Steel Tube Institute Resource Approved as the Standard Guide for Checking Tolerances of Hollow Structural Sections

The essential technical guide, “Methods to Check Dimensional Tolerances on Hollow Structural Sections” from the Steel Tube Institute (STI), is approved as the standard guide for measuring tolerances according to the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM). This resource makes it easy for producers, service centers and fabricators to correctly measure tolerances of hollow structural sections (HSS).

“All of us at STI are thrilled to share our expertise and define industry best practices for measuring tolerances of HSS,” said Joseph Anderson, executive director of STI. “With this approval from ASTM, producers, service centers and fabricators know they have the best and latest technical information at their disposal.”

Available on the STI website, the educational resource discusses in detail and illustrates the latest methods to correctly measure tolerances of HSS. It also summarizes the dimensional tolerances allowed by ASTMs A500, A847, and A1110, which is helpful for engineers and architects in detailing HSS projects.

The guide assists professionals in verifying compliance with ASTM specifications. While it is approved for the A500, A847, and A1110 Specifications, it may be used for verifying tolerances for A1085, A1065, and other similar tubular specifications. The resource outlines instructions for checking tolerances for outside dimensions, wall thickness, length and straightness, squareness of sides, radius of corners, and twist of the member.

“HSS are often the most economical and attractive structural options,” said Anderson.

“STI has the most comprehensive resources that show how to check tolerances, ensuring these essential products meet industry standards.”

This guide and all STI educational resources are available at steeltubeinstitute.org. This includes a video demonstrating how to take these important HSS measurements as well as a free webinar recording about each tolerance and its measurement. Anyone with questions may contact STI at hssinfo@steeltubeinstitute.org.

About the Steel Tube Institute

The Steel Tube Institute was formed in 1930 when a group of manufacturers joined forces to promote and market steel tubing. Their goal was to mount a cooperative effort that would improve manufacturing techniques and inform customers about their products’ utility, versatility and competitive advantages. This, along with providing a forum for the discussion of issues impacting the industry, remains the focus of STI’s efforts. Learn more at steeltubeinstitute.org.