Henan Chalco supplies aluminum folded B-type tubes for brazed radiator and heater cores. These thin-wall brazing-clad heat exchanger tubes are supplied as finished tubes for core manufacturing.
Available options include 0.20–0.30 mm wall folded tubes in plain and dimpled profiles, together with rib-reinforced and HF welded B-type designs for different core configurations.
Send your drawing or W × H × T together with the required material structure, tube length and inspection requirements. We will review the profile against existing tooling and confirm the suitable manufacturing route and quotation basis.
B-Type tube options we supply
Henan Chalco supplies a complete range of B-type radiator tubes, from standard folded, dimpled and rib-reinforced designs to HF welded, multi-channel, single-B and double-B profiles.
Standard folded B-Type tube
The tube is formed from brazing-clad aluminum strip by roll forming, with the central fold creating an internal support structure.
Common material structures include:
4343 brazing layer / 3003 core alloy / 7072 sacrificial corrosion layer
4343 brazing layer / 3005 core alloy / 7072 sacrificial corrosion layer
Current production sizes mainly use 0.20–0.30 mm wall thicknesses and can be evaluated for thin-wall and lightweight radiator / heater core designs.
Common sizes:
- 16 × 1.4 × 0.22 mm
- 20 × 2.0 × 0.20 mm
- 21 × 1.3 × 0.25 mm
- 26 × 1.5 × 0.22 mm
- 27 × 1.6 × 0.25 mm
- 29 × 1.4 × 0.23 mm
- 34 × 1.75 × 0.20 mm
Existing dedicated Folded lines cover 29 × 1.4 × 0.23 mm heater tube and 16 × 2.0 × 0.20 mm radiator tube.
If your required size is close to an existing profile, we can first check available tooling to reduce unnecessary new-tool development.
Dimpled folded b-type tube
For radiator cores requiring a dimpled structure, Dimpled Folded B-Type Tube is available.
Dimpled Folded B-Type Tube uses a dimpled structure to improve internal support and core matching for specific radiator core designs.
Current common sizes:
- 26 × 1.73 × 0.20 mm
- 26 × 1.73 × 0.26 mm
- 28 × 1.4 × 0.24 mm
- 42 × 1.65 × 0.30 mm
- 42 × 1.65 × 0.35 mm
Existing dedicated Dimpled Folded lines cover 26 × 1.73 × 0.26 mm and 28 × 1.4 × 0.24 mm.
For dimpled tube projects, please provide the dimple position, pitch and cross-section drawing in addition to W × H × T so we can accurately determine whether existing tooling can be used directly.
Rib-reinforced b-type tube
For special core geometries, B-type tubes with rib + dimple reinforcement are also available.
For special radiator cores, Rib-Reinforced B-Type Tube is available. The rib + dimple structure adds internal support and can be matched to the existing core geometry and header plate.
Confirmed sizes:
- 26 × 1.2 × 0.22 mm
- 34 × 1.75 × 0.28 mm
HF welded b-type tube
For radiator projects already using an HF welded design, we can match the existing HF welded B-type tube structure without requiring changes to a validated core design simply to change suppliers.
HF welded B-type tube is available with different channel configurations and can be matched to existing cross-sections and dimensions.
Common material structures include:
4343/3003/4343
4343/3005/4343
The 3003 or 3005 alloy forms the structural core, with 4343 brazing clad on both sides for subsequent radiator core brazing.
Current products use approximately 0.22–0.40 mm wall thicknesses and cover two-channel, three-channel and dimpled multi-channel designs.
Representative sizes include:
- 16 × 2.0 × 0.20 / 0.22 / 0.28 mm
- 22 × 2.0 × 0.20 / 0.22 / 0.28 mm
- 26 × 2.0 × 0.20 / 0.22 / 0.26 / 0.28 / 0.30 mm
- 32 × 2.0 × 0.20 / 0.22 / 0.25 / 0.30 mm
- 40 × 2.0 × 0.30 / 0.35 mm
- 52 × 1.8 × 0.35 / 0.40 mm
Three-channel HF welded b-type tube
Three-channel structures are available for B-type tube designs requiring additional internal flow-path separation.
Three-channel HF welded B-type tube for radiator cores, matched to existing dimensions and cross-section drawings.
Available sizes include:
- 21 × 1.2 × 0.25 mm
- 27 × 1.4 × 0.25 mm
- 32 × 1.8 × 0.25 mm
- 42 × 1.65 × 0.30 mm
- 42 × 1.7 × 0.28 mm
- 42 × 1.8 × 0.30 mm
- 52 × 1.6 × 0.28 mm
- 52 × 1.8 × 0.30 mm
Dimple HF b-type tube
The HF welded route is also available with dimpled four-channel B-type tube designs.
Dimpled multi-channel HF welded B-type tube for radiator cores, matched to channel structure, dimensions and cross-section drawings.
