Rectangular and square plastic tubes, which are also commonly known as Box Section, are the most rigid of plastic profiles, providing good strength for their weight. Because of this they can be used in construction, as rigid packing strips, for window and door frames, shelf supports, fencing and posts, plus many more applications. As they are hollow they can still be used to move liquids and gases, and the interior of rectangular plastic tubing can also be filled to increase the rigidity if required.
Tubeway can manufacture two styles of plastic box section, with square or rounded (radiused) corners. There might be little practical difference between the two for most applications, but the method of manufacture is significant. Plastic rectangular tubes with 90 degree corners will usually have dedicated tooling for the specific size and shape, but radius cornered rectangular tubes offer more flexibility during production, and are often made from round Dies, before being drawn out into a rectangle during the forming process, as the material cools. This is particularly useful as it means that many more existing Dies can be used, greatly reducing the cost of tooling for sizes of rectangular tubing not already listed. It also provides some flexibility on what wall thicknesses can be achieved, improving the strength of the tubes when the situation requires it.
Please check the product tables below to see if Tubeway can already make the size and exact shape of rectangular plastic tubing you need. Should it not be there, it is worth contacting our Sales team who can work out the implications and pricing for what you need.
For stock packs of square Box Section, visit our Stock Rigid Tubes page. These are stocked in 15m or 30m packs, black and white uPVC.
Hollow rectangular plastic tubing is formed in the same way as round plastic tubes, using a vacuum former. This makes the outer dimensions consistent, whilst the internal dimensions and wall thickness is less easy to control. This is more evident where the rectangle has been pulled from a round Die, as the tube may be a little stretched into the corners, so it is not generally possible to rely on a precise wall thickness. If your application requires fine accuracy or mating parts this will need to be discussed before ordering. Note that internal detail for plastic tubing is difficult to achieve with precision, as the method of forming does not allow inserts into the tube. Detail can be created by a die, but may alter slightly during cooling.
