Steel pipe & tube

Steel pipe & tube range

Steel tubing available from BlueScope Distribution is categorised by shape, including round, square, and rectangular shapes, and type:

• CHS which are circular hollow sections
• RHS which are rectangular hollow sections
• SHS which are square hollow sections
• ERW which are various sections that have been electric resistance welded

CHC – Circular hollow sections

Circular hollow sections (CHS) are a type of metal profile with a hollow tubular cross section with a uniform wall thickness around the sections and excellent resistance to torsion. CHS are commonly used in general engineering, in agricultural settings, reticulation and in welded steel frames where members experience loading in multiple directions. Both square and circular hollow sections are efficient shapes for this multiple-axis loading, as they have uniform geometry along two or more cross-sectional axes and thus uniform strength characteristics. Thickness ranges from 2 mm to 5.4 mm and the nominal diameter or bore ranges from 15 mm to 100 mm. The outside diameter ranges from 21.3 mm to 114.3 mm. CHS can be welded, bent, drilled, and screwed. The end finishes can be mill cut (or plain), screwed at one or both ends, screwed and socketed, or swaged.

RHS – Rectangular hollow sections

Rectangular hollow sections (RHS) have inherently flat surfaces that make it more economical when it comes to joining and fabrication. Also, RHS are functional with clean lines and used for construction and architectural applications. RHS steel is used for many fabrication and construction purposes. It is also popular for many different structural and mechanical applications and can be used for anything from load-bearing frames to furniture. RHS is manufactured in a wide range of dimensions and thicknesses, as well as combinations of both. Available thicknesses across the board are 1.6 mm, 2 mm, 2.5 mm, 3 mm, 3.5 mm, 4 mm, 5 mm, 6 mm, 8 mm, 9 mm, 10 mm, 12.5 mm, and 16 mm. Dimensions range from 50 mm x 20 mm to 400 mm to 300 mm. Generally, the smaller the dimensions, the thinner the metal wall can be. RHS steel is available in two grades: C350LO and C450LO – both of which are intended for mechanical and general structural applications. In addition, some sections are available painted and/or pre-galvanised.

SHS – Square hollow sections

Square hollow section (SHS) steel tubing has similar uses to RHS and is used for both industrial and construction applications, as well as home handyman uses like fence posts or gate frames. SHS are available in dimensions ranging from 20 mm x 20 mm to 400 mm x 400 mm. Similar to RHS, the range of SHS varies in thickness from 1.6 mm to 16 mm. Generally, the smaller the dimensions, the thinner the metal wall can be. SHS is available in two grades: C350LO and C450LO – also intended for both mechanical and general structural applications. In addition, some sections are available painted and/or pre-galvanised.

ERW – Electric resistance welded sections

Electric resistance welded (ERW) products are available in square, rectangular, round and oval sections. Standard lengths are 6.10 m and 7.32 m, which are perfect for many applications including fencing, handrails and balustrades, outdoor furniture, safety ladders, luggage, shopping trolleys, tent poles, and more. If you are in the market for ERW sections, contact BlueScope Distribution and we will be sure to meet your specific needs.

Your processing services for pipe & tube steel products include:

Slitting

Shearing

Recoiling

Blanking

To learn more about our range of steel processing services, please visit our processing page.

BlueScope Distribution’s value-add solutions

With a national network of branches Australia-wide, your BlueScope Distribution teams provide ease of accessibility and full supply chain solutions for the range of steel pipe and tube. We work closely with our customers to manage product requirements and forecasting to ensure material is available how and when it is needed, so our customers can concentrate on manufacturing a wide range of end use products. Your BlueScope Distribution team can assist with scheduling, forecasting, consignment options, product labelling and kitting options, nesting, and project management from start to finish.

BlueScope Distribution’s Steel Efficiency Review®

Our Steel Efficiency Review® is available to our customers, it is a service we offer to assist with looking closely at production and processing lines to help our customers identify potential cost and time savings to recommend possible improvements. To learn more, please visit our SER® page.