Welcome to our comprehensive guide on Welded Square Tubes, a cornerstone of modern construction and manufacturing. As a leading supplier in the steel industry, we are committed to providing you with the highest quality products and the essential knowledge to make informed decisions for your projects. This article delves deep into everything you need to know about welded square tubes.
What are Welded Square Tubes?
Welded Square Tubes, also known as Square Hollow Sections (SHS), are cold-formed steel sections created by rolling and welding steel coils or sheets. Their uniform cross-section and clean, 90-degree angles offer exceptional structural integrity and a modern aesthetic, making them a preferred choice for a vast array of applications over traditional materials like wood or concrete.
Materials and Steel Grades
The performance of a welded square tube is fundamentally determined by its material composition. We supply tubes in various grades to meet different strength, weldability, and environmental demands.
Carbon Steel: The most common material, known for its high strength and excellent weldability.
ASTM A500 Grade B & C: The standard for structural tubing in North America. Grade C offers higher yield strength than Grade B.
ASTM A36: A versatile low-carbon steel used in various structural applications.
EN 10219 (S235JR, S275JR, S355JR): European standards where the number indicates the minimum yield stress (e.g., S355JR has a 355 MPa yield stress).
JIS G 3466 (SS400, STKR400): Common Japanese grades for general structural purposes.
High-Strength Low-Alloy (HSLA) Steel: Provides better mechanical properties and atmospheric corrosion resistance than carbon steel.
Stainless Steel: Used for its superior corrosion resistance and hygienic properties.
ASTM A554: Covers mechanically welded stainless steel tubing, with common grades like MT-304 and MT-316.
International Standards and Compliance
Quality and safety are paramount. Our welded square tubes are manufactured in strict compliance with major international standards, ensuring global acceptance and reliability.
ASTM A500: Standard for cold-formed welded and seamless carbon steel structural tubing.
ASTM A513: Standard for electric-resistance-welded (ERW) carbon and alloy steel mechanical tubing.
EN 10219: Standard for cold-formed welded structural hollow sections in Europe.
JIS G 3466: Japanese standard for welded square and rectangular steel tubes.
ISO 10799: International standard for cold-formed welded structural hollow sections.
Common Sizes, Dimensions, and Wall Thickness
We offer an extensive range of sizes to suit any project requirement. Standard dimensions are typically specified as Width x Height x Wall Thickness.
Common Sizes: Range from small sections like 20x20mm (~1″x1″) to large sections over 400x400mm (~16″x16″).
Wall Thickness: Typically available from 1.0mm to 12.0mm or more. Popular thicknesses for structural work are between 2.0mm and 6.0mm.
Custom Sizes: We specialize in providing custom-sized tubes to meet unique design specifications.
Surface Treatment Options for Enhanced Performance
To improve durability, corrosion resistance, and appearance, various surface treatments are available:
Bare/Bright: The tube is used as-welded, suitable for indoor applications or where subsequent painting is planned.
Hot-Dip Galvanized (HDG): Immersing the tube in molten zinc provides a thick, durable coating for exceptional corrosion resistance in harsh environments.
Electro-Galvanized: A thinner zinc coating applied via electroplating, offering good rust protection and a smooth finish for aesthetic purposes.
Powder Coating: A dry powder is electrostatically applied and cured under heat, creating a hard, attractive, and color-fast finish.
Primed: A coat of primer is applied to prevent rust during storage and transportation, preparing the surface for on-site painting.
Brushed/Polished (Stainless Steel): A mechanical finish applied to stainless steel tubes to achieve a specific aesthetic look, from matte to mirror-like.
Diverse Applications Across Industries
The versatility of welded square tubes makes them indispensable in numerous sectors:
Construction & Architecture: Building frames, roof trusses, columns, balustrades, handrails, and modern architectural designs.
Industrial Machinery & Equipment: Machine frames, conveyor system structures, assembly lines, and support gantries.
Automotive & Transportation: Chassis components, trailer frames, roll cages, and truck bodies.
Agricultural & Mining: Robust frames for tractors, harvesters, and other heavy-duty machinery.
Storage & Material Handling: Warehouse racking systems, shelving units, and pallet racks.
Furniture & Retail: Modern furniture, display stands, shop fittings, and exhibition structures.
Key Advantages and Product Features
Choosing our welded square tubes provides you with significant benefits:
High Strength-to-Weight Ratio: Delivers superior structural strength without the added weight of solid sections, reducing material and support costs.
Cost-Effectiveness: More economical to produce than seamless tubes, offering excellent value for money without compromising on performance for most structural applications.
Superior Weldability and Fabrication: Easy to cut, weld, drill, and modify, allowing for fast and efficient on-site assembly and customization.
Dimensional Accuracy and Consistency: The manufacturing process ensures uniform shape, straightness, and precise tolerances, simplifying design and construction.
Aesthetic Modern Look: The clean, geometric lines provide a sleek and professional appearance, ideal for both structural and decorative applications.
Excellent Versatility: Available in a vast array of sizes, thicknesses, materials, and finishes to meet the precise demands of any project.
Welded square tubes are a fundamental, reliable, and adaptable solution for the global engineering and construction landscape. By understanding their properties, standards, and potential, you can fully leverage their benefits for your next project.
Contact Tianjin xiangliyuan steel today to discuss your specific requirements. Our expert team is ready to provide you with the perfect welded square tube solution, competitive pricing, and reliable technical support.