Available sizes include:
- 26 × 1.5 × 0.26 mm
- 27 × 1.4 × 0.25 mm
- 32 × 1.8 × 0.25 mm
- 42 × 1.65 × 0.30 mm
- 42 × 1.7 × 0.28 mm
- 42 × 1.8 × 0.30 mm
- 52 × 1.6 × 0.28 mm
- 52 × 1.8 × 0.30 mm
Special welded b-type profiles
In addition to standard Folded and multi-channel HF welded products, we also supply Welded B-Type Tube and Welded Double B-Type Tube for special cross-section designs.
The Single-B welded profile is suitable for projects with an existing OEM-specific cross-section or requirements to match current core geometry.
The Double-B structure uses a different internal support arrangement within a similar outer profile, so the internal bridge, weld position and complete cross-section drawing should be reviewed together.
Existing drawing examples:
| Product | Width | Height | Wall |
| Welded B-Type Tube | 27 ±0.05 mm | 1.50 ±0.05 mm | 0.25 ±0.01 mm |
| Welded Double B-Type Tube | 27 ±0.05 mm | 1.50 ±0.05 mm | 0.25 ±0.01 mm |
Other B-Type profiles are manufactured to the approved drawing and profile-specific tolerance requirements.
Match your existing profile
The same W × H × T can correspond to completely different Folded, HF welded, channel or internal support structures.
Provide your current cross-section drawing and we will first match it against existing sizes and tooling; new-tool evaluation is required only when current tooling cannot cover the profile.
Folded B-Type or HF welded — which tube fits your core?
Both Folded and HF welded tubes are used in radiator / heater cores. The choice depends mainly on the existing core design, target wall thickness and validation requirements.
| Comparison | Folded B-Type Tube | HF Welded B-Type Tube |
| Forming | Roll forming | HF welding after forming |
| Wall thickness | Approx. 0.20–0.30 mm | Approx. 0.22–0.40 mm |
| Suitable for | New projects, thin-wall and lightweight design evaluation | Validated HF welded cores, multi-channel designs |
| Validation focus | Fold joint,CAB brazing,pressure | Weld integrity,profile,pressure |
For a radiator core already validated for mass production, with the header plate, fin and CAB parameters established around an HF welded tube, retaining the existing structure can usually reduce unnecessary core revalidation.
For new projects or designs targeting further wall reduction and weight reduction, Folded and HF welded options can be evaluated together and selected based on burst pressure, header fit and core validation.
The internal fold of a Folded tube must also be joined during subsequent CAB brazing, so flux coverage, filler metal distribution and joint formation require particular validation.
Product information
Henan Chalco matches B-Type Tubes primarily to customer drawings, existing samples or OEM specifications, with options across Folded, HF welded, dimpled, rib-reinforced and multi-channel products.
| Item | Specification |
| Product | Aluminum B-Type Tube |
| Main types | Folded · Dimpled · Rib-Reinforced · HF Welded · Multi-Channel · Double-B |
| Folded material | 4343/3003/7072 · 4343/3005/7072 |
| HF welded material | 4343/3003/4343 · 4343/3005/4343 |
| Folded wall thickness | 0.20–0.30 mm |
| HF welded wall thickness | 0.22–0.40 mm |
| Dimensions | Matched to W × H × T or customer cross-section drawing |
| Surface / structure | Plain · Dimple · Rib · 2/3/4-channel |
| Length | Cut-to-length |
| Tolerance | Reviewed to customer drawing and profile requirements |
| Application | Radiator core · Heater core |
For quotation, provide W × H × T, the cross-section drawing, material structure and tube length so we can first match existing sizes and tooling.
Existing tooling and b-tube manufacturing capability
Henan Chalco B-Type Tube supply is supported by established tube-forming equipment and tooling resources. Current manufacturing resources include 4 dedicated Folded B-Type lines and 6 HF welded tube mills covering radiator, heater and multiple B-type profiles.
Dedicated folded b-type lines
Four dedicated Folded B-Type lines cover standard and dimpled structures, with documented production sizes including 16×2.0×0.20, 29×1.4×0.23, 26×1.73×0.26 and 28×1.4×0.24 mm. Some lines reach maximum speeds of 120 m/min.
No. 8 B-Type Tube Production Line
No. 9 B-Type Tube Production Line
No. 10 B-Type Tube Production Line
Tooling development and profile matching
Our manufacturing resources include tube mill and tooling design and development capability, allowing tooling to be matched or developed according to tube profile, wall thickness and internal structure.
For HF welded tubes, existing equipment can produce different profiles by changing tooling and supports a broad range of material thicknesses.
If the customer profile matches existing tooling, current tooling can be used first to reduce new-tool costs and upfront preparation.
Applications of b-type aluminum tubes
Henan Chalco B-Type Tubes are mainly used in automotive and off-road heat exchanger cores. Folded or HF welded structures can be matched to the radiator / heater core dimensions, pressure requirements and brazing design.
Automotive Radiator Core
For passenger-vehicle radiator cores; compatible with Folded, Dimpled or HF welded B-Type Tube.
Heater Core
For automotive heater cores; Folded or HF welded structures can be matched to the existing tube profile and core design.
Off-Road / Heavy-Duty Radiator
For off-road equipment and heavy-duty radiators; the appropriate B-Type Tube can be matched to pressure, profile and core design requirements.
