I am designing a device that will have a section of close-fit telescoping aluminum tube assembly, using 4" OD and 4.5" OD (.25" wall) as the telescoping parts. I see tolerances published at +/- .035 for OD of tube, and +/- .025 on wall thkns for 6061 tube in these sizes. I'll end up making the prototypes to shake out our product idea.
I am hoping some of the users of tubing "out there" can give me a feel for what the statistical occurrence actually is for large tolerance deviation in these tube sizes. My own experience up to now has been with smaller tube sizes (1"-2"), where I may see +.005 or so on OD, with the ID a little oversize and maybe a little out of round. I want to end up with an economical design with respect to cost of goods, and I would like to minimize machining in terms of bulk stock removal, but I also don't want to gamble on unrealistic expectations. I suspect different tube mfrs may operate a little differently as well in regard to tolerances.
Any observations and input welcome regarding general experience with tubing.
I am hoping some of the users of tubing "out there" can give me a feel for what the statistical occurrence actually is for large tolerance deviation in these tube sizes. My own experience up to now has been with smaller tube sizes (1"-2"), where I may see +.005 or so on OD, with the ID a little oversize and maybe a little out of round. I want to end up with an economical design with respect to cost of goods, and I would like to minimize machining in terms of bulk stock removal, but I also don't want to gamble on unrealistic expectations. I suspect different tube mfrs may operate a little differently as well in regard to tolerances.
Any observations and input welcome regarding general experience with tubing.
