Structural pipes, commonly made from steel, are used in various industries and products. They come in different shapes and metals, including aluminum, carbon, alloy, and brass. The pipes are cut, bent, and welded to form a strong piece. Circular, square, and rectangular shapes are available, and many are chemically coated to improve performance and increase their lifespan.
Most people don’t even notice the structural tube, but for many people it is an integral part of daily life. This robust alternative to solid steel is used in a wide variety of industries and products, from shopping trolleys and handrails to truck bumpers. These pipes come in many shapes and metals, all intended to serve a unique function. Without these useful metal pipes, the shape of the world’s products would be very different.
Structural pipe is a hollow pipe commonly constructed from steel. Manufacturers purchase coils of hot-rolled metal from factories to form the various shapes needed for structural tubes. The coils are cut to the correct size and then bent into the shape needed for the tube. The next step involves welding the two sides together to make one strong piece of pipe. Many structural pipes are finished with a variety of chemicals to protect them from natural and unnatural elements.
Structural pipes can also be made from materials other than steel. Aluminum, carbon, alloy, and brass are all good options for specific reasons. Aluminum and carbon provide lightweight strength, alloys often are highly resistant to the elements, and brass is popular for plumbing fixtures due to its longevity.
Circular, or tubular, is the most common form of structural pipe because its rounded edges can be easily bent and handled. Tubular tubing comes in a wide variety of sizes to work with a variety of industries. The tubes can be as small as a wand or large enough to double as a drain tube. The tube construction provides the strength of a solid piece of metal without the weight associated with that setup.
Structural tubing also comes in square, rectangular, and even oval shapes. Flat and rectangular square tubes are popular choices for building and vehicle framing. In addition to the strength provided by each, the flat sides allow for holes to be drilled and bolts to be connected, allowing for the melting of pipes and the fastening of non-tubular materials, such as sheet metal.
Regardless of the shape or size of the structural pipes, many of the pipes are chemically coated to improve performance and increase their life. Carbon, manganese, phosphorus and sulfur are all used for a variety of reasons. Usually, these chemicals are applied to help prevent tarnishing and dulling caused by exposure to nature for extended periods of time.
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