25mm x 25mm x 2.5mm Mild Steel Box Section Hollow Tube

Mild Steel Box Section

The Speciality Metals Company is one of the leading suppliers of mild steel box section in the United Kingdom. Additionally, in addition to stocking only the best products, we provide the most helpful customer service by providing bespoke cutting and fast shipping.

Box sections, also known as mild steel hollow sections or ERW tubes, are widely used in a variety of applications. The durability of this material permits it to be used for a wide range of applications, including traffic signs, pipeline construction, automobile repair and as a structural steel.

Mild steel box sections are a durable, versatile and cost-effective choice for a wide range of applications. Speciality Metals offers a hollow tube measuring 25mm x 25mm x 2.5mm, available in various lengths. The best part? It’s recyclable. But don’t let its eco-friendliness fool you – this mild steel box section boasts excellent welding, forming, bending and machining abilities, making it a smart choice for almost any project. If you’re searching for a reliable, high-quality material, consider the mild steel box section available from Speciality Metals.

Mild Steel

Mild steel square tube box section is a quality strong metal product. However it is not rust proof and may do so over time. Please use galvanised or stainless steel if you need resistance to rust. If this metal tube does show signs off rust then simply get this off with WD40 or fine sanding.

• Bending & Forming – Fair. You could only bend this tubing with bending tools but not by hand
• Corrosion Resistance – Poor. Mild steel is uncoated, so there is no additional protection against corrosion
• Machining & Grinding – Good. Mild steel is the metal choice for many forms of machining and grinding, but stainless steel can also offer good results
• Welding – Excellent. You could easily weld with this tubing to suit your requirements
• Painting – Good. We suggest that a mild steel product is always used when a layer of paint needs to be applied. Galvanised and stainless steel will not take paint
• Wear Resistance – Fair. As there is no protective layer, we suggest stainless steel or galvanised steel if you require a stronger wear resistance

The grade of plain steel that we have available has mechanical properties that provide excellent machinability, formability and weldability. Mild steel can be welded and it is also suitable for painting. Mild steel is a magnetic grade of metal. Magnets will stick to this sheet but it is not itself a magnet.

Key information:

• Shape – Square Box Section
• Grade – S235JRH
• Hot or Cold Rolled – Cold Rolled
• Box Outer Size – 25 x 25mm
• Wall Thickness – 2.5mm

We also carry a wide range of mild steel sheet metal, angle iron and flat bar.

Why Choose Speciality Metals

Speciality Metals is known to be the United Kingdom’s best up-and-coming small-quantity metal company.

• FREE UK delivery on all orders
• Order dispatch within 24 hours of order
• Located in Warrington, UK which is the UK home of mesh and metals
• Our experienced staff are experts in the mesh market and care personally about your customer experience

Furthermore we stock a vast range of round tube options that compliment our mesh range perfectly.

Over 50,000 customers of Specialty Metals are provided with fast, friendly customer service every year. We’re the place to try when you need metal of any shape and size. We’re based in Warrington, UK. We pride ourselves on our rapid turnaround and a large range of options.

FAQs About This Product

How Does Mild Steel Box Section React to Chemicals or Solvents?

Mild steel box section, like other mild steel forms, is susceptible to chemical reactions when exposed to certain chemicals or solvents. Its composition mainly of iron, with a small percentage of carbon and other trace elements, defines its interaction with various substances.

1. Acids: Direct contact with acids, especially strong ones like hydrochloric or sulfuric acid, can lead to rapid corrosion and degradation of mild steel. Even weaker acids can cause corrosion over time if the steel is continuously exposed.

2. Bases: Mild steel also reacts with strong alkaline solutions, although generally at a slower rate than with acids. This can lead to surface changes and potential pitting over extended periods.

3. Water: Prolonged exposure to water, especially saltwater, can induce rusting due to the formation of iron oxide. This is a common issue with all forms of iron-based metals.

4. Organic Solvents: While many organic solvents, like acetone or toluene, won’t directly corrode mild steel, they can strip away protective coatings, leaving the steel vulnerable to other environmental factors.

5. Oxidizing Agents: Strong oxidising agents can promote the rusting process and degrade mild steel faster.

It’s essential to note that the rate and severity of these reactions can be influenced by factors like temperature, concentration of the chemical and the presence of other protective barriers on the steel. If a mild steel box section is to be used in environments with potential chemical exposure, it’s crucial to understand these interactions and take preventive measures. Applying protective coatings, paints or other treatments can often shield the steel from corrosive substances and prolong its lifespan.

How is Mild Steel Box Section Manufactured?

The production of mild steel box sections commences with the selection of an appropriate steel slab, a foundational semi-finished product. Upon selection, the slab undergoes heating until it’s malleable and is then shaped into a long strip through a series of rollers in a rolling mill. This strip is subsequently cold-formed by a sequence of shaped rollers, giving it a rounded tube appearance. The edges of this tube then undergo electric resistance welding (ERW), where they’re fused together using heat generated from an electric current. This round tube isn’t the end product, however. It’s further reshaped into a square or rectangular section through dedicated forming processes, maintaining its precise shape by navigating through various sizing stations. After acquiring the desired shape, the lengthy tube is segmented into smaller sections, either by shearing or using a circular saw. Some sections might also be subjected to heat treatments like annealing to refine their grain structure and optimise mechanical properties. The final step often involves surface treatments—like galvanisation or painting—to bolster the section’s resistance to corrosion and enhance its visual appeal. Through these intricate processes, the mild steel box section is sculpted, offering a blend of strength and versatility apt for diverse applications.

Does Mild Steel Box Section Interior Need Protection Against Corrosion?

Absolutely, the interior of a mild steel box section does require protection against corrosion, especially if it is exposed to moisture or corrosive environments. While the exterior of these sections is often the primary focus for protection due to direct exposure to environmental factors, the interior is equally susceptible to rust and degradation. Moisture can enter the interior through various means: from condensation, exposure to humid environments, or through direct contact with water in specific applications. Once inside, moisture can lead to the formation of rust, which can compromise the structural integrity of the section over time.

To combat this, several protective measures can be employed:

1. Galvanisation: By coating the steel with zinc, both the interior and exterior of the box section can be shielded from corrosion. Hot-dip galvanisation is especially effective as it ensures all surfaces, including the interior, are coated.

2. Internal Coatings: There are paints and coatings formulated specifically for steel that can be applied to the interior of the box section. These coatings form a protective barrier, preventing moisture and other corrosive agents from coming into direct contact with the steel.

3. Cathodic Protection: This technique uses a sacrificial anode to divert corrosive activity away from the steel, thus extending its lifespan.

4. Dehumidification: In environments where humidity can be controlled, maintaining low humidity levels can significantly reduce the risk of interior condensation and subsequent corrosion.

5. Design Considerations: Ensuring that the box section has adequate drainage or ventilation can also help minimise the accumulation of moisture inside.

Check out our blog discussing what is a steel box section. It will prove a useful read to help you to make an informed decision on which material would work best for you. 

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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.  Contact us today if you have any questions at all. We are always really keen to help in any way that we can.

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