Stainless steel square tubing is an excellent choice for those looking for a durable and versatile material that is resistant to weather, chemicals and heat. At a size of 40 x 40 x 1.5mm, this box section is perfect for a variety of applications. Whether you need it for construction, industrial purposes, or even ornamental applications, this tubing is sure to serve you well. Additionally, its malleable nature means it can easily be shaped to your desired specifications. Not only that, but it also has hygienic properties, making it ideal for use in areas where cleanliness is paramount. All in all, if you need a reliable material that can withstand the elements and provide excellent results, stainless steel square tubing is an excellent choice.<\/p>\n
We are the best suppliers for your needs because:<\/p>\n
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- FREE UK delivery on all orders<\/strong><\/li>\n
- Order dispatch within 24 hours of order<\/strong><\/li>\n
- Located in Warrington, UK which is the UK home of mesh and metals<\/strong><\/li>\n
- Our experienced staff are experts in the mesh market and care personally about your customer experience<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Furthermore we stock a vast range of round tube<\/strong><\/a> options that compliment our mesh range perfectly.<\/p>\n
Over 50,000 customers of Specialty Metals are provided with fast, friendly customer service every year. We\u2019re the place to try when you need metal of any shape and size. We\u2019re based in Warrington, UK. We pride ourselves on our rapid turnaround and a large range of options.<\/p>\n
Key information:<\/p>\n
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- Shape \u2013 Square Box Section<\/strong><\/li>\n
- Grade \u2013 SS316L<\/strong><\/li>\n
- Tube Type – ERW<\/strong><\/li>\n
- Box Outer Size \u2013 40 x 40mm<\/strong><\/li>\n
- Wall Thickness \u2013 1.5mm<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
We also carry a wide range of mild steel\u00a0sheet metal<\/a>,\u00a0angle iron\u00a0<\/a>and\u00a0flat bar.<\/a><\/p>\n
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\nFAQs About This Product<\/h4>\n
How do you Clean Stainless Steel Square Tubing?<\/h2>\n
Cleaning stainless steel square tubing properly can ensure its longevity and maintain its aesthetic appeal. Here’s a step-by-step guide to cleaning stainless steel square tubing:<\/p>\n
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Determine the Finish<\/strong>: Before you start, it’s crucial to identify the finish of your tubing. Polished surfaces may scratch easily, so you should avoid abrasive materials.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n
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Dust and Wipe<\/strong>: Begin by removing any dust or loose particles from the surface. Use a soft cloth or microfiber cloth to gently wipe down the tubing.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n
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Warm Soapy Water<\/strong>: For general cleaning, prepare a mixture of warm water and a mild detergent. Soak a soft cloth or sponge in this solution, wring it out so it’s not dripping and then gently wipe the tubing’s surface.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n
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Rinse<\/strong>: After cleaning with soapy water, it’s essential to rinse the tubing to remove any detergent residue. Use a clean cloth dampened with fresh water. Ensure you wipe the tubing dry immediately after to prevent water spots.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n
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Stubborn Stains or Deposits<\/strong>: If the tubing has stubborn stains, smudges or fingerprints, you can use a stainless steel cleaner. Always test any cleaning solution in an inconspicuous spot first. After using a specialised cleaner, rinse the surface to remove any cleaning residues.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n
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Avoid Abrasives<\/strong>: Never use steel wool, scrubbing brushes or scouring pads on stainless steel. They can scratch the surface and make it more susceptible to rusting.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n
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Wipe in the Direction of the Grain<\/strong>: Stainless steel usually has a grain direction, visible as fine lines on the surface. Always wipe or clean in the direction of this grain rather than against it to maintain the appearance and avoid scratching.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n
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Dry the Surface<\/strong>: After cleaning, always dry the surface thoroughly using a soft, dry cloth. This step prevents water spots and reduces the potential for discoloration or staining.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n
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Regular Maintenance<\/strong>: Periodically inspect the tubing for signs of corrosion, especially if it’s in a challenging environment like a coastal area or somewhere with exposure to harsh chemicals.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n
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Protective Measures<\/strong>: In environments where the tubing may get splashed or come in contact with harmful chemicals, it’s wise to rinse the tubing with fresh water regularly and dry it. This preventive measure can reduce the risk of corrosion.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
Is 316L Tubing Suitable for Marine Applications?<\/h2>\n
Yes, 316L stainless steel tubing is particularly suitable for marine applications. Its distinct advantage in marine environments arises from its chemical composition, which includes molybdenum. This added element enhances the alloy’s resistance to the corrosive effects of chlorides commonly found in seawater. Chloride-induced corrosion, particularly pitting and crevice corrosion, can be a challenge for many metals when exposed to the sea, but 316L’s enhanced resistance makes it a preferred choice for such conditions. Additionally, the “L” in 316L signifies a lower carbon content, which further reduces the risk of sensitisation from carbide precipitation, especially during welding. This ensures that weld joints maintain their corrosion resistance. In conclusion, due to its superior corrosion resistance, especially against chlorides, 316L stainless steel tubing is a prime choice for marine and saltwater environments.<\/p>\n