Brazing Considerations for Folded B-Type Tube
The internal fold of a Folded B-Type Tube must be joined during subsequent CAB brazing. For new projects, flux coverage, filler metal distribution and tube-to-header joint formation should therefore be considered together with tube dimensions and wall thickness.
For a new core design, provide the existing tube drawing, header plate and CAB conditions so brazing compatibility can be evaluated during tube selection.
Inspection and quality control
B-Type Tube quality involves more than dimensional matching; the profile, weld / fold condition and pressure performance also need to be verified.
Existing inspection resources cover dimensions, cross-sections, defects and pressure testing.
| Inspection | Purpose |
| Vision measurement | Checks W × H, wall thickness and critical dimensions |
| Optical profile projector | Checks B-type cross-section, folds and internal structure |
| Eddy current testing | Checks tube continuity and defects according to project requirements |
| Burst testing | Verifies tube pressure resistance |
| Metallographic inspection | Used for cross-section, welding or brazing quality analysis |
For OEM or new-development projects, specified dimensional reports, pressure tests or other inspection requirements can be added according to the drawing.
Production and quality control follow ISO 9001 and IATF 16949 quality management systems to meet the quality management requirements of automotive thermal-management component projects.
If your project specifies burst pressure, special tolerances or an inspection standard, include them with the inquiry so the inspection plan can be confirmed during quotation.
Optical Profile Projector
Eddy Current Detector
Metallographic Polishing Machine
Supply and what to send for a quote
Henan Chalco supplies B-Type Tubes to existing specifications or customer drawings, with priority given to matching existing profiles and tooling.
For quotation, please provide:
- W × H × T
- Cross-section drawing
- Folded or HF welded
- Material / clad structure
- Dimple, rib or channel requirement
- Tube length
- Quantity / annual demand
- Inspection or burst pressure requirement
If only an existing sample is available, you can provide a cross-section photo, dimensions and application information. We will first identify the product type and then match available sizes and tooling.
The more complete the information, the faster we can confirm manufacturability, tooling status and the quotation basis.
What drives aluminum b-type tube pricing
B-Type Tube pricing is mainly determined by material structure, wall thickness, profile complexity, length, quantity and tooling status.
| Price factor | Impact on quotation |
| Material / clad structure | Different clad structures, such as 4343/3003/7072 and 4343/3005/4343, have different costs |
| Wall thickness | Thin-wall sizes require tighter forming and process control |
| Tube profile | Standard, dimpled, rib, multi-channel and double-B profiles involve different levels of process complexity |
| Tooling | Matching existing tooling can reduce new-tool investment |
| Cut length | Different cut lengths affect production and cutting arrangements |
| Order quantity | Samples, small batches and volume orders have different cost structures |
| Inspection requirement | Burst testing, special dimensional reports or other specified inspections affect the quotation |
Therefore, W × H × T alone is usually not enough for an accurate quotation. Please also provide the cross-section drawing, material structure, length and quantity; we will confirm existing tooling and the manufacturing route before quoting.
Related aluminum heat exchanger tubes
In addition to B-Type Tubes, Henan Chalco also supplies other aluminum tubes for automotive heat exchangers, supporting consolidated sourcing within the same thermal-management project.
Oil Cooler Tube
Intercooler / CAC Tube
Condenser Manifold Tube
If your project requires both B-Type Tubes and other heat exchanger tubes, send the complete drawing package so sizes and manufacturing routes can be matched together.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between Folded B-Type Tube and HF Welded B-Type Tube?
Folded B-Type Tube is formed by roll forming, with the internal fold joined during subsequent CAB brazing; HF Welded B-Type Tube is longitudinally high-frequency welded before core assembly.
Can you manufacture custom B-Type Tube sizes?
Yes. In addition to existing sizes, custom production can be evaluated based on W × H × T, the cross-section drawing, wall thickness and internal structure.
Do I need new tooling for a custom B-Type Tube?
Not necessarily. We first match existing tooling; if current tooling can cover the required profile, it can be used before considering new tooling.
What materials are available for B-Type radiator tubes?
Folded B-Type Tube commonly uses 4343/3003/7072 or 4343/3005/7072; HF welded B-Type Tube is available with brazing clad structures such as 4343/3003/4343 and 4343/3005/4343.
Can you supply dimpled and multi-channel B-Type tubes?
Yes. Current products include Dimpled Folded, Two-Channel, Three-Channel, Dimple HF Multi-Channel, Rib-Reinforced and Double-B structures.
What information is needed to match an existing radiator tube?
Please provide a tube drawing or sample, W × H × T, material structure, channel / dimple / rib design and tube length. A cross-section drawing helps us determine more quickly whether an existing profile and tooling can be matched.
What inspection can be provided for B-Type tubes?
Dimensional inspection, profile inspection, eddy current testing and burst testing can be performed according to project requirements, with the specific inspection scope confirmed against the drawing and purchasing requirements.
Get a quote for your b-type tube
Already have a drawing, current specification or sample?
Henan Chalco can quickly match Folded or HF welded B-Type Tube based on the existing profile, tooling and production route.
