Hot Rolled Round Tubes
About Hot Rolled Round Tubes
Hot rolled round steel tubes offer high strength and excellent weldability. Typically produced to ASTM A500 Grade B, ideal for structural frames and supports. Stocked in Los Angeles.
Quick Facts
- Material: Hot Rolled Steel
- ASTM Standard: A500 Grade B
- Available Sizes: ODs from 1/2" with various wall thicknesses
- Location: Los Angeles warehouse
- Services: Custom size, same-day pickup
Overview
Hot rolled round tubing is formed from steel that has been rolled at high temperatures. This process results in a product with a rougher, scaled surface finish compared to cold rolled alternatives, but offers excellent formability and cost-effectiveness. The material is known for its durability and high strength-to-weight ratio, making it a reliable choice for applications where a precise surface finish is not the primary concern.
Commonly conforming to ASTM A500 Grade B specifications, this tubing is designed for welded, riveted, or bolted construction of structural applications. It provides a minimum yield strength of 46,000 PSI and is easily weldable using common techniques. This combination of strength, weldability, and affordability makes it a foundational material for general fabrication, machinery frames, and support structures where durability is essential.
Technical Specifications
Mechanical Properties (ASTM 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.
- ASTM A513: Standard Specification for Electric-Resistance-Welded Carbon and Alloy Steel Mechanical Tubing.
Common Applications
- Automotive: Roll cages and chassis reinforcements - for its high strength and weldability.
- Construction: Support columns, structural framing, and scaffolding - due to its load-bearing capacity and cost-effectiveness.
- Industrial Machinery: Equipment frames, conveyor rollers, and support legs - for its durability and resistance to stress.
- Agriculture: Fencing, gates, and equipment frames for tractors - because it is strong and easy to fabricate.
- Furniture & Fixtures: Industrial-style table legs, shelving supports, and display racks - for its raw aesthetic and strength.
- Recreational Equipment: Bicycle frames, playground equipment, and exercise machine frames - for its reliable structural integrity.
- Trailer Manufacturing: Trailer frames, axles, and support jacks - due to its excellent strength-to-weight ratio.
Working with Hot Rolled Round Tubes
Machining
Hot rolled steel tubing has fair machinability. The scaled surface can be abrasive on tooling, so using appropriate speeds and feeds is recommended. For precision work, removing the surface scale first is beneficial.
Welding
This material exhibits excellent weldability and can be joined using all common welding processes, including MIG, TIG, and stick welding. Preheating is typically not required for standard thicknesses, making it ideal for on-site fabrication.
Finishing
The surface of hot rolled tubing has a dark, scaled finish. It can be painted, powder-coated, or galvanized after proper surface preparation, which includes cleaning and removing the mill scale for best adhesion.
Related Products
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the difference between hot rolled tube and pipe?
A: Tube is measured by its exact outside diameter (OD) and wall thickness, designed for structural and mechanical applications. Pipe is measured by a nominal inside diameter (ID) and a 'schedule' for wall thickness, primarily designed to transport fluids or gases.
Q: Can I use hot rolled round tube for outdoor projects?
A: Yes, but it requires a protective coating. The raw steel will rust when exposed to moisture. For outdoor use, it should be painted, powder-coated, or galvanized to prevent corrosion.
Q: Is ASTM A500 or A513 better for my project?
A: ASTM A500 is the standard for structural applications like building frames and supports where load-bearing is critical. ASTM A513 is used for mechanical applications where tighter tolerances on OD and wall thickness are required, such as in machinery parts.
Stock & Custom Sizes
Available ODs from 1/2 inch with a variety of wall thicknesses. Standard lengths are 20 ft. Custom size available.
Same-day cutting and Los Angeles pickup available.
View Sizes & PricingNeed Hot Rolled Round Tubes? Contact Bobco Metals for availability and Los Angeles pickup.
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