Non-Rotating Round Aluminum Tubing U Indented
Do you need to make a telescopic aluminum tube assembly but you don't want the tubes to rotate? Then you've come to the right place!
Our aluminum round non-rotational U indent tubing is tight tolerance tubing that includes a full length U indentation. This U indent works as an index or a key to these otherwise round aluminum tubes to ensure that the tubes do not rotate vis-a-vis each other under normal circumstances. These thin wall aluminum tubes are guaranteed to telescope inside one another. For more information check out our Frequently Asked Questions.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a “non-rotating” or “U-indent” aluminum tube?
A non-rotating roun tube looks round, except it has a U shaped indentation on one section of the round profile. This full-length “U” shaped indentation acts as a key or index. This feature ensures that when one U indented tube is inserted inside another U indented tube (for a telescopic assembly), the inner tube cannot rotate relative to the outer tube under normal loads.
When should I use a non-rotating round tube instead of standard round tubing?
Use a non-rotating U indent tube when you need a telescopic assembly without rotational movement (no twisting). For example, if you have a sensor on a telescoping upright, and as you extend it, you don't want the orientation of the sensor to change, a non-rotating tube would be ideal. These tubes are also ideal for use in conjunction with spring buttons as they help make it easier to line up the head of a spring button with the hole that accepts the spring button.
What sizes of non-rotating tubing are available?
We offer non-rotational tubing in 1-1/4″ OD, 1-1/8″ OD, 1″ OD, 7/8″ OD, 3/4″ OD, 5/8″ OD, 1/2″ OD with the U-indent design. Testrite OEM manufactures telescopic non-rotational assemblies up to 1-3/8" diameter.
Can these tubes telescope (slide in/out) or are they fixed?
Yes! Our U indent round tubing is designed to telescope with other shapes from the same U indent family.
Are u indent round tubes compatible with standard round tubes locks and accessories?
U indent tubing works with all of our round tubing locks. Other accessories may work but may require manual modification which is not included when buying from TestriteAluminum.com
What is the key tolerance for these U indent tubes?
The key tolerance we hold on our non-rotating U indent aluminum tubing is that each tube will telescopic inside the tube 1/8" OD above it, and accept inside it the U indent tube 1/8" OD smaller. The U shape is designed to prohibit full rotation under normal loads. Extreme loads may force a rotation and could damage the tubes in doing so. In addition, a small amount of rotation is allowed in normal use, but not full rotation. If you aren't sure if this tubing is right for your project, buy samples and try it first before ordering production quantities.