FRP Square Tubes 50 x 50 x 5 mm

Product Overview

50 x 50 x 5 mm FRP square tubes (also listed as 50x50x5mm FRP square tubes) are pultruded structural profiles made with E-glass fiber and a thermosetting resin. The 50 mm external width and height with a 5 mm wall provide a nominal weight of 1.92 kg/m. These tubes are used in structural frameworks, equipment supports, handrails, cable trays, and environments where corrosion resistance is required.

Technical Specifications

