Steel box profile splits into two very different categories: light (furniture-grade) for furniture and fine work, and heavy (structural) for construction. Learn the difference in thickness and application.
All steel hollow sections have the same shape, but in terms of application, they belong to two completely different worlds. On one side is the light or furniture-grade hollow section, made for furniture and delicate work; on the other is the heavy or column hollow section, which carries the weight of a building structure. Confusing the two is a serious sales mistake.
The Dividing Line: Thickness
Light or furniture-grade hollow sections usually have a thickness between ۰.۵ and ۱.۵ millimeters; they are designed for metal furniture, chairs, tables, and decorative work, and are not intended to تحمل structural loads at all. Heavy or column hollow sections have a thickness between ۱.۵ and ۱۶ millimeters and are used for columns, building frames, and industrial structures.
The dividing line between furniture-grade and column hollow sections is precisely the wall thickness of the closed cross-section shown in this diagram.
Practical Comparison
| Feature | Light Hollow Section (Furniture-Grade) | Heavy Hollow Section (Column) |
|---|---|---|
| Thickness | ۰.۵ to ۱.۵ millimeters | ۱.۵ to ۱۶ millimeters |
| Application | Metal furniture, chairs, delicate work | Columns, building frames, industrial structures |
| Structural Load-Bearing Capacity | No | Yes |
| Price per Meter | Lower | Higher |
Why This Mistake Can Be Dangerous
Selling a light furniture-grade hollow section to a customer who needs it for a column or structure is not merely a commercial mistake; it can become a real safety problem in that structure. Conversely, recommending a heavy and expensive column hollow section for a simple furniture-making project imposes an unnecessary cost on the customer.
The simple question, “What is this hollow section for: furniture or a structure?” should always be your first question, before any other discussion about size or price.
A Practical Tip for Quick Identification
If the label or factory specifications are not available, measuring the wall thickness with a caliper at several points is the quickest way to identify it. A hollow section under ۱.۵ millimeters is almost always rejected for structural applications, even if its appearance and external dimensions resemble those of a heavier hollow section.
Frequently Asked Questions
قوطی مبلی چیست؟
نوع سبک قوطی فولادی، با ضخامت معمولاً بین ۰.۵ تا ۱.۵ میلی‌متر، که بیشتر برای مبلمان فلزی، صندلی و کارهای ظریف دکوراتیو استفاده می‌شود.
قوطی ستونی چیست؟
نوع سنگین قوطی، با ضخامت بین ۱.۵ تا ۱۶ میلی‌متر، که برای ستون، سازه‌های ساختمانی و صنعتی به‌کار می‌رود.
چرا این تفاوت برای فروش اهمیت دارد؟
چون فروختن قوطی مبلی سبک به‌جای قوطی ستونی سنگین، یا برعکس، می‌تواند هم مشتری را از نظر هزینه اذیت کند و هم برای کاربرد سازه‌ای، مشکل ایمنی جدی ایجاد کند.
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