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Views: 0 Author: Site Editor Publish Time: 2025-06-20 Origin: Site
Aluminum is one of the most widely used industrial metals in the world. From lightweight automotive parts to durable construction materials and intricate machinery components, aluminum plays a foundational role across nearly every sector. But when it comes to sourcing aluminum — especially in forms like aluminum tube, aluminum pipe, extrusions, and profiles — one of the most common questions buyers ask is: how much is aluminum per pound?
This guide offers a comprehensive look at the factors affecting aluminum pricing, the current aluminum price per pound, how different aluminum products (like aluminum tubing or extrusion profiles) are priced, and where to source high-quality materials. Whether you're a manufacturer, project engineer, procurement specialist, or DIY builder, understanding aluminum’s value per pound will help you make smarter, more cost-efficient decisions.
Aluminum is traded as a global commodity and its price per pound is influenced by a wide range of factors. Understanding these variables is the first step to estimating how much you'll pay for aluminum in different forms — from aluminum tube to extruded profiles.
Key factors that influence aluminum price per pound:
Global market demand and supply
Energy costs (especially electricity, used in smelting)
Raw bauxite availability
Processing method (extruded, cast, rolled)
Grade and alloy type (6061, 6063, etc.)
Surface treatment (anodized, powder-coated)
Quantity purchased (bulk vs. retail)
Regional tariffs and import/export laws
If you're purchasing aluminum for an industrial application, it's important to consider not only the base price but also the form. For example, aluminum tubing, aluminum beams, and aluminum angle pieces may carry different cost structures depending on size, shape complexity, and production volume.
To give you a quick reference, here is a general aluminum price per pound chart based on recent 2024 trends. These prices are averages and vary depending on market fluctuations and product form.
| Aluminum Form | Average Price Per Pound (USD) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Raw aluminum ingot | Varies daily | Traded on LME (London Metal Exchange) |
| Aluminum sheet | Slightly above base rate | Depends on thickness and alloy |
| Aluminum tube | Higher due to fabrication | Round or square tubing |
| Aluminum pipe | Similar to tube, varies by wall thickness | |
| Aluminum extrusion | Higher due to shape complexity | |
| Custom aluminum extrusion | Premium pricing | Tooling and design costs apply |
| T slot aluminum profile | Moderate to premium | Depends on series and finish |
| Aluminum siding | Varies by thickness and finish | |
| Aluminum beams | Premium due to structural use | |
| Aluminum fence | Priced by section or foot | Decorative or structural use |
Note: These prices are indicative. For bulk and industrial orders, suppliers like Lansi Aluminum offer tailored quotes depending on your requirements, product configuration, and shipping location.
When purchasing aluminum tube, one of the most common dilemmas is whether to buy it by weight (pound) or by length (foot/meter). Here's how to evaluate the two:
Aluminum tube is often priced per pound when ordered in bulk or for recycling.
For construction, mechanical, or architectural use, it's more commonly priced per linear foot or meter.
To convert weight to length, you’ll need the density of aluminum (around 2.7 g/cm³) and the dimensions of the tube (outer diameter, wall thickness, and length). This is especially important when working with products like 6063-T5 aluminum tubing, which is widely used in frames, tubes, and enclosures.
Different aluminum products serve different purposes, and their pricing reflects this. Here is a breakdown comparing aluminum tube, aluminum pipe, and aluminum extrusion:
| Product Type | Primary Use Case | Relative Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aluminum tube | Structural, fluid systems, frames | Moderate | Round or square |
| Aluminum pipe | Plumbing, industrial systems | Moderate | May be threaded |
| Aluminum tubing | Lightweight applications, automotive | Moderate-High | Thin-walled |
| Aluminum extrusion | Custom profiles, t slots, enclosures | High | Shape complexity drives cost |
| Custom extrusion | Specialized designs | Very High | Tooling and material waste impact price |
If you’re looking for pre-engineered options like t slot profiles, suppliers like Lansi Aluminum offer a wide selection, including 20 series aluminum profile, 30&60&90 series, 40 & 80 series, and 50 & 100 series aluminum profile. These profiles are typically sold by meter but their price per pound can be calculated for bulk planning.
Aluminum profiles are extruded shapes designed for modular construction. T slot and V slot aluminum profiles are the most commonly used in automation, robotics, and machine framing.
Let’s look at how different profile series affect pricing:
| Profile Series | Typical Dimensions (mm) | Use Case | Price Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| 20 Series Aluminum Profile | 20x20, 20x40 | Light-duty frames, enclosures | Low |
| 30, 60, 90 Series | 30x30 to 90x90 | Medium to heavy structural frames | Moderate |
| 40 & 80 Series Aluminum | 40x40 to 80x160 | Automation lines, machine bases | Moderate-High |
| 50 & 100 Series Profiles | 50x50 to 100x200 | Heavy machinery, load-bearing systems | High |
| V Slot Aluminum Profile | Same as above | Sliding mechanisms, CNC machines | Moderate |
| Curved Aluminum Profile | Custom radius | Specialty designs | Premium |
These profiles are priced based on weight, complexity, and machining finish. Lansi Aluminum provides both standard and custom aluminum extrusion services, allowing you to tailor profiles to your specific needs.
