{"id":49559,"date":"2023-10-23T14:48:21","date_gmt":"2023-10-23T18:48:21","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.flexpipeinc.com\/?post_type=technical_data&p=49559"},"modified":"2025-09-26T14:48:51","modified_gmt":"2025-09-26T18:48:51","slug":"flexpipe-strong","status":"publish","type":"technical_data","link":"https:\/\/www.flexpipeinc.com\/us_en\/technical_data\/flexpipe-strong\/","title":{"rendered":"How Strong Are Flexpipe\u2019s Steel Pipes?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Flexpipe\u2019s steel tube and joint system is a must-have resource for manufacturers adopting lean manufacturing<\/a>. The ability to create customized and modular material handling structures not only reduces costs but also streamlines operations while helping to maximize the square footage of shop floors and production spaces.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

A common concern among new customers is how much weight the steel pipes can support. One project in particular immediately puts these concerns to rest; a Flexpipe tube and joint cart was able to support a 2,000 lb<\/strong> concrete block.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Read on to learn more about the grade of steel Flexpipe uses, the grade\u2019s benefits, the results of third-party compression testing, and how Flexpipe\u2019s loading capacity calculator can be used to make high-strength carts capable of supporting 2,000 lbs.  <\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

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How Much Weight Can a <\/strong>Flexpipe<\/strong> Structure Support?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n
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Assembly of the cart designed for a 2,000-pound concrete block is in progress.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n
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Julien Depelteau \u2013 Co-founder and VP of Strategic Development at Flexpipe \u2013 often encounters manufacturers who want to better understand the loading capacity of Flexpipe structures. New customers often ask how much weight the steel tubes can withstand or hold \u2013 to which Julien always answers with\u2026  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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\u201cIt depends upon the thickness and length of the pipe.\u201d<\/em> \u2013 Julien<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

During these discussions, Julien explains that the steel tube and joint system is designed to be modular and scalable. The focus is to design the Flexpipe structure around the loading capacity of the pipe based on the pipe\u2019s thickness and length, and then support the structure as needed with additional piping. Given that the pipes are inexpensive (approx. $1 per foot), adding a support to the structure is extremely simple and cost-effective.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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\u201cLoading capacity is a common question from individuals who have never designed or assembled a Flexpipe structure \u2013 which is good. We want them to think this way. Determining the loading capacity of a structure is the all-important first step.\u201d<\/em>  \u2013 Julien <\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

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The Tube and Joint System\u2019s Long History of Success<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n
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\"cart_orange_heavyduty_concrete.gif\"
Julien and Sylvain try to push the cart on which sits the 2000 pound concrete block.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n
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Flexpipe\u2019s steel tubes and joints originated from the Toyota Product System. As the originator of lean manufacturing and continuous improvement methodologies, Toyota originally used bamboo as its main structural material. Gradually, over time, steel tubes replaced the bamboo.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ultimately, the tube and joint system have been helping manufacturers improve processes, save money, and reduce their shop floor footprint for over 70 years. As stated by Julien\u2026 <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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\u201cCustomers are always surprised at how rigid, strong, and durable their Flexpipe structure becomes. The weight is determined by what you\u2019re designing and how you assemble and support your structure.\u201d <\/em>\u2013 Julien <\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

All kinds of manufacturers in various industries rely upon steel tube and joint systems. The early adopters of this scalable system include multiple aerospace Primes and major automotive manufacturers<\/a> like Toyota, GM, Honda, Ford, and others. These stalwarts consider the steel tube and joint system as a critical part of any Kaizen or continuous improvement initiative. <\/p>\n\n\n

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Perhaps there is no better testament to the strength of the steel piping solution than to consider how large some of the integrated assemblies can be in the aerospace and automotive markets. For these industries, it\u2019s not just a material handling solution; Flexpipe\u2019s steel tubes have been used to create customized workbenches, lean work cells, tables, storage units, and all kinds of miscellaneous manufacturing structures.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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This Foam Pipe Protector with PVC Cover is the ultimate solution to reduces marring, scuffs and scratches to part surfaces reduce defect waste, ensuring durability and efficiency in any environment.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

The system has also been used in transport as a means of securing and protecting complex parts and finished goods. In the aerospace industry, using steel tubes and joints – with protective foam<\/a> around the tubes – to safely secure complex integrated assemblies is commonplace.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Material: Q235 Steel – Cold Rolled Carbon Steel (SPCC)<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

All Flexpipe steel tubes are made from Q235 Steel, which is cold-rolled carbon steel, commonly referred to as SPCC. The acronym SPCC stands for \u201csteel plate carbon commercial.\u201d SPPC is considered a Japanese JIS standard.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

So, what does cold-rolled carbon steel mean exactly? <\/p>\n\n\n\n

More importantly, how strong is cold-rolled carbon steel and what are its benefits?  <\/p>\n\n\n\n