Hollow
structural sections or HSS is a type of metal
profile with a hollow tube section. They are extremely tough and durable. The
most common are circular tubes, square tubes or rectangular tubes, although other shapes are available. It can incorporate a
variety of different alloys in its design. Its versatility makes it useful in a
variety of different industries. RHS steel,
also known as rectangular tube are commonly used as standard steel frames which
can be loaded from different directions in the structural applications of
buildings. RHS Steel uses are endless as its smooth flat surfaces can make
construction easier.
RHS Steel is very popular in construction
and other manufacturing applications such as automotive and storage due to its
strength, economy and simplicity to use compared to the other variants. Its
smooth flat surfaces can make construction easier.
Due to the minimal edge preparation
required when connecting sections, and its ease in joining to other sections,
it requires only a straight cut before wielding to another flat surface. In
industrial settings, they are priced for their strength and ability to
withstand high temps, pressure and destructive elements.
RHS Steel comes in a broad range of sizes
to suit the required need and can be cut to exact specifications. They are
sometimes preferred in structures with exposed structural supports for their
aesthetic value, its clean lines and flat surfaces are considered pleasing to
the eye compared to the other shapes such as the circular or square variants.
They can also come in a wide variety of
colors and finishes to enhance their aesthetic quality and are sometimes less
susceptible to environmental factors. It has a high strength to weight ratio,
can be more cost effective and is able to be recycled and used for a variety of
other roles. RHS Steel has many different uses and applications due to its
versatility and strength.
Uses of RHS Steel is in the construction of
residential, industrial, agricultural or commercial structures. These include
fence posts, rails, bearings for flooring, decking, bridges, buildings, houses
and a myriad of other construction options.
In the construction industry, RHS steel is primarily used in the support structures of large structures, such as bridges.
Its excellent load-bearing capacity,
stability, and ease of processing make it widely used in the construction of
high-rise buildings and long-span bridges.
In the manufacturing of mechanical equipment, RHS steel is ideally suited to the demands of high precision and high rigidity.
For example, in the manufacture of
components such as machine tool bed frames, its precise dimensions and
excellent straightness ensure the stability and precision required by the
equipment.
RHS steel also plays a vital role in automotive engineering.
For example, a combination of rectangular
and round tubes is used in key areas such as vehicle body reinforcements and
frames to achieve vehicle body safety and comfort design goals.
In addition to the aforementioned industries, RHS steel also has a wide range of applications in the manufacture of aircraft components and other specialized applications, such as the shipbuilding industry.
In these applications, special-sized
rectangular hollow sections made of high-strength materials are often selected
to meet the challenges posed by unique operating environments and usage
conditions.
When selecting RHS steel, it's important to comprehensively consider the operating environment, load requirements, and budget.
For example, stainless steel or galvanized rectangular tubes should be preferred for outdoor or humid environments to prevent rust.
For structures bearing heavy loads, sufficient wall thickness is required.
A comprehensive range of specifications doesn't mean blind selection; rather, it's important to tailor your selection to meet your specific needs and avoid overspending. When purchasing, it's recommended to provide suppliers with detailed specifications for more accurate product recommendations.