Aluminum extrusion involves forcing aluminum billets through a die to form complex shapes. While it offers precision and strength, it also carries higher production costs.
Main reasons for higher cost of aluminum extrusion:
Custom tooling and die costs
Shape complexity
Machining time
Waste material from cutting and finishing
Extruded aluminum is ideal for modular framing, architectural facades, and applications where dimensional accuracy is critical. If you're planning a project that requires custom aluminum extrusion, expect higher upfront costs that deliver long-term performance and stability.
Whether you’re buying aluminum sheet, tubing, or beams, understanding how weight is calculated is crucial. Aluminum is typically weighed in pounds or kilograms, and cost per pound is influenced by dimensions and density.
For example:
A 1-inch outer diameter aluminum tube with 0.125-inch wall thickness weighs approximately 0.34 pounds per foot.
Multiply the weight by the current aluminum price per pound to get cost per linear foot.
This method helps in pricing items like aluminum angle, aluminum beams, or components where you may not know the exact per-unit cost but can calculate based on weight.
Aluminum is also used in architectural applications like aluminum siding and aluminum fence systems. These products are priced differently due to their form and end-use.
Key pricing differences:
Aluminum fence: Usually priced per panel or linear foot, with powder coating or anodizing adding to the cost.
Aluminum siding: Sold per square foot or panel, depending on thickness and finish.
Aluminum sheet: Priced per pound or per sheet, influenced by gauge (thickness).
These materials are often fabricated from extruded aluminum or rolled sheet, and may require additional processing, which affects final pricing.
The melting point of aluminum is approximately 660°C (1220°F), which makes it ideal for recycling. Recycled aluminum uses only about 5% of the energy required to produce new aluminum from bauxite, making it cost-effective and environmentally friendly.
Recycling aluminum:
Reduces raw material cost
Supports price stability
Generates scrap value (priced per pound)
For industries that generate aluminum waste (cut tubing, machining leftovers), understanding scrap aluminum price per pound can help offset material costs.
Sourcing aluminum from the right supplier can significantly affect your total cost. Manufacturers like Lansi Aluminum offer a broad catalog of aluminum products, including:
Aluminum tube (round, square, custom sizes)
Aluminum pipe (threaded or smooth)
T slot aluminum profiles (20 to 100 series)
Custom aluminum extrusion
Aluminum profile accessories (connectors, fasteners)
Aluminum sheet and siding materials
Curved and V slot aluminum profiles
Lansi also supports custom fabrication and bulk orders, making it ideal for OEMs, fabricators, and contractors who require consistency, customization, and competitive pricing.
Q1: What is the current aluminum price per pound?
A1: Aluminum prices fluctuate daily based on global market conditions. As of 2024, the average price ranges between moderate to high levels depending on form, alloy, and supplier. Always check with your supplier for current rates.
Q2: Is aluminum tubing more expensive than aluminum sheet?
A2: Generally, yes. Aluminum tubing requires more processing and precise dimensional controls, increasing its price per pound compared to flat aluminum sheet.
Q3: What is the price difference between aluminum pipe and aluminum tube?
A3: Aluminum pipe is usually cheaper because it is designed for fluid transport and follows nominal size standards. Aluminum tube, used for structural applications, is more expensive due to tighter tolerances.
Q4: Why do aluminum extrusion profiles cost more?
A4: Extruded aluminum profiles involve complex shapes, custom tooling, and longer processing times. This complexity increases the cost per pound compared to simpler forms like sheet or bar.
Q5: What is the melting point of aluminum and why does it matter?
A5: The melting point of aluminum is about 660°C. This relatively low melting point allows for easy recycling, which helps stabilize prices and reduce production costs.
Q6: How is aluminum priced for fences and siding?
A6: Aluminum fence and siding are typically priced per linear foot or per panel, not by weight. Their cost includes not just material but also surface treatment and design.
Q7: Where can I buy high-quality aluminum tube or extrusion profiles?
A7: Lansi Aluminum offers a wide range of aluminum tubes, extrusions, and custom profiles for industrial and commercial use. Their catalog includes 20 to 100 series profiles, tubing, pipe, and accessories.
Understanding how aluminum is priced per pound gives you a strategic advantage, especially when sourcing materials for large-scale or precision projects. While the raw aluminum price is a helpful benchmark, the product’s form — whether aluminum tube, aluminum extrusion, or t slot profile — plays a huge role in determining the final cost.
From structural framing to custom machine parts, aluminum’s versatility continues to make it a top choice across industries. But price clarity is key. By factoring in the form, weight, surface treatment, and supplier capabilities, you can make informed, cost-effective decisions.
If you're looking for a trusted supplier that offers both standard and custom aluminum products with competitive pricing and global delivery, explore Lansi Aluminum’s catalog today and request a quote tailored to your needs.
