Answers to your frequently asked questions

The help center can be used to answer most of your questions about Flexpipe’s material handling system.


We have put together the 4 best tools for cutting our pipes in a blog post if you want to do the cutting yourself. Otherwise, we offer pre-cut kit sets according to your project. Contact your Project Manager for a quote.

We also offer surface and linear cutting services at an advantageous rate.

Most of the structures on our website are accessible via the photo gallery. It is now possible to add the necessary components to the shopping cart of these structures and obtain a 3D plan on the same platform.

Most important is to think about the ergonomic aspects: Who will be using the structures? Will it be on wheels or fixed? Rule #1: The longer the pipe, the less weight it can hold. Learn more about the construction of Flexpipe structures and their weight capacity.

HJ connectors are sets of joints and hardware. Each component is sold separately. For example, an HJ-1 has two H-1, a nut (M6-N) and a bolt (M6-25B). See all the joint sets assemblies.

Orders are prepared within 48 hours. It is possible to pick-up the order by yourself at our head office in Farnham, located at 33 Rue Racine, Farnham, QC J2N 3A3, the next day between 11:00 am and 3:45 pm. For any questions or special instructions, please contact our customer service as soon as possible.

You must provide your Flexpipe order number

Flexpipe Creator is an extension that enables the user to add special tools and features to SketchUp 3D design software. It is an extension dedicated to enhancing the design process for Flexpipe’s tube and joint modular system. Watch the Flexpipe 101 Design video.

SketchUp is a 3D modeling computer program for a wide range of drawing applications such as architectural design, interior design, and mechanical engineering. SketchUp comes in two versions; there is the free version SketchUp Make as well as the SketchUp Pro version, which costs $695 USD and comes with SketchUp Layout.

SketchUp Layout is a tool designed for the creation of documents such as plans and presentations which highlight your SketchUp 3D model’s features by adding color, dimensions, text, labels, etc. It’s perfect for presenting projects to your clients.

No, once you have downloaded the extension, 3D part files are included in the library in a .skp file format.

Download the SketchUp Pro on the SketchUp webiste.

The extension is compatible with any SketchUp version. To see which SketchUp version is compatible with your MacOS or Windows version, click here.

Not without a converter extension, software or website that can be found online. Beware that you might lose details or functionalities once converted.

Not without a converter extension, software or website that can be found online. Beware that you might lose details or functionalities once converted.

Yes, you can import 2D files into SketchUp.

Not without a converter extension, software or website that can be found online. Beware that you might lose details or functionalities once converted.

Please refer to the minimum SketchUp requirements here.

For now, the SketchUp free web browser version does not allow the installation of any extensions.

You can turn your wireframe sketch into a pipe and joint structure easily by using the Rocket icon in the Flexpipe Creator extension. Watch our demonstration on YouTube.

The Generate Pipes and Connectors icon – represented by the rocket icon – is a tool that helps to transform a basic wireframe sketch into a tube and joint structure. Note to always save your wireframe sketch prior to generating the wireframe into tubes and joints to be able to revert to basic wireframe in case you need to modify.

Whenever you create a shape in SketchUp – for example, a square – a grey plane appears within the square which can be used to push or pull. The Suppress tool can be selected prior to drawing the said square to remove the grey planes normally created every time you draw a shape. Watch the Flexpipe 101 Design video to hep you use this tool.

The Library is where you can find everything; every pipe, joint, and accessory needed to make your design fit your needs! From the Library, you can open files and directly drag and drop them into the current drawing you’re working on in SketchUp. Watch the Flexpipe 101 Design video to help you use the Library tool.

Whenever you generate a wireframe sketch into a tube and joint structure, you’ll be able to select pipes, joints, roller tracks, and end caps to toggle through different accessories from which to choose. Please note that not all accessories are pre-set in the toggle option. To view all the accessories and components, click on the Library icon.

The Check for Conflicts Between Connectors icon is a tool to check for any conflicts that might arise when generating a wireframe sketch into a tube and joint structure. For example, lines that are too close in the wireframe sketch will result in overlapping joints once generating into a tube and joint structure. Watch the Flexpipe 101 Design video to help you use this tool.

