Tubular steel has many functions. It is practical, lightweight and strong, which makes it ideal for material handling and storage equipment such as trolleys and warehouse shelving. It can also look decorative and be used to make beautiful furniture.
Tubular steel comes in many shapes and thicknesses. It can be round, rectangular, D-Shaped and many other shapes. Constructed from mild steel, galvanised carbon or stainless steel, it can be coated to protect it from corrosion and extreme weather conditions.
Industrial uses
Tubular steel is widely used in industry to transport gas and liquids. It is a component of equipment, conveyor machines, hydraulic lifts, production lines, trolleys, tables, and shelving.
Transport
Steel tubing is used in car, plane, train and truck engines to transport gases, liquids, and fuel.
Tubular steel is used for car exhausts. Sports and rally cars have roll cages made from tubular steel.
Construction
Many architects use tubular steel in their designs for homes and commercial buildings. It is commonly used for railings and stairways but has also been seen as decorative features in ceilings and roofs. Tubular steel pipes transport water and gas around buildings.
Tubular steel in the home
Tubular steel is found in many household appliances. Refrigerators use tubular pipes to transport water. Sinks and toilets often use plastic tubing, but many homes have steel pipes.
Furniture designers have made chairs and other items using tubular steel. In the 1920s and 1930s, several leading designers made chairs constructed mainly from stainless steel. You can still buy reproductions of these classic chairs today.
Aerospace
Satellites and space stations need tubular steel made with strong alloys that can withstand the extreme temperatures in space. Fluids are transported around the International Space Station using pipes that are much stronger than typical ones on earth. They need to function and last well; after all, astronauts cannot send for a plumber if there is a leak!
Military
Military aircrafts that manoeuvre extremely quickly at high speeds are subject to high levels of stress. They use tough tubular steel components that withstand extreme stress. As well as transporting fluids around the aircraft, landing gear, shafts and exhausts use tubular steel.
Tubular steel is used in weapons and military vehicles too.
Medical
Many surgical tools use steel tubing, which must be high quality. The classic doctor’s tool of the stethoscope is made from special steel tubing that is lightweight and can transmit sound efficiently.
In hospitals, common uses for tubular steeling are in beds, wheelchairs and patient assistance devices.
The future
Tubular steel has been in common use since the early part of the 20th Century and remains a versatile material that is made in a similar way to when it was first produced, though there have been advances in reducing the environmental impact of its production. New welding and bending processes have been developed over time.
As far as the foreseeable future is concerned, it is likely that tubular steel will continue to be widely used for many years to come.
Get a free quote