\n\nHow do I Weld 316L Square Tubing?<\/h2>\n
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Preparation<\/strong>:<\/p>\n
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- Clean the Material<\/strong>: Before welding, clean the tubing to remove any dirt, oil, grease or other contaminants. Use acetone or another suitable solvent for this.<\/li>\n
- Inspect for Surface Defects<\/strong>: Check the tubing for cracks, pits or other surface defects. These can lead to compromised weld quality.<\/li>\n
- Choose the Right Filler Metal<\/strong>: Use a 316L-compatible filler material. ER316L is a common choice.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n
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Equipment Selection<\/strong>:<\/p>\n
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- Gas Tungsten Arc Welding (GTAW\/TIG)<\/strong> is often used for welding stainless steel tubing because of its precision. Ensure you have the right tungsten electrode, typically 2% thoriated.<\/li>\n
- Shielding gas is crucial. A common choice for stainless steel is a mixture of argon and 2-5% hydrogen or argon with 2% carbon dioxide. Pure argon can also be used.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n
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Welding Technique<\/strong>:<\/p>\n
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- Tack Weld<\/strong>: Securely tack weld the tubing at several points to maintain alignment.<\/li>\n
- Welding Direction<\/strong>: For square tubing, it’s often best to weld in the flat position whenever possible. This offers the most control.<\/li>\n
- Travel Speed<\/strong>: Maintain a consistent travel speed. Moving too slowly can overheat the base metal and cause warping or carbide precipitation.<\/li>\n
- Heat Input Control<\/strong>: 316L has a relatively low melting point, so it’s essential to manage heat input to prevent burn-through, distortion, or warping.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n
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Post-Welding<\/strong>:<\/p>\n
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- Cooling<\/strong>: Allow the welded section to cool naturally in still air. Avoid rapid cooling methods, as they can induce thermal stresses.<\/li>\n
- Post-weld Cleaning<\/strong>: Clean the weld zone to remove any discoloration or oxide scale. This can be done using pickling pastes, wire brushes (made of stainless steel) or other suitable methods.<\/li>\n
- Inspect the Weld<\/strong>: Check the weld for defects like porosity, cracks or inclusions. Non-destructive testing methods, like dye penetrant testing, can be used if necessary.<\/li>\n
- Post-weld Heat Treatment<\/strong>: Generally, 316L doesn’t require post-weld heat treatment. However, in specific applications where there’s a risk of intergranular corrosion, a post-weld annealing might be considered.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n
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Safety<\/strong>:<\/p>\n
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- Always wear the appropriate personal protective equipment, including a welding helmet, gloves and protective clothing.<\/li>\n
- Ensure adequate ventilation, especially when working in confined spaces, to avoid inhaling harmful fumes.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
Does Stainless Steel 316L Resist Corrosion?<\/h2>\n
Absolutely, stainless steel 316L is renowned for its outstanding corrosion resistance. The alloy’s resilience arises primarily from its composition, which includes a significant amount of chromium, nickel and notably, molybdenum. The chromium within the alloy reacts with oxygen to form a passive chromium oxide layer on the surface. This layer acts as a shield, preventing corrosive agents from penetrating and attacking the underlying metal. The addition of molybdenum further enhances its resistance, especially against chloride-induced pitting and crevice corrosion, common threats in marine and saltwater environments. Moreover, the “L” in 316L indicates “low carbon,” which minimises the risk of chromium carbide precipitation at grain boundaries, thereby safeguarding the material’s resistance in welded areas. In summary, while no material is entirely immune to corrosion under all conditions, 316L offers a high level of resistance to a wide range of corrosive environments, making it a favorite choice in many demanding applications.<\/p>\n
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Check out our blog discussing what is a steel box section<\/a>. It will prove a useful read to help you to make an informed decision on which material would work best for you.\u00a0<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n
We are also very proud of our ever expanding YouTube<\/a> channel.\u00a0<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n
Our goal for our blogs and help guides is to answer as many questions as possible to help to explain the possibilities of mesh to our customers.\u00a0 Contact us<\/a>\u00a0today if you have any questions at all. We are always really keen to help in any way that we can.<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n
We are also very proud of our highly popular\u00a0eBay store<\/a>, check us out there too.<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
- Post-weld Cleaning<\/strong>: Clean the weld zone to remove any discoloration or oxide scale. This can be done using pickling pastes, wire brushes (made of stainless steel) or other suitable methods.<\/li>\n
- Welding Direction<\/strong>: For square tubing, it’s often best to weld in the flat position whenever possible. This offers the most control.<\/li>\n
- Inspect for Surface Defects<\/strong>: Check the tubing for cracks, pits or other surface defects. These can lead to compromised weld quality.<\/li>\n
- Clean the Material<\/strong>: Before welding, clean the tubing to remove any dirt, oil, grease or other contaminants. Use acetone or another suitable solvent for this.<\/li>\n
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- Grade \u2013 SS316L<\/strong><\/li>\n
- Order dispatch within 24 hours of order<\/strong><\/li>\n
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