Did you know that manufacturers typically don’t order stacks of steel sheets or strips when they need raw materials? Instead, it is common to purchase coils then uncoil them and cut to size. While it may involve more work, the benefits of ordering coil outweigh them. We want to have a closer look here, then if you want to order products from the number one ERW steel tube supplier in the West Midlands, you can come to us.
What is a coil?
Some people may be unfamiliar with coils. They are pretty self explanatory though. What you have is a coil of steel, just like what you get with rope or twine. It’s looped to make it easier to deal with.
Interestingly, you can choose from a wide array of different types of steel coil. For example, they can vary in terms of the size, thickness, and finish. You can even order different types of steel, including cold or hot rolled, annealed, pickled/oiled, and more.
Why is coil so popular?
The crucial thing with coil is it provides a number of important benefits. We know all about them, including the fact they allow businesses to create high quality products. You can rely on us if you want to work with the leading ERW steel tube supplier in the West Midlands.
Firstly, coiling makes it much easier to manage and ship the steel. Sheets or strips of steel can be tricky to deal with; there is always a risk that materials in a stack could slip or it could collapse. It may be necessary to strap them down, but that could potentially damage the materials. It would also increase the shipping time. It’s more convenient and time efficient to work with coils.
Secondly, coiling is fantastic due to the fact it can offer protection against staining, corrosion, and surface damage. Because of the coil, only the edges and a final section of the steel is exposed. If you’re storing steel in environments where there is a risk of damage, it is better to have coils.
Finally, working with coil is very convenient. You can finish the steel before coiling, including galvanisation. You can then uncoil, cut, and use the material. It can save time and reduce costs. However, you need to be careful of any edges after you cut; they may lack protection or the finish you want.
What to choose?
One thing that makes us the most reputable ERW steel tube supplier in the West Midlands is we can offer a lot of information about products. This includes the type of steel and properties.
A popular option for ERW tubing is cold rolled, close annealed mild steel. The cold rolling improves the hardness, accuracy, and finish. Annealing then addresses the internal stress, reducing the risk of failure. The steel has some fantastic characteristics, including a smooth surface, impressive tolerances, and high elongation. Crucially, it has higher ductility and better formability than other types of steel.
An alternative is hot rolled, pickled/oiled steel. The crucial thing here is the material has higher yield strength than cold rolled, close annealed. However, the elongation and ductility is lower. A key fact to remember is the pickling and oiling improves the surface finish and can provide protection against corrosion for a period.
A final option is pre-galvanised cold rolled annealed steel. The galvanisation gives it a zinc coating to provide protection against corrosion and a nicer finish. Crucially, the material retains a good level of ductility and formability, even with the galvanised finish. The only thing to think about is cutting and welding to create ERW tubing; you’ll need to touch up the weld area.
Buy from the top ERW steel tube supplier in the West Midlands
Union Steel Tubes achieves very high standards with our products. Critically, we can provide quality tubing with tight tolerances and dimensional accuracy. You can order whatever shape and size you need for your applications.
So, contact us if you want exceptional ERW tube for impressive prices and a first rate service. Keep in mind, we can provide a rapid turnaround for many orders, especially if you choose from the large selection of tubes we have in stock.
