FAQs

Independent testing has shown that UltraTube RS delivers tensile strength comparable to 4130 chromoly while exhibiting more progressive deformation behaviour and a less severe weld-zone hardness increase after TIG welding. Material selection should always consider the specific application, design and fabrication requirements. For a detailed technical comparison, download the study below.

Processing capacity depends on the service required. The BLM LT7 tube laser accepts load lengths from 1,900 to 6,500 mm, with a maximum unload length of 6,500 mm. The BLM TS72 precision saw can cut lengths from 20 to 4,500 mm, while deburring is available for lengths from 300 to 4,000 mm. Capacity remains subject to the tube profile, material and finished-part requirements.

UltraTube™ is Industrial Tube’s advanced high-strength Precision Steel Tube range, manufactured from EU-sourced cold-rolled dual-phase steel. It provides significantly higher yield strength than conventional mild-steel grades while retaining good formability, weldability, a smooth surface finish and consistent mechanical properties, supporting thinner-wall designs where these are appropriately engineered.

Light surface rust can develop when uncoated mild steel tube is exposed to moisture during storage. It can generally be removed using a scouring pad or suitable surface-preparation method, after which a light rust-preventative oil should be applied. Store the tube in a dry, well-ventilated area and reapply protective oil periodically during prolonged storage.

The grade depends on the product selected. Industrial Tube’s core Precision Steel Tube range includes CR250 cold-rolled mild steel tube, HR350 hot-rolled pickled and oiled tube, GS300 pre-galvanised tube and UltraTube™ advanced high-strength dual-phase steel tube. Other materials and grades may be available for specific applications and minimum order quantities may apply.

GS300 is manufactured from G250 pre-galvanised steel with a Z275 (ZB135/135) zinc coating, providing approximately 135 g/m² of zinc on both the internal and external surfaces of the tube. The external weld seam is zinc repaired after welding to maintain coating continuity. Heavier zinc coatings, including Z450 on selected profiles, may be available subject to minimum order quantities and the mill schedule.

The white powder is commonly known as white rust. It can form when pre-galvanised tube is transported or stored in damp, poorly ventilated conditions and is generally a superficial zinc-corrosion product. If the tube will not be processed immediately, separate and fillet the bundle to improve ventilation, and clean the surface before painting or powder coating.

Standard stocked Precision Steel Tube is supplied in nominal 5.5 m lengths. The manufacturing process leaves approximately 50 mm of additional length beyond the nominal mill length so the cropped ends can be trimmed where required. Custom mill lengths and precision cut-to-length services are also available.

HygienicTube™ is normally supplied in 6.0 m lengths. Custom mill lengths and precision cut-to-length services are also available, subject to the product, size, order quantity and production requirements.

Yes. Specialist lengths can be manufactured by arrangement and are normally scheduled with the relevant mill rolling programme. Minimum order quantities, lead times and available lengths depend on the material, profile, wall thickness and production requirements, so contact our sales team to confirm the options for your application.

Manufacturing length capability depends on the material, tube profile, wall thickness and the mill used. Standard stocked Precision Steel Tube is 5.5 m and standard HygienicTube™ is 6.0 m, while alternative mill lengths may be available by arrangement. Contact our sales team with the required specification so the available range can be confirmed.

The standard external finish of HygienicTube™ stainless steel tubeis buff polished to a minimum 320G finish, with other finishes available on request. The internal surface finish, excluding the weld zone, is typically 0.2–0.6 µm Ra. The internal weld-zone roughness allows a maximum value of 14.0 µm Rt, with Industrial Tube results typically ranging from 2.0 to 6.5 µm Rt.

Industrial Tube manufactures its Precision Steel Tube, automotive tube and HygienicTube™ products at its Hamilton facility. Depending on the product, the steel coil used to manufacture the tube may be sourced from New Zealand, Australia, Europe or other approved international mills.

ERW means electric-resistance-welded tube and is a broad term for longitudinally welded tube manufacturing processes. Industrial Tube’s Precision Steel Tube is cold-formed and longitudinally welded using high-frequency induction welding, commonly abbreviated HFIW.

For automobile roll cages, a specialist grade of steel is used and manufactured to a unique standard. Industrial Tube’s carbon tube for Roll Cages is manufactured in compliance with the Motorsport MSNZ- Q29. 38.1mm available in 5.5m lengths. 44.5mm available in 4m lengths.

CR250 is suited to applications requiring a high-quality surface finish, close dimensional tolerances and good formability. Its clean, bright finish makes it particularly suitable for furniture, displays and automotive components, as well as finishing processes such as powder coating, high-gloss painting, zinc plating and chrome plating.

Aluminium-silicon-coated mild steel, commonly abbreviated ACMS, is widely used for automotive exhaust components because it combines heat resistance, reflectivity, weldability, formability and corrosion protection. It is also suitable for heater assemblies, ventilation systems, engine-bay ducting and other equipment exposed to heat and corrosion where stainless steel is not required.

GS300 is suited to outdoor and corrosion-prone applications where a durable zinc-coated surface is required. Typical uses include outdoor structures, furniture, fencing and conveyors, as well as fabricated products that require good formability, close dimensional tolerances and a consistent pre-galvanised finish.

HR350 is suited to more physically demanding applications requiring higher yield strength, including racking, cargo barriers and seat frames. It provides a steel-grey, semi-bright finish and the same outside-diameter accuracy as CR250, although formability is reduced and wall-thickness tolerances are wider.