The Toggle Connectors tool allows you to remove the connectors once your wireframe has been generated. For illustrative and visual purposes, to hide or unhide connectors if need be. The Toggle Connectors, Toggle Tubes, Toggle Wireframe, and Toggle Accessories tools can be handy for many illustrative and visual purposes.

With the Toggle Tubes tool, you can remove the tubes once your wireframe has been generated. For illustrative and visual purposes, to hide or unhide connectors if need be. The Toggle Connectors, Toggle Tubes, Toggle Wireframe, and Toggle Accessories tools can be handy for many illustrative and visual purposes.

With the Toggle accessories tool, you can remove the accessories once your wireframe has been generated. For illustrative and visual purposes, to hide or unhide connectors if need be. The Toggle Connectors, Toggle Tubes, Toggle Wireframe, and Toggle Accessories tools can be handy for many illustrative and visual purposes.

The Toggle Wireframe icon is a tool that will remove the wireframe from your generated structure. The Toggle Connectors, Toggle Tubes, Toggle Wireframe, and Toggle Accessories tools can be handy for many illustrative and visual purposes.

The Create Cart icon is a one-stop shop for all your Flexpipe needs! You instantly have a list of every component needed to put your structure together, allowing you to place an order of your actual design by clicking on this icon or creating a shopping cart.

The HELP icon is where we help you find the answers you need for any Flexpipe Creator inquiry. Whether you need help getting started or are stuck on a design, you can browse through our many useful Flexpipe 101 Design videos. You can also live chatting with our support team; they will be happy to assist you.

Clicking on the Export BOM icon will create a bill of material in Excel which includes parts and descriptions, as well as cut-lists for pipe lengths, roller-track and roller-guide lengths, and cut lists for decking alternatives. This tool will save you a lot of time! Watch the How to generated a BOM Flexpipe 101 Design video.

Click on the Open Library Icon to open the various folders and choose the decking folder. Inside, you will see the options which you can drag-and-drop into opened drawing. You can resize the decking to meet your needs, which will be conveniently added to the BOM. Watch a demonstration on how to add decking.

 

NOTE: Any decking that is not from the Library icon will not be shown in the Excel BOM.

Any time you want to change the color of your pipe, you are going to want to use the Preferences Dialog Icon. There is where you can scroll through the various options available.

 

TIP: Save a template with pre-selected options using the Preferences Dialog Icon if you prefer working with particular specifications, e.g., blue pipe and black joints only. Highlight your choices in the Show Preferences Icon and click save in the sketch to save your preferences; this will then be your default sketch.

It is a series of lines that connect to make up the basic skeleton of a future tube and joint structure using the basic tools of SketchUp. Think of it as a rough sketch.

The best way to learn how to use each tool is to turn on the Instructor, an animation that shows basic use of the selected tool. Select Window > Instructor, which you find in the Default Tray, or click the question mark icon in the status bar.

We recommend using the woodworking in inches as your initial default template. When you first run SketchUp, the Welcome To SketchUp dialog box appears. In that dialog box, you can choose a template for your model.

First, At the top of the dialog box, the Default Template field tells you the name of the currently selected template. To change the template, click the Choose Template button or click the arrow next to the Template tab. Second, scroll through the list and select your desired template. Then, click the Start Using Sketchup button.

The smallest line that can be generated into pipe form will be half inch line.

The Flexpipe Creator extension works in imperial measurements, that is inches and feet. Cut lists are recorded in fraction form, for example, 1 1/2″

If you have the newest extension as of 2019 you will be notified of any new updates automatically. If you have an extension dating from 2018 or prior, fill out the downloading form to receive the latest version available. In any case, it is recommended to fill out this form at least once to be able to receive all news.

Once you have filled out the downloading form, you will be redirected to the Flexpipe Creator installation page and the extension will automatically download to your computer, including all the standard parts.

At this time, the extension does not provide this option. Have doubts about your structure’s capacity? Learn more on our How to calculate the loading capacity for modular structures article.

Designing is for everyone! With the Flexpipe Creator extension, anyone can create a fully custom tube and joint structures that can meet any criteria. We recommend drawing a hand sketch first with specifications to facilitate the drawing process when using the software. Check out our photo gallery to get inspired!

