Rectangular Hollow Sections (RHS), like other hollow steel sections, are typically manufactured through a process known as tube or pipe manufacturing. The specific method can vary based on the type of material being used and the intended application. Here is a general overview of how steel RHS is typically made:
Raw Material: The process begins with raw steel coils or sheets. These materials are typically made of low-carbon or mild steel, although high-strength steel or other specialty materials may be used for specific applications.
Slitting: The steel coils or sheets are slit into strips of the desired width. The width of these strips will determine the size of the RHS produced.
Cold Forming: The strips are cold-formed into a rectangular shape through a process known as cold rolling or cold forming. This involves passing the strips through a series of rollers and dies that gradually bend and shape the strip into a rectangular shape.
Welding: In many cases, the rectangular shape is achieved by welding a longitudinal seam. The edges of the strip are beveled to form a V-shape, and the two edges are then joined together through high-frequency induction welding, submerged arc welding, or another suitable welding method. This seam welding creates a continuous, hollow rectangular tube.
Sizing and Shaping: After welding, the tube may go through further sizing and shaping processes to ensure it meets the required dimensions and tolerances. These processes involve passing the tube through sizing rollers or dies to achieve the desired width and height.
Cooling and Cutting: The formed and welded tube is then cooled to room temperature and cut to the desired length. The cut ends are often deburred to remove any sharp edges or burrs.
Finishing: The RHS may undergo additional finishing processes, such as straightening, heat treatment, and surface treatments (e.g., galvanizing, painting, or coating), depending on the specific application and requirements.
Quality Control: Throughout the manufacturing process, quality control measures are implemented to ensure that the RHS meets industry and customer specifications. These measures may include testing the weld integrity, inspecting the dimensions, and checking for defects.
