Hot Products
China Square Steel Pipe (SHS) - High-Quality Suppliers and Factory Direct Sales for Steel Structure Applications
Detailed Description of Square Steel Pipe (SHS)
Square Hollow Section (SHS) is a structural pipe manufactured by high frequency resistance welding (ERW) or thermoforming process. ERW process cold bends the steel strip into a round pipe and welds it, then presses the square through the calibrating roll, and heat treats it to eliminate the stress after welding, so the dimensional accuracy reaches ±0.5mm. Thermoforming process heats the round pipe billet to 900–950°C and expands the square hydraulically, so it realizes the homogeneous structure without weld seams, and the uniformity of the wall thickness is more than 95%. The closed section provides excellent torsional resistance. High strength and light weight (HSLA steel strength ≥355MPa), right-angled edges are easy to weld around the whole circumference, which is the preferred solution for building frames, machinery trusses and other load-bearing structures.
Key Parameters for Square Steel Pipe
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Manufacturing Process | ERW (Cold Formed or Hot Formed), Seamless (less common for SHS) |
| Standards | ASTM A500 (Gr. A, B, C, D), EN10219 (S235JRH, S275J0H, S275J2H, S355J0H, S355J2H, S355K2H), EN10210 (S235JRH, S275J0H, S275J2H, S355J0H, S355J2H, S355NH, S355NLH), JIS G3466 (STKR400, STKR490), AS/NZS 1163 (C250, C350, C450) |
| Steel Grade | Q195, Q235, Q345 (Chinese Standards); Gr. A, B, C, D (ASTM A500); S235, S275, S355 (EN Standards); STKR400, STKR490 (JIS) |
| Size (Side x Side) | 15x15mm to 500x500mm (larger sizes may be available) |
| Wall Thickness (WT) | 0.8mm to 25mm (varies with size and standard) |
| Length | Usually 6m or 12m; can be customized (e.g., 5.8m for container loading) |
| Corner Radius | Typically 2T to 3T (T = Wall Thickness), varies by standard |
| Surface Treatment | Black (bare/self-color), Oiled, Galvanized (Hot-dip or Pre-galvanized), Painted/Powder Coated |
| Inspection | Dimensional Check, Tensile Test, Yield Strength, Elongation, Weld Test (for ERW), Chemical Analysis |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q
What is the difference between ERW and thermoforming (hot-formed) Square Hollow Sections?
ERW (Electric Resistance Welded) SHS is cold-formed from steel strip and welded, then shaped into a square profile. It offers tight dimensional tolerances (±0.5mm) and is cost-effective for most structural applications. Thermoformed (hot-formed) SHS is produced by heating a round billet to 900–950°C and hydraulically forming it into a square, resulting in a seamless or near-seamless structure with highly uniform wall thickness (>95%) and superior mechanical properties — preferred for heavy-duty or critical load-bearing structures.
Q
What international standards apply to Square Steel Pipes (SHS)?
Square Steel Pipes are produced under several international standards depending on the region and application: ASTM A500 (North America, Grades A/B/C/D), EN10219 & EN10210 (Europe, grades S235–S355), JIS G3466 (Japan, STKR400/STKR490), and AS/NZS 1163 (Australia/New Zealand, C250–C450). Always specify the required standard when placing an order to ensure compliance.
Q
What size range is available for Square Hollow Sections?
Standard SHS sizes range from 15×15mm up to 500×500mm in side dimensions, with wall thicknesses from 0.8mm to 25mm. Larger or custom sizes may be available upon special request. Standard lengths are typically 6m or 12m, though custom lengths (e.g., 5.8m for optimized container loading) can be arranged.
Q
What surface treatment options are available for Square Steel Pipes?
SHS can be supplied with various surface treatments to suit different environments and applications: Black (bare/self-color) for standard indoor use, Oiled for corrosion protection during transport and storage, Hot-dip Galvanized or Pre-galvanized for outdoor and corrosive environments, and Painted or Powder Coated for aesthetic and additional protective requirements. The choice depends on the service environment and project specifications.
Q
Why are Square Hollow Sections preferred for structural and construction applications?
SHS offers several structural advantages: the closed square profile provides excellent torsional rigidity compared to open sections. The right-angled flat faces simplify welding, bolting, and connection detailing across all four sides. Using HSLA steel grades (≥355MPa) delivers high strength at reduced weight, lowering material costs. The uniform geometry also makes SHS ideal for columns, trusses, frames, and machinery structures where both aesthetics and performance matter.
Q
What quality inspections are performed on Square Steel Pipes before delivery?
Standard quality inspections for SHS include: Dimensional Check (side length, wall thickness, straightness, corner radius), Tensile Test (ultimate tensile strength), Yield Strength Test, Elongation Test (ductility assessment), Weld Test (for ERW pipes, verifying weld integrity), and Chemical Analysis (verifying grade composition). Mill test certificates (MTC) are typically provided and can be third-party verified upon request.