Yes, log in to your account and go to order history. You can also call or chat with a customer service representative.

Think about ergonomics. Who will be using the structure? How much weight will it hold? Is it on casters or stationary? Learn more on how to build Flexpipe structures.

At this point, you have a final drawing which you would like to build, so go ahead and click on the Create Cart Icon. You’ll be able to choose the number of structures you would want to create in your cart and place your order right away.

 

If you already have some Flexpipe inventory, you may not necessarily need all the parts from the BOM, so it’s a handy way to verify and order only what you need. You can also create a shopping list and share it with a buyer or add more structures to your cart.

Generating a BOM is as easy as clicking on the Export BOM icon! You will be asked to save your Excel sheet, which contains information regarding your parts list, cut lists for pipes, roller tracks and accessories as well as decking dimensions.

At this time, the Flexpipe Creator does not provide the option to bend pipes.

1 to 5  business days according to your ZIP code. Please refer to our shipping lead time map.

Flexpipe does not claim to meet state or local building code restrictions or regulations.  It is your responsibility  to contact your local building department to check if there are specific requirements, and you are responsible for any applicable permits and/or costs associated with such projects.

We do not recommend attempting to bend our Flexpipe pipes.

The tube and joint modular handling system was invented in Japan, and in order to maintain full compatibility with other modular systems, we produce the system with metric measurements. We offer a variety of conversion tools and charts to help facilitate the conversion. We try to supply as many Imperial measurements as we can as well. 

We sell two types of casters: Your design will determine if insert casters or bolt-on casters are necessary. Our casters range from 3 to 6 inches and each size has a different load capacity. Insert casters are generally used when the cart’s capacity is less than 300 pounds and are the easiest to install, they also do not require other hardware. Bolt-on casters are generally used when the cart’s capacity is above 300 pounds. When using Bolt-On casters it is important to order the necessary plates and bolts as well as making sure your design can accommodate this type of caster.

Here a descriptive video about all of our caster:

To learn how to assemble structures as well as other tips and tricks please refer to our How to Build section.

Manual method with pipe cutter:   The user rotates the manual pipe cutter around the pipe while snagging the blade against the pipe with each rotation. Within about 10 to12 revolutions, the blade pierces the coated pipe. 

Powered method: Flexpipe may be cut with a chop saw, a band saw or an electric pipe cutter.

Flexpipe structures are built using common hand tools, such as a manual pipe cutter, tape measure, marking pen, 5mm Hex Allen wrench, deburring tool and mallet. No significant investment in tools is required to design and build Flexpipe structures. As your experience and usage grows, you may choose to add some power tools to make your job easier such as an electric saw or a drill.

Yes, you can download STEP format CAD files or SKETCH format CAD files here.

No, we only offer metal joints with black e-coating and nickel coating.

No.

No.

We can custom pipes made in different colors and lengths for orders above 1728 pipes however, there is a lead time of 10 weeks. Please contact your project manager for more information.

No, we use roller tracks or stainless steel pipes to slide items. We also suggest aluminium flat pipe if you are looking to mount bins on a pipe. Contact your project manager for similar questions they will be able to give you tips.

No, we focus on material handling systems but we understand that your lean journey requires other supplies. This is why we suggest Add-on products here and a list of lean product suppliers.

Our online shop only offers 8-foot pipes, but it is possible to order 4-meter pipes for a minimum order quantity of a thousand. Please contact your project manager for more information.

 
If you are a fervent user of the 4-meter pipe, read our blog article Why buy 8-foot pipes instead of 4-meter pipes?

We are open to suggestions and to add new parts to our catalogue. We would like to review your suggestion before coming to a decision. Please send us a picture, description or sketch to info@flexpipeinc.com .  

We offer the best value on the market for modular material handling system. Choosing our brand means significant savings at the end of the year. We also ship your order next business day, we have extended hours to ensure the best customer service possible and we are 20 to 50% less expensive than other material handling systems. Read more about the benefits of Flexpipe by going to the Why Flexpipe page.

Flexpipe products are compatible with 1″ (28mm) tube and joint competitors. Your project manager or our customer service can help you more with compatibility questions and crossover information.

We offer around 130 different components. Some components are not kept in stock while others are created for the yearly catalog.

