Telescopic Tubing
Telescopic tubes are ideal for applications that require different pieces of material to sleeve or expand inside one another. Our line of telescoping tubes is ideal for use with carts, camera booms, adjustable racks, robotic extensions, flagpoles, sensor equipment, and more.
In addition to the tubing, Alcobra offers hardware, including plastic end caps and stainless steel locking button inserts. Each of these accessories helps turn any simple project into a final tube telescoping product.
We are happy to offer custom lengths of aluminum tube in any size you need. We would be glad to discuss any questions or other details you would like to share with us. Please call us today to discuss the product you need.
Types of Telescopic Aluminum Tubings
Telescoping aluminum tubing can be formed into various shapes, depending on the product being manufactured or the specific need for the tube. The most common types of tubing are:
- square tubing
- round tubes
- rectangular tubing
While most applications require square tubing, people often still choose to use it when it isn’t necessary, due to its ease of use and simplicity. If round tubing is chosen, be careful with the measurement needed, or you’ll be unable to telescope with it.
Benefits of Telescopic Aluminum Tubings
Aluminum tubing is a top choice across industries due to its balance of strength, lightweight structure, and corrosion resistance. As the second most widely used metal after steel, aluminum offers distinct advantages in telescopic tubing applications, especially where adjustability, durability, and ease of fabrication are essential.
Thanks to its surface oxide layer, aluminum naturally resists moisture and air penetration, which makes it ideal for both indoor and outdoor use. These core properties make telescopic aluminum tubes highly reliable for assemblies that require sliding, locking, or nesting functions.
- Lightweight: Aluminum weighs approximately one-third the weight of steel, making it easier to handle, install, and transport. Despite its lightness, aluminum tubing retains impressive rigidity and can be alloyed to enhance strength or machinability for various products and parts, including tubing assemblies and adjustable telescopic structures.
- Corrosion Resistance: A naturally occurring oxide coating forms on aluminum when it is exposed to air, providing long-term protection against corrosion. Due to its extended lifespan in harsh environments, this resistance can be further enhanced through anodizing or powder coating. This makes telescopic aluminum ideal for exterior fittings, tubing locks, and marine applications.
- Recyclability: Aluminum retains 100% of its original properties through recycling, making it a cost-effective and eco-friendly alternative to virgin metal. Recycled aluminum tubes are widely used in both commercial and industrial telescoping tube systems, supporting sustainable sourcing and reduced production waste.
Applications of Telescopic Tubing
Telescopic tubing is engineered for versatility across various industries that require adjustable length, structural strength, and lightweight performance. At Alcobra Metals, we supply a range of telescoping aluminum and steel tubing products designed for both static and dynamic environments.
Explore the diverse use cases of telescopic tubes below:
Telescoping Aluminum Square Tube
Ideal for adjustable structural components where balance, strength, and ease of use are essential. Common applications include:
- Adjustable racks and shelving
- Robotic extensions and articulating arms
- Metal support structures
- Camera tripods and booms
- Trade show displays
- Furniture legs and modular furniture
Aluminum Telescoping Round Tube
Best suited for smooth, cylindrical extension systems that require a sliding fit and minimal friction. Typical applications:
- Flag poles
- Sensor mounts and signal poles
- Railings and barriers
- Outdoor furniture frames
- Telescoping car parts
Aluminum Telescoping Rectangular Tube
Chosen when higher bending stiffness and strength are needed over round tubes. Common in:
- Structural framing in light manufacturing
- Adjustable members in industrial equipment
- Housing for mechanical or electrical assemblies
Pre-Drilled Telescopic Tubing
Designed for secure length adjustment with pin-and-button mechanisms, this tubing enables precise and repeatable changes. Used in:
- Adjustable table and furniture legs
- Support columns and posts
- Mobile equipment frames
Telescoping Steel Square Tube
Optimized for heavy-duty use where strength and durability are key. Common across:
- Industrial scaffolding and staging
- Prefabricated metal building components
- Trailer assemblies and truck frame supports
- Machine guards and moving structural parts
Perforated Square Tube
Ideal for applications that require ventilation, airflow, or custom mounting options. Frequently used for:
- Ventilated shelving and storage racks
- Light diffusion or acoustic panels
- Fixtures requiring adjustable attachment points
- Water drainage or fluid flow in utility structures
4130 Cold Drawn Telescoping Round Tube
Built for high-strength, weight-sensitive applications, especially in performance-focused industries. Used in:
- Race car chassis and roll cages
- Aircraft fuselages and engine mounts
- Aerospace-grade structural components
Your Telescopic Tubing Supplier You Can Trust
Alcobra Metals is a distributor of specialty metals across the USA. Committed to fast and reliable fulfillment, orders placed before 3 PM PST, Monday through Friday, are delivered within 24 hours via UPS shipping. Whether you’re a general contractor or a DIY-er, we fulfill your order for standard telescopic aluminum, extendable tube, or custom telescopic tubing assemblies with fast and accurate service.
Shop Telescoping Tubing Online with No Order Too Small
No order is too small in Alcobra Metals. You don’t need to wait for quotes. Our streamlined online store enables you to browse available tubing types, select your size, and place your order in just a few minutes. Every purchase, regardless of type, size, or number, is carefully handled and attended to with care. Browse our categories today to fulfill your project material needs.