Aluminum – Aluminum rectangular tubing is a versatile and lightweight option commonly used in various industries. Its strength-to-weight ratio is ideal for structural applications where weight reduction is crucial, like in aerospace or automotive manufacturing. The tubing is also resistant to corrosion, making it suitable for outdoor or harsh environments. It’s available in a range of sizes and thicknesses, catering to specific project requirements. The material’s malleability allows for easy shaping and joining, enhancing its suitability for complex designs.

Mild Steel – Mild steel rectangular tubing is a popular choice in construction and fabrication due to its strength and affordability. Its high weldability and machinability make it suitable for various applications, including building frames, automotive, and general manufacturing. The rectangular shape provides added strength and rigidity, making it a preferred choice for load-bearing structures. Its versatility allows it to be cut and welded into various sizes and lengths to meet specific requirements. Additionally, mild steel can be further strengthened through galvanization, enhancing its resistance to corrosion and wear.

Stainless Steel – Stainless steel rectangular tubing is highly valued for its durability and corrosion resistance, making it a top choice in environments prone to moisture or chemicals. Its sleek appearance and ease of maintenance are advantages in architectural and aesthetic applications. The rectangular shape provides structural strength and stability, especially in construction and architectural frameworks. This tubing is available in various sizes and grades, catering to specific strength and resistance requirements. The material’s resistance to staining and rust, combined with its strength, makes it a long-lasting, practical choice for industrial and decorative purposes.

Benefits of Rectangular Metal Tubes

Rectangular tubing, with its distinct shape and structural properties, offers a range of benefits across various applications. This type of tubing is chosen in various applications, from construction to design, for its unique combination of practicality and aesthetics.

Increased Stability and Contact Area – Rectangular tubing’s flat sides provide an increased contact area, enhancing stability when attached to other components. This feature is especially beneficial in construction and manufacturing, where secure and stable connections are crucial.

Efficient Space Utilization – The shape of rectangular tubing allows for more efficient use of space. This is particularly advantageous in building design and layout, where maximizing space is often a key consideration.

High Strength-to-Weight Ratio – Rectangular tubing often boasts a higher strength-to-weight ratio than round tubes. This makes it ideal for structures where strength and weight are significant factors, such as in certain architectural designs or vehicle frames.

Aesthetic Appeal – The clean lines and modern look of rectangular tubing make it aesthetically pleasing, which is why it’s frequently used in architectural and design applications. Its shape can contribute to the overall visual appeal of a structure.

Material Versatility – Rectangular tubes are available in various materials, each offering unique properties. For instance, stainless steel provides corrosion resistance, while mild steel is known for its weldability. This versatility makes rectangular tubing suitable for a wide range of applications.

Applications for Rectangular Tubes

Typical applications for rectangular metal tubes include:

Construction – In construction, rectangular tubing is widely used for building frames, supports, and railing systems. Its strength and shape make it ideal for creating sturdy and durable structures.

Manufacturing – Rectangular tubing plays a crucial role in the manufacturing sector, especially in the production of machinery and equipment where its rigidity and durability are essential.

Automotive Industry – In the automotive industry, rectangular tubing is used in the construction of vehicle frames and body parts. Its high strength-to-weight ratio is particularly beneficial for enhancing vehicle safety while minimizing weight.

Architectural Design – Architecturally, rectangular tubing is used for structural and aesthetic purposes. Its clean lines and modern appearance make it popular in contemporary building designs.

Furniture Making and Décor – The use of rectangular tubing extends to furniture making and decorative elements. Its durability and unique shape allow for creative and functional designs in both residential and commercial spaces.

Industrial Machinery – The robustness of rectangular tubing makes it suitable for frames and structural components in heavy machinery.

Infrastructure Projects – Rectangular tubes are used in bridges, platforms, and other large-scale infrastructure due to their high load-bearing capacity.

Fencing and Gates – Rectangular tubing is often used in fencing and gate construction for its strength and aesthetic appeal.

Green Energy Structures – Rectangular tubes are employed in frameworks for solar panels and wind turbines, balancing durability and weight efficiency.

Exercise Equipment – The sturdiness and shape of rectangular metal tubes make it ideal for gym equipment and outdoor fitness installations.

What Sizes Do Rectangular Tubes Come In?

The tubes are measured by their outside dimensions and their wall thickness.

Due to their light weight and corrosion resistance, aluminum rectangular tubes are used in various applications, such as structural, fencing, and handrails. These come in several standard sizes but can be cut to custom lengths.

Steel rectangular tubing is a welded structural grade tube available in either A513 mechanical or A500 structural designations. Rectangular steel tubing is a favourite for industrial maintenance, agricultural implements, transportation equipment and trailers. Given the right equipment and know-how, it is easy to weld, cut, form and machine. Rectangular steel tubing sizes cater to various structural and architectural needs and allow for flexibility in applications.

How Rectangular Tubing is Manufactured?

There are three main methods for manufacturing tubing:

Seamless (can be produced through extrusion) – The seamless method of manufacturing rectangular tubing involves extruding a solid steel billet into a tube shape without welding. This process creates tubing with uniform strength and smoothness, making it ideal for high-pressure applications and environments where reliability and precision are crucial. The absence of a weld seam enhances the tube’s ability to withstand internal pressure and ensures a consistent and uniform diameter throughout its length. Seamless tubing is often preferred in critical applications like aerospace, automotive hydraulics, and high-pressure gas or liquid transport systems.

As-welded (or electric-resistant welded [ERW]) – The as-welded method of manufacturing metal tubing involves rolling steel strips into a tube and welding along the seam. This process is more cost-effective than seamless manufacturing and allows for greater variety in sizes and shapes. The weld seam can be a factor in applications where pressure or corrosion resistance is critical, but modern welding techniques have significantly improved seam strength and integrity. As-welded tubing is widely used in non-critical applications like general construction, fencing, and some automotive components.

Draw-over-mandrel (DOM) – The draw-over-mandrel (DOM) method of manufacturing metal tubing involves forming and welding the tube and then drawing it over a mandrel to refine its dimensions and improve surface finish. This process enhances the tubing’s dimensional accuracy and produces a more uniform wall thickness. The DOM method results in increased strength, superior surface quality, and better concentricity than as-welded tubing. It’s commonly used in high-precision applications such as automotive parts, hydraulic cylinders, and mechanical tubing, where close tolerances and smooth surfaces are essential.

Which process is used depends on the metal type and the application. Aluminum tubing is either extruded or cold drawn. Stainless tubing can be welded — roll-forming strips of stainless steel into a tube shape and then welded (same as hot rolled welded) — or seamless (through the extrusion process). Rectangular tubing is a versatile and essential component in various industries, from construction and manufacturing to automotive and architectural design. Its unique combination of strength, efficiency, and aesthetic appeal makes it a preferred choice for numerous applications. Shop Metal Supermarkets for high-quality rectangular tubing in various materials, cut to size and tailored to your specific project needs.