The best quality storage and material handling equipment are made from tubular steel. After all, users want robust and long-lasting equipment, so a durable and versatile material that can be used to manufacture top quality equipment is at the top of their lists.
Stress resistance
Tubular steel has a high tensile strength and is both elastic and durable. It does not break easily and can be formed into curves. It is resistant to stress and can stand being used on the coldest or hottest days without suffering damage.
Shock resistance
Tubular steel is resistant to shocks. A full-on collision with a forklift truck can damage equipment, but minor collisions or rough handling of equipment should not cause damage.
Construction is quick
Equipment made from tubular steel can be quickly constructed. A skilled metalworker can cut, shape and weld tubular steel to form trolleys, shelves and tables in very little time.
Corrosion free
Tubular steel that is coated will not rust. Rust resistant coating prevents corrosion even after may years’ use.
Cost effective
Tubular steel is not expensive, and quick construction times mean that the cost of equipment remains affordable.
Many businesses want equipment made to their custom designs. Using tubular steel means that bespoke solutions are very cost effective.
Equipment made with tubular steel lasts a long time, so does not need replacing, so this saves money too.
Environmentally friendly
If equipment becomes obsolete or worn out, the steel that it is constructed from can be recycled. About 79% of all steel used gets recycled, which is a higher percentage than the total of glass, plastic, paper and aluminium combined.
The differences between iron and steel
A lot of material handling and storage equipment used to be made from iron, but this metal is difficult to shape and lacks strength and can contain impurities such as sulphur and phosphorous. Steel is a mixture of iron and carbon with no impurities, but has a small amount of alloying material added such as manganese and carbon.
Iron can be cast into shapes such as engine crankshafts and railway lines, but tubular steel is more versatile as it can easily be cut and bent into the desired shape.
Strength to weight
Tubular steel has the highest strength to weight ratio of any construction material. Equipment made using tubular steel is strong but not over heavy, which is especially important for trolleys that are used for manual handling.
Here to stay
Tubular steel has been used for many decades to construct equipment. During that time there have been countless developments in materials, with various plastics created to build equipment and furniture. Kevlar was invented to stop bullets, and fabrics have been made breathable, but when it comes to material handling equipment, modern businesses still rely on trusty tubular steel.
In a busy warehouse or workshop, businesses need equipment they can rely on for everyday use, and tubular steel equipment provides all the strength and practicality they require.
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