The Forms We Supply
Four routes cover most of what we quote. Each is a different mill or process route, so the size
window and the lead time differ even where the grade looks similar.
Square tube
Equal-sided tube with four flat faces, for frames where panels and brackets bolt directly to the section.
Frames, guarding, panels
Rectangular tube
A deeper section in one direction, for beams and rails where the load runs one way.
Beams, rails, supports
Thin-wall tube
Light sections for trim, cladding supports and displays where weight matters more than impact resistance.
Trim, displays, cladding
Thick-wall tube
Heavier wall for loaded frames, impact resistance and parts that are machined after extrusion.
Machine frames, transport, jigs
Size Range and Standard
Square tube is quoted by outside size, wall and alloy. The weight per metre is the number that makes two quotes comparable, because the same outside size hides very different walls.
Swipe the table sideways for the notes →
| Parameter | Range | What decides it |
|---|
| Size | 12.7 – 101.6 mm square, rectangular sections to order | Imperial sizes remain common in frames; metric sizes follow the drawing. |
|---|
| Wall thickness | 1.0 – 10 mm | Thin wall is for trim, thick wall for loaded frames and impact resistance. |
|---|
| Weight | 0.5 – 16.5 kg/m depending on size and wall | Weight per metre, not outside size, is what compares two quotes. |
|---|
| Alloys | 6061, 6063, 5083, 5086, 6005 | 6063 for finish, 6061/6082 for structure, 5083/5086 for marine. |
|---|
| Temper | T4, T5, T6, T651 | T6 for structural frames; T5 for architectural and decorative work. |
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| Length | 6 m and 12 m stock, or cut to length | Long lengths reduce joints but need handling equipment on site. |
|---|
Products' Properties and Advantages
Square tube behaves differently from round tube in four ways that decide whether it is the right section.
Flat faces carry the joint
A bolted bracket on a square tube sits flat; on a round tube it needs a saddle or a clamp, which is an extra part and an extra failure point.
Torsion is the weak direction
An open flat-sided section twists more easily than a round one at the same weight, which matters on long unsupported spans.
Corner radius
Extruded square tube has rounded corners, and the radius decides whether a mating part sits flush or needs a fillet.
Wall consistency
Extruded tube holds wall evenly on all four faces, which is what makes the weight calculation — and the strength estimate — reliable.
How We Help Customers
Square tube orders are decided by size, wall, alloy and the cut list. We confirm all four because the wall is where most quotes differ.
01
Give the outside size and the wall
Both, as a pair. The weight per metre follows from them and is the number to compare across quotes.
02
Choose alloy and temper
6063-T5 for visible frames, 6061-T6 or 6082 for loaded structures, 5083/5086 for marine work.
03
Decide the corner and the joint
Rounded extruded corners against sharp machined corners, and whether joints are bolted, welded or joined with an insert.
04
Fix the cut list and the finish
Cut lengths and hole positions before anodizing or powder coating, so the finish is not broken by a second operation.
Real Applications
Square and rectangular tube is the default for frames that have to be assembled from flat parts.
Machine frames and guarding
Frames with panels bolted to flat faces, cut to a list and finished as a kit.
Architectural and shopfitting
Anodized or powder-coated sections for mullions, frames and display systems where the finish is visible.
Transport and trailers
Higher-strength sections for bodies and racks where weight and stiffness both matter.
Marine structures
5083 and 5086 sections for dockside and boat structures where salt water rules out the 6000 series.
