Hot Rolled Rectangular Tubes
About Hot Rolled Rectangular Tubes
Hot rolled rectangular steel tubes offer a high strength-to-weight ratio and excellent weldability. Conforms to ASTM A500 Grade B. Ideal for structural frames, supports, and trailers. In-stock in Los Angeles.
Quick Facts
- Material: Hot Rolled Carbon Steel
- ASTM Standard: A500 Grade B
- Available Sizes: 1/2" x 1" to 4" x 6"; Walls: 0.065" to 0.250"
- Location: Los Angeles warehouse
- Services: Custom size, same-day pickup
Overview
Hot rolled rectangular steel tubing is a structural grade product manufactured to the ASTM A500 Grade B specification. The hot rolling process results in a material with excellent forming and welding characteristics, though with a rougher, scaled surface finish compared to cold rolled products. Its combination of strength, weldability, and cost-effectiveness makes it a foundational material for construction, fabrication, and industrial manufacturing projects requiring robust performance and load-bearing capacity.
The rectangular shape provides high torsional strength and compression resistance, making it superior to angles or channels in applications subject to twisting forces. This hollow structural section (HSS) is commonly used for building frames, trailer beds, support columns, and machine bases. The uniform wall thickness and straightness ensure reliability in structural assemblies, while the material is easily cut, drilled, and welded using standard fabrication techniques.
Technical Specifications
Mechanical Properties (A500 Grade B)
| Property | Value | Unit |
|---|---|---|
| Tensile Strength | 58,000 | PSI |
| Yield Strength | 46,000 | PSI |
| Elongation | 23 | % |
Applicable Standards
- ASTM A500: Standard Specification for Cold-Formed Welded and Seamless Carbon Steel Structural Tubing in Rounds and Shapes.
Common Applications
- Construction: Structural supports, building frames, and trusses - High strength-to-weight ratio.
- Trailers & Automotive: Trailer frames, tongues, and cross-members - Resists bending and torsional stress.
- Industrial Machinery: Machine bases, support frames, and conveyor systems - Excellent load-bearing capacity.
- Fencing & Enclosures: Gate frames, fence posts, and security barriers - Durable and strong.
- Agriculture: Equipment frames, implement components, and barn structures - Cost-effective and robust.
- Architectural: Signposts, decorative elements, and handrails - Clean lines and structural integrity.
- Furniture: Industrial-style table legs, shelving units, and framework - Strong and easily fabricated.
- Racking & Storage: Heavy-duty shelving supports and warehouse racking systems - Resists compression.
Working with Hot Rolled Rectangular Tubes
Machining
Hot rolled steel has fair machinability. The scaled surface can be abrasive on tooling. For best results, use slow speeds, heavy feeds, and a cutting fluid for drilling or milling operations.
Welding
A500B steel has excellent weldability. It can be joined using all common methods, including MIG, TIG, and stick welding. Preheating is generally not required for thinner sections but is recommended for wall thicknesses over 1/2 inch.
Finishing
The surface has a dark mill scale which must be removed by grinding, sandblasting, or chemical pickling before painting or powder coating. It can be left unfinished for indoor applications where corrosion is not a concern.
Related Products
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the difference between A500 and A513 tubing?
A: A500 is a structural specification with minimum strength requirements (46,000 PSI yield for Grade B) and is used for load-bearing applications like frames. A513 is a mechanical tubing specification with tighter dimensional tolerances and a better surface finish, used for machinery and automotive parts.
Q: Can I use hot rolled rectangular tube for outdoor projects?
A: Yes, but it requires a protective coating. The bare steel will rust when exposed to moisture. For outdoor use, the mill scale should be removed and the tube must be primed and painted, powder coated, or galvanized for corrosion resistance.
Q: Is rectangular tube stronger than square tube of the same material volume?
A: Strength depends on the direction of the load. A rectangular tube (e.g., 2"x4") is stronger than a square tube (e.g., 3"x3") when the load is applied against its taller side (the 4" dimension). It provides greater resistance to bending along that axis.
Stock & Custom Sizes
Available sizes from 1/2" X 1" to 4" X 6". Wall thicknesses range from 0.065" to 0.250". Standard lengths are 20 ft. Custom size available.
Same-day cutting and Los Angeles pickup available.
View Sizes & PricingNeed Hot Rolled Rectangular Tubes? Contact Bobco Metals for availability and Los Angeles pickup.
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