Hollow Steel Bar Sizes, Uses, Prices & Fabrication
What Is Hollow Steel Bar?
A hollow steel bar, also known as a hollow structural section (HSS), is a type of steel profile that has a hollow cross-section. Unlike solid steel bars, these are essentially tubes. They can be square, rectangular, or circular and made from mild steel or other steel grades. In structural engineering, hollow steel bars are prized for their strength-to-weight ratio and versatility.
Uses of Hollow Steel Bar
Hollow steel bars are widely used in construction, fabrication, and mechanical applications. Common uses include:
- Structural frameworks: For building columns, bracing, and supports, especially in architectural and industrial constructions.
- Furniture and architectural features: Hollow sections provide a clean, modern aesthetic with the strength to support loads.
- Mechanical and machinery components: Ideal for parts that need structural rigidity but must also minimize weight.
- CNC fabrication and custom parts: As a machining and fabrication specialist like The Monster Builder, hollow steel bar material can be cut, welded, and machined into precise components for prototypes or production parts.
Just like aluminium hollow sections, hollow steel bars are widely used in construction, fabrication, and mechanical applications.
Case Studies:
- Architectural Installation: Suppose an architect wants a minimalistic frame for an open retail storefront. They could specify 50 × 50 mm hollow steel bar, 3 mm thickness, to The Monster Builder. The company can cut, weld, and finish the bars, providing a structural yet clean aesthetic.
- Prototype Machinery: A startup designing a lightweight automation rig might need rectangular hollow sections as the frame. The Monster Builder can machine custom brackets, weld the frame, and deliver ready-to-assemble units, all with short lead times.
- Furniture Fabrication: A furniture designer looking for industrial-style legs or supports could source 38 × 38 mm hollow steel bars from local steel suppliers, then have The Monster Builder fabricate them into powder-coated furniture components.
Sizes and Specifications of Hollow Steel Bars
At The Monster Builder, we offer a wide range of hollow steel bar sizes to meet various construction and fabrication needs. Our hollow steel bars are available in square, rectangular, and circular sections, with dimensions suitable for both small-scale projects and large structural applications.
Common Sizes Include:
- Square Hollow Sections: From 12 mm × 12 mm up to 350 mm × 350 mm, with thicknesses ranging from 1.5 mm to 12 mm.
- Rectangular Hollow Sections: From 25 mm × 50 mm up to 400 mm × 200 mm, with thicknesses from 2 mm to 10 mm.
- Circular Hollow Sections: From 15 mm diameter up to 200 mm diameter, with thicknesses from 1.5 mm to 12 mm.
- Lengths: Standard lengths are 6 m and 12 m, with custom cuts available on request to suit specific project requirements.
All our hollow steel bars are made from high-quality mild steel, ensuring compliance with standard structural steel specifications such as ASTM A500 Gr A/B and EN 10025 S275JR. This guarantees excellent strength, durability, and machinability, making them ideal for structural, mechanical, and architectural applications.
Our team uses advanced techniques such as CNC milling and laser cutting to ensure precise fabrication of hollow steel bars.
Hollow Steel Bar Prices
For Singapore-based buyers, prices of hollow steel bars depend on factors such as size, thickness, and length. Market prices for commonly used sections generally range from S$60 to S$200 per piece, depending on specifications.
Since prices can fluctuate based on demand and material costs, we recommend contacting The Monster Builder directly for the most accurate and up-to-date pricing tailored to your project requirements.
Contact us today to get a quick quote and discuss your specific hollow steel bar needs.
Pros and Cons of Hollow Steel Bar
Pros
High Strength-to-Weight Ratio
Hollow steel bars provide strong structural support while being lighter than solid bars, which makes them efficient for load-bearing applications.
Versatility
With various shapes (square, rectangular, circular) and sizes, hollow steel bars can be used in a broad array of projects from architectural facades to machine frames.
Aesthetic Appeal
For architecturally exposed structures, hollow sections offer a clean, modern look.
Efficiency in Fabrication
They are easier to weld, cut, and machine (especially by services like The Monster Builder) compared to large solid bars.
Cost Efficiency for Structures
Using hollow sections can reduce material usage (and cost) when designed properly, you gain strength without using more raw steel.
Cons
Corrosion Risk on Inside
Hollow bars can corrode internally if moisture gets in, especially when used outdoors. Unlike open profiles, internal corrosion is harder to inspect. Some engineers debate pouring concrete inside.
Cost Compared to Other Steel Shapes
As noted in structural engineering discussions, HSS (hollow structural sections) can be more expensive per unit weight than wide-flange beams because of how they’re manufactured (cold-formed, welded seam).
Connection Challenges
Making bolted or welded connections on hollow sections may require special detailing. Some connection types common for I-beams don’t work as naturally with tubes.
Limited Size Availability
Depending on the supplier or regional inventory, not all hollow shapes or sizes might be readily available, especially for very large or custom dimensions.
As a trusted metal fabrication and machining expert, The Monster Builder delivers hollow steel bars ready for any project. Learn more about our metal fabrication services in Singapore.
Conclusion
Hollow steel bars are versatile, strong, and essential for a wide range of structural, mechanical, and architectural applications. Whether you need square, rectangular, or circular sections, The Monster Builder offers high-quality hollow steel bars that meet Singapore’s standards and your project requirements.
As a trusted metal fabrication and machining expert, we specialize in cutting, welding, and machining hollow steel bars with precision, delivering components ready for immediate use.
Contact us today to discuss your hollow steel bar needs and discover how our metal fabrication expertise can bring your project to life.
