I am looking to build a frame structure using 304/ 316 S.S. square tube (Structural Grade ASTM A554 or equivalent) using weldments (SW Premium 2009), and my application is similar to these two previous posting: Moving a weldment part for detailing and Help on Creating custom Weldment Profiles. Where can I find weldment profiles for S.S. square tubing ranging in sizes from 1.0" to 2.0" of common gauge thicknesses? I did not see these profiles in the SolidWorks Content --> Weldments --> ANSI Inch.
Next, some of the frame members exceed the maximum stock length of 24" long (examples: Ryerson, Bushwich Metals, CONTINENTAL STEEL & TUBE COMPANY, etc.) and may be as long as 48 inches, so how do you address that situation in weldments where a frame member exceeds the standard stock length? I am thinking that the two frame members need to be welded together to produce the desired frame member length. I would be interested in your recommendations.
Concerning the cost, which method is generally more cost effective:
- S.S. square tubing (weldments) with post / secondary machining of holes
- Designing custom frame members (sheet metal) with all the holes & cut-out with flat pattern.
Can individual weldments be turned into a sheetmetal part where a flat pattern can be generated? I should add that some of the tubing will follow a curved arc path, and cross-members, and gussets will be needed. The frame will also have S.S. panels attached to it to form an enclosure.
I also looked at standard racks, such as Hammond Manufacturing, but that would require considerable modification for my specific application, and I do not think it would be a cost savings.
Christopher,
1. You should find the profiles for 2 inch through 4 inch carbon steel square tube in solidworks content/weldments/ANSI inch. The profiles are the same as for stainless steel so you can just assign the appropriate SS grade material properties.
2. I can usually buy ss square or rectangular tube in 20 foot lengths. With Ryerson they may not be in local stock, but they can be sourced from their larger warehouses. You can also try ESCO which specializes in stainless steel products, but their name has changed recently and I'm on the road at the moment and don't have access to the new name.
3. I have used both structural tube and laser cut sheet metal for frames. Laser cut sheet metal frames in ss can be very cost effective if designed to bolt together instead of weld together. Although some joints on a sheet metal frame may need to be welded to increase rigidity, the assembly time is much less due to the time required to get the frame square and plumb when using welded tubing. If you need holes in the tubing hand drilling is about the only option unless you have a five axis laser tube cutting machine. In my case the sheet metal frame had further advantages of being able to use the frame as a wireway and being able to laser etch my company logo on the frame.
4. I did not start the design of my sheet metal frames using weldments so I do not know if you can convert a weldment design to sheet metal. But I don't think it very practical because of various tabs necessary to fabricate a bolt up frame.