Go to the Flexpipe photo gallery to view 100s of pictures.

It really depends on the type of structure you assemble and how frequently it’s used. For example carts frequently pushed or racks used in an area with vibrations may require preventive maintenance every year for bolts/nuts and casters. Stationary shelving or flow racks require no maintenance. All modular parts are easy and fast to replace.

We offer different starter kit formats according to what you are planning to build. A starter kit is a bundle of the most common parts. It comes with 6 to 8 step by step assembly plans to help for your first assemblies.

We suggest you read our Getting Started page for all the info. A Starter kit is generally a good way to play around with material. We also suggest you send us a sketch of the first project you want to assemble to get our advice.

Take advantage of the modular system when you are putting it together internally. Read about The 8 most likely people to build Material Handling systems for help. For large projects contact us to get more information.

This varies with the type of structure being assembled, its size and the experience of the assembler. In most cases, a structure can be assembled in 1 to 5 hours but can exceed 15 hours for very complicated structures. Like most things, experience leads to proficiency.

Change resistance is very common in the industry and with the Flexpipe system. Workers or engineers might think it’s not strong enough or necessary. We suggest involving key employees on the design of a simple project with high impact to showcase production benefits, simplicity and rigidity.

It is always a challenge with people who have never seen the product in action and reaped the benefits. This is why study cases have been documented and can be helpful. If you wish to visit a facility which uses material please contact your project manager for referral. We also suggest working with us on an easy and high impact project to showcase the system’s benefits.

If you want to compare a specific structure send a photo or sketch with dimension to your project manager. If you want to integrate a complete modular system throughout the factory within the next few years you should budget 600USD per workshop operator.

We have clients taking apart and reassembling Flexpipe structures every year to accommodate product change. They confirmed that tubes are re-used an average of 6 times before going to metal recycling. The metal joints lifespan varies according to part # from 2 to 12 times. The bolts and nuts (M-6) can be reused up to 4 times and casters really depend on the frequency of use.

Yes, as a former welding factory, we can confirm with product comparison that Flexpipe will be 30 to 90% less expensive than a custom made welded and painted structure.

The strength of your Flexpipe structure depends on the design, the components selected and the quality of assembly. Well-designed structures can support up to 2000lbs. If you need help determining the load capacity please visit our Technical Data Section.

We have compared services, parts, technical specs, and prices from our most popular competitor. Read on our Creform Alternative comparative study.

It’s cold-rolled steel covered in plastic. When put together, structures which gain strength. The strength of your Flexpipe structure depends on the design, the components selected and the quality of assembly. Well-designed structures can support up to 2000lbs. If you need help determining the load capacity please visit our Technical Data Section.

No, the tube is not flexible, however the system is flexible by giving you the opportunity to assemble, disassemble and easily change your existing structures.

It’s mainly made of steel. Our tubes are made of 19ga cold-rolled steel  coated in a polymer plastic. The  high density plastic jacket serves as grip and pipe protection. The connectors and accessories are also primarily made of steel.

Flexpipe enables Lean principles to be readily implemented. Our customers choose Flexpipe for its flexibility, simple assembly and reusability parts and reusability. Customers use our system to optimize their work environment and improve their company’s performance. Often, a  modular structure can be implemented the same day the request has been made by the operator. If changes are required, the Flexpipe system provides the flexibility for adjustments or reconfigurations.

We have tested other brands and we can proudly say that we are among the top in North America. Our tube and joint steel gage is among the highest in the industry. Our E-coating and plastic coatings are durable and our quality control ensures production stability. See technical data for more information.

Our business model is lean and web-based therefore, we avoid middleman companies within our supply chain and with our clients.  We continue to optimise the automatic product stamping line while ensuring quality is not compromised.

Yes, our parts are compatible with most major players in this industry however, are less expensive, provide a better service as well as faster shipping.

Parts are being fabricated at different locations such as the USA, Korea, China, Canada and Germany.

Our core values are what drive us on a daily basis. We are an honest, reliable team committed to client satisfaction. We think this website shows our information and price transparency like no other North American material handling supplier. Read more about why you should do business with Flexpipe.

Since 2005 we have been in the material handling business. Read more about our history by visiting About Us.

