It stands to reason that whatever you are constructing, the integrity and strength of the metal framework is fundamental to how it stands up to the demands of years of use.
The default options when choosing the strongest building materials around that will fit framework requirements tends to be angle iron, or square tubing. Both have similar attributes, but there are some noticeable differences when it comes to their respective ability to withstand stress.
Let’s take a look at how angle iron and square tubing compare against each other when analyzing their respective strengths.
What are the main strengths of angle iron?
Angle iron is instantly recognizable. It has a distinctive L-shape. This gives it the sort of strength and durability that means it is routinely used as the default option in a wide range of applications, from huge skyscrapers, to domestic products made from metal, like a washing machine.
It is the simplicity of its shape that gives it such strength. Angle iron is designed to withstand substantial amounts of pressure, and achieves that aim consistently.
Each single 90 degree bend ensures that angle iron is one of the strongest structural support elements you can find. This is because the design and shape allows it to distribute weight stress evenly and retain strong resistance to bending at the same time.
The secret of angle iron’s strength is in numbers. Pieces of angle iron are rarely used individually. Instead, numerous angle iron pieces are fastened together to create a sturdy framework.
This provides impressive cross-section integrity and makes each frame almost impossible to twist.
How does square tubing compare?
Square tubing compares favorably to angle iron when it comes to strength. That’s why it is also considered as an option in similar construction projects such as building works.
Although different in design, square tubing has also been created to deliver excellent strength properties. Although you tend to need more tubing to fabricate compared to angle iron, it does boast a strength-to-weight ratio that means you can use lighter pieces of square tubing to hold more weight than its angle iron counterpart.
Square tubing offers high tensile strength and is very good at withstanding extreme temperatures and pressures. The shape of the tubing also means that it is resistant to torsion, and is unlikely to suffer splitting or shrinkage.
The one obvious downside to square tubing is that in situations where the metal is put under extreme stress its vertical edges combined with the way it distributes tension can cause it to lose strength. However, you can manufacture square tubes that can withstand its expected demands. For instance, cold formed steel tubing is stronger and is as much as 20% stronger than hot formed tubes.
As you can see, both angle iron and square tubing both play a pivotal role in a wide range of construction industries.
If you consider carefully what you are using either for, you will find that both options are capable of delivering the strength and performance you need for your chosen project.