes, aluminium is one of the most popular materials for intercooler piping due to its strength, light weight, and heat dissipation.

Use a soft cloth with mild soap or aluminium cleaner. Avoid abrasive pads that could scratch the surface.