We have an office and distribution center in Memphis, Tennessee USA. Our Production headquarters including our warehouse is located in Montreal (Farnham), Quebec, Canada. There is also a sales office in Toronto, Ontario, Canada.

No, we are not experts in this field therefore we have partnered with approved Lean Consultants who can better assist you in this area.

Yes, please refer to the training section for fees, dates and training guidelines.

Yes, you can go to the How to build section. We offer off-site training and on-site training only with a reservation. Contact us to schedule an appointment.

Project managers are technical representatives associated to your account. They can help with technical questions,give structural design advices, getting started with us and  answer training questions.

Yes, contact the project manager in your area to arrange an appointment.

You can find the project manager in your area on the contact us page. Do not hesitate to call them directly on their cell phone, email or contact them via Linkedin.

No, however, we can help you select the right components and quantity required according to your needs. Please contact the project manager in your area.

Yes, we do offer Precut kits. Ask the project manager of your area for more information or to request a quote.

Yes we do, this includes the Bill of Material which clearly outlines all the parts necessary to complete the structure. We provide this service at a rate of $60 per hour. However, with the purchase of any Starter Kit, we offer 3 hours of FREE design.

Yes, we do offer this service for large project assembly such as assembly line additions or kaizen blitzes. Contact your project manager to know more.

We sell more than just bulk parts, we also offer structure design, assembly training, design training as well as large order assembly. See all offered services.

Please double check and contact customer service at 855-406-0253  and we will send you the missing parts.

  • Any shipping errors or damages must be reported to Flexpipe customer service within 48 hours of delivery.
  • Contact customer service at 855-406-0253 during business hours and take pictures of the damages. 
  • The shipped package should be visually inspected before signing the freight bill.
  • If the package is damaged, note any damage on the freight bill so a claim can be entered with the carrier.
  • If shipping is prepaid and charged, Flexpipe will cover the cost and will send the replacement part.
  • If shipping is COD, customers must pay the shipping fees and order the replacement part from Flexpipe.

If there is a back order, the average waiting time is 1 to 4 weeks depending if parts are available in our other warehouse or if parts are waiting to be produced. Please contact customer service to know more on a particular order.  

We try to avoid backorders as much as possible. If there is a backorder, we will notify you and ship every part in stock. We will then notify you when the balance of your order will be ready and no additional shipping charge will be applied. You can also track back orders online when signing in to your account.

We tend to limit our part catalogue but we make sure we have enough in stock. You can go to our online store to view the quantity of each item we currently have in stock. If the quantity is too low contact customer service for a potential shipment from another warehouse.

No, we do not ship outside North America but we can arrange shipping for orders over 10 000 USD if you wish to enquire about intercontinental shipping please contact customer service.

Yes, but we do not have warehousing in Mexico. Orders will be shipped from our Memphis, TN warehouse.

No.

Fill your online cart and obtain a shipping price according to weight and zip code. To learn more about shipping please visit our Shipping Page.

It depends on the parts you order, below are the approximate size criteria:

Orders below 150lbs without pipe/roller track/decking: 1 to 4 boxes of 12’’ X 8’’ X 6’’ (h)  shipped by courier

Orders below 150lbs with pipe/roller track/decking: 1 to 4 bundles or boxes of 98’’ X 5’’ X 5’’ (h) shipped by courier

Orders above 150lbs without pipe/roller track/decking: 1 pallet of 48’’ X 48’’ X 30’’ (h) shipped by LTL freight.

Orders above 150lbs with pipe/roller track/decking: 1 to 2 pallets of 48’’ X 96’’ X 30’’ (h) shipped by LTL freight.

You can get all the information about Shipping by visiting our Shipping Page.

Bulk orders shipping to the United States are shipped from  our warehouse in Memphis Tennessee, USA.

Bulk orders shipping to Canada are shipped from  our warehouse in Farnham, Quebec, Canada.

Orders placed before 4PM EST are shipped the next business day depending on transporter availability.

Yes, all  Bulk orders can be canceled prior to shipment.  After a Bulk order has been shipped we cannot stop or reroute the shipment.  Once you receive the material please follow the return procedure stated on the Return Policy page.

