Why you Should Buy Steel Box Section

What is RHS, CHS and SHS?

Hollow steel sections can come with different cross-section shapes, circular, square or rectangular. Over the years, they have donned the appropriate acronyms: 

• Circular Hollow Section (CHS) steel
• Square Hollow Section (SHS) steel
• Rectangular Hollow Section (RHS) steel

For a product made from mild steel or structural steel, having this flexibility is just one of the many reasons why it is so popular and useful. Considering the practicality, versatility and formability of steel sections like this, as well as other mild steel bars, there are so many reasons why customers should consider this for any projects where steel fabrication work may be required.

Let’s take a deeper look into the advantages of using steel hollow sections like CHS, SHS and RHS.

What are the Benefits of Steel Box Section and Steel Tube?

• Lightweight - both hot and cold-formed steel sections are exceptionally light compared to other materials, meaning they are easier to handle. Even when being used for structural purposes, their low weight does not make them vulnerable to bending or cracking.
  

• Easily-machinable - whether the bars are passed through a furnace or not when manufactured, this does not affect their machinability. Hot-formed hollow steel sections are formed at a normalising temperature, while cold-formed sections are formed at ambient temperatures. The only major difference is the tightness of their corner profiles. But regardless of how this steel was formed, they can be easily cut, welded, drilled and shot-blasted.
  

• Compressive strength - the compressive strength of ductile materials such as mild steel and structural steel is approximately 250 MPa. Steel goes through a rigorous testing process to ensure it is fit for purpose, and steel suppliers registered with Buy A Beam are all CE-approved. So customers can order steel online with total peace of mind that it conforms to the required standards.
  

• Heat-resistant and weatherproof - steel sections like these can withstand large variations in temperature, hence why they are often used in applications where high temperatures are prevalent. Hollow steel sections can withstand almost any extreme weather conditions, without compromising on their structural integrity.
  

• Recyclable - any type of structural steel product can be recycled. From hollow sections to universal beams, steel is one of the most widely-recycled materials. SHS, RHS and CHS steel products are one of many eco-friendly mild steel products to consider if you are conscious of environmental impact.
  

• Durable and strong - the mild steel box section shape gives these steel products incredible strength. What’s more, the malleability of mild steel (thanks to its higher carbon content) means these are easier to form, and also incredibly durable. This means that these sections can withstand large amounts of pressure.

Before you Buy Steel Box Section

Steel should always be appropriately prepared to be able to withstand a variety of outdoor environments. Particularly so if your chosen application is in areas with high moisture levels, or near water. Oxygen and water react with the iron in the steel, causing it to oxidise and rust. 

To ensure your steel box section remains as strong and resilient as possible, speak with your local steel fabrication company. They may be able to add coatings of zinc or primer paint to enhance its longevity and corrosion-resistance.

Where can I Buy Steel Hollow Sections?

So now you (hopefully) recognise that hollow section steel is going to be useful for your next project. Before you get on the phone and phone your local steel fabricator, did you know you can buy steel online through Buy A Beam?

The Buy A Beam store gives customers an easy-to-use platform to buy steel box sections (and other products) directly. You can select the sizes, and add any custom processes, which will save you plenty of time if you are currently working on-site and are tied up with other responsibilities. 

Orders go through to your chosen structural steel fabricator, local to your postcode area, who will accept the order and process your request. 

It also comes with a built-in steel calculator tool, which will hopefully be valuable to you if you need to work out steel beam sizes and depths.

Find out how Buy A Beam works by visiting our shop. Alternatively, give us a call today.