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Structural Tube (HSS Hollow Structural Section)

Home > Glossary > Weldments, Bollards & Guards > Structural Tube (HSS Hollow Structural Section)

Steel tube in square, rectangular, or round cross-sections used extensively in weldment construction. HSS offers high strength-to-weight ratio, torsional rigidity, and a clean aesthetic appearance. Specified per ASTM A500 or A513.

Structural Hollow Structural Section (HSS) tubing has become the preferred material for modern weldments, offering engineering advantages that solid bar and angle cannot match for equivalent weight. The hollow cross-section provides exceptional torsional rigidity, a 4x4x1/4-inch square tube resists twisting approximately 3 times more effectively than a solid 1-inch diameter round bar of equal weight, making it ideal for applications involving both bending and torsional loads.

ASTM A500 and A513 specifications ensure consistent material properties and weldability; A500 is ideal for structural applications while A513 offers superior surface finish and dimensional accuracy for precision components. CNC shearing and cutting of HSS tube edges produces clean burr-free profiles ready for welding, reducing preparation time compared to traditional band saw or oxy-cut edges.

A typical fabricated guard frame using 2-inch square tube at 3/16-inch wall thickness weighs 30% less than an equivalent angle or channel design while delivering superior deflection resistance and a cleaner, more modern appearance in any industrial facility.

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