Yes, we accept individual online orders with credit card. Note that there is always a charge of 25$ for orders under 100$. Other charges can be applied (ex: No dock fee or additional delivery attempt). Please review Terms & Conditions or contact customer service if you would like more information.

Returns within 90 days

  • Materials can be returned free of charge up to 90 days following the shipment date, providing that the material is in good resale condition. Return shipping fees shall be at the customer’s expense. The credit will be issued once the material has been received and inspected.
  • Please contact Customer Service for a return authorization. Please note that Flexpipe will not issue a refund on returned products which sustain shipping damage and/or show signs of having been used by the customer.

Returns over 90 days

  • Materials can be returned, but the customer will incur a fee representing 25% of the purchase price value, as long as the exact parts are still available for sale and that the goods are in good resale condition. Return shipping fees shall be at the customer’s expense. The credit will be issued once the material has been received and inspected.
  • Please contact Customer Service for a return authorization. Please note that Flexpipe will not issue a refund on returned products which sustain shipping damage and/or show signs of having been used by the customer.
  • Flexpipe reserves the right at all times to refuse a material return request. Returns exceeding a value over $2000 must be approved by the Director of Sales.

Unless there is a mistake, the connectors are sent and billed as single units.  They are not assembled as HJ kits.

For example, an HJ-1 will be billed as 2 x H-1 & 1 x M6-25B and 1 x M6-N.  The total bill will match these pieces.

No, all connectors come disassembled into individual components. They are sold as joint sets to facilitate the purchasing process. By doing this, we allow our customer to choose each individual part as well as having the option to choose all the parts needed in one click.

Yes, you can pay with Visa or Mastercard through our Website or by contacting a customer service agent.

Open an account on our website takes less than a minute. Not sure how to proceed? Watch our short video How to open an account.

Once your completed Account Opening Form have been received, you are now ready to place online orders. If you choose to open an account with net 30 days credit terms, our customer service agent will contact your accounts payable department to confirm payment terms and enquire about your chosen payment method.

For payment with net 30 days credit terms, we accept cheques and EFT (electronic funds transfer). Please, remit your payments to the following address: 33 Racine, Farnham (Qc) Canada J2N 3A3 (headquarter). For more information on payment procedures, please contact ar@flexpipeinc.com

Please fill in our Account Opening Form. Open an account on our website takes less than a minute. Not sure how to proceed? Watch our short video How to open an account.

If you choose to open an account with net 30 days credit terms, our customer service agent will contact your accounts payable department to confirm payment terms and enquire about your chosen payment method. You also can contact our customer care service at order@flexpipeinc.com. Please note, only companies and government organizations are allowed to open an account.

For payment with net 30 days credit terms, we accept cheques and EFT (electronic funds transfer). Please, remit your payments to the following address: 33 Racine, Farnham (Qc) Canada J2N 3A3 (headquarter). For more information on payment procedures, please contact ar@flexpipeinc.com

There are 2 ways to order Flexpipe. The easiest way is through our Online Store. You can also order by contacting our customer service representatives at order@flexpipeinc.com . We accept Credit card payments (Mastercard and Visa) as well as Purchase Orders from customers who have a Flexpipe Account. For more information about Flexpipe Accounts and how you can open one please check out the question: How do I open a Flexpipe Account.
 
Watch our videos on the different process to open an account on the website and order online.

Yes a one-year limited warranty, to be free from defects in materials and workmanship under normal consumer use.  This warranty begins when the product is shipped from our warehouse.  Our sole obligation under this warranty is to repair or replace any defective components which are returned to us or otherwise demonstrated to our satisfaction to be not as warranted.  If the product is no longer available, replacement may be made with a similar product of equal or greater value.  The customer is responsible for shipping defective materials back to Flexpipe and Flexpipe will pay the cost of delivering replacement parts.  Flexpipe will not be responsible for any labor costs incurred by customer.

No, you are not required to buy more than you need. However, we do offer a discount on full box products. You can find this on our Online Store.

No, you are not required to buy more than you need. However, orders under $100 are subject to a $25 preparation fee.

You can download our product catalog here. You can also check out all of our products in our Online Store.

You can go to our Online Store. You can also download our product catalog/price list. Here.