Most common steel sizes (plates, tubing)
Most common steel sizes (plates, tubing)
(OP)
I am working on changing a machine design from metric to US standard; however, I am vague on what sizes are harder to find than others.
Ive been told the 5/16" thick plates Ive been using are tough to find, to replace the 8mm thick plates currently used. Same for the 5/8" plates to replace the 15mm plates. Also, when I use tubing (say, 5"x3") and the thickness is 8mm or 15mm, I've been using 5/16" or 5/8" respectively again.
Are these sizes uncommon? Is it mostly 1/8", 1/4", 3/8", 1/2", and 3/4" that I should be using?
Cost is an issue in getting this project greenlit, but I'm also worried about everything fitting together, and adding too much weight on the motors by changing size.
Ive been told the 5/16" thick plates Ive been using are tough to find, to replace the 8mm thick plates currently used. Same for the 5/8" plates to replace the 15mm plates. Also, when I use tubing (say, 5"x3") and the thickness is 8mm or 15mm, I've been using 5/16" or 5/8" respectively again.
Are these sizes uncommon? Is it mostly 1/8", 1/4", 3/8", 1/2", and 3/4" that I should be using?
Cost is an issue in getting this project greenlit, but I'm also worried about everything fitting together, and adding too much weight on the motors by changing size.





RE: Most common steel sizes (plates, tubing)
In the mid-west - most sizes are readily available - but go to Florida or California and often your choices are somewhat limited.
RE: Most common steel sizes (plates, tubing)
If so, the best way to check is with suppliers. HSS wall thickness availability can be regionally variable. With rectangular HSS, we have found 5/16" to be an oddball wall thickness with 1/4" and 3/8" being common. We never use anything beyond 1/2" so can't say about 5/8".
RE: Most common steel sizes (plates, tubing)
RE: Most common steel sizes (plates, tubing)
RE: Most common steel sizes (plates, tubing)
RE: Most common steel sizes (plates, tubing)
Ryerson also shows 5/16 and 5/8 hot rolled low carbon steel plate under Sizes in Stock and also ASTM A572(50ksi yield).