Skip to main content

Green Uses for Steel Tubing

Greenhouse
Greenhouses comprised of steel tubing

Steel is the most recycled product on the planet, so it makes sense that the environmentally conscious, especially when living and working in large cities like Cleveland, Ohio, would choose steel as a worthy material. In this blog, we’re going to look at a couple of the more green uses for steel tubing.
Gatorshield steel tubing
Gatorshield® A500 Mechanical Steel Tubing
Steel tubes with a higher percentage of zinc provide rust and corrosion protection for added toughness in wet or damp environments are ideal for applications such as building greenhouse frames. It holds more weight so less material is needed which will mean more sunlight let in and less shadows. Plus, steel is also much more durable than wood or PVC pipe, has an incredibly long lifespan, and doesn't require much in way the maintenance.
solar panels
Solar panels supported by steel tubing
The solar industry depends on steel tubes because they know that they can withstand huge demands. Under the intense heat that solar panels attract, steel will stand up stronger and be more durable in the long run. 
Aluminum is a product that is also often used, but increasingly stainless steel tubing is becoming the preferred option. Aluminum becomes more elastic when exposed to the high temperatures of the solar panels, so it requires more pieces of aluminum than steel to support the same load. This would increase initial investment costs immediately for both supplies and labor.
For both of these applications, steel tubing also offers long-term benefits because of its corrosion and rust resistance. Framing will not have to be replaced because of failure due to rust. Plus, if the frames are dismantled when the greenhouse or solar panel is no longer used, the steel tubing is easily recycled and reused for new applications.
At Ohio Galvanized Tube, we have been supporting these green applications – and more – by producing top quality steel pipes and tubing for over 20 years. We proudly manufacture the GATORSHIELD® A500 mechanical steel tube, which is great for outdoor uses like greenhouse framing and more. When you want a company that supports green efforts with the highest quality steel tubing available on the market, contact us today.

Comments

Popular posts from this blog

Common Applications for Stainless Steel Tubing

     Stainless steel has been one of the most common and versatile materials in the world since it came into production over 100 years ago. It has become an indispensable product for a variety of industries . Due to it's broad range of sizes and custom-made designs, it is an integral piece in many specific applications.      Certain industries use certain stainless tubing for different sectors. Many manufacturers, mills and manufacturing lines use parts of stainless steel for their machinery and goods they make. Same goes for the automotive industry where it is used for high quality mufflers. Gas and heat lines allow stainless steel tube lines to withstand extreme pressures being forced through them. It is also 100% recyclable and easy to sterilize.      Unlike ordinary steel, stainless steel isn't prone to corrosion, rusting or staining with exposure to water. It is not totally stain proof however. In areas with low oxyge...

Cut From a Different Cloth: Our Machine Capabilities

When choosing a fabricator to produce your parts, there are many things to consider. Since your chosen fabricator will become part of your business' supply chain, it is important to choose one that will offer the best price, most capabilities, and quickest turnaround time to ensure that your overhead stays low. At Ohio Galvanized Tube , we offer a wide array of machinery offering different cuts, enabling us to keep costs low and fabricate a variety of options. Read on to learn more about just some of our options. Plasma Machine Ready to heat things up? The plasma cutter (pictured above) is ready to tackle the toughest steel tube cutting jobs. This machine is the newest member of our family and can cut steel into a variety of shapes. It can even cut steel tubing up to .75" thick! A plasma machine uses gas and electric current to heat material into 4th stage matter, making easier cuts of larger pieces. Haven Cutter Now that you've learned about larger cuts, how about bringi...

Difference Between Tube and Pipe

Have you ever wondered if there is a difference between steel tube and steel pipe? Are these words interchangeable to describe the same cylindrical piece of metal? As it turns out, there is indeed a significant difference and they are not synonymous. So let's take a look at the differences. 1. Measuring Diameter This might not seem like a big difference, but it actually is. Steel tube is measured from outside edge to outside edge, while pipe is measured only for the internal opening. This is because steel tube has its strength determined by the thickness of its walls, and steel pipe's usefulness is determined by the volume it can hold. It is common to find a 12-inch pipe, but it would be extremely rare to find a 12-inch tube. Tubes are used in applications that require a smaller size. 2. Structure Steel tube does not have to be cylindrical. It can be square or some other shape. Pipe, on the other hand, is always round. Tube can have a seam while pipe is a uniform piece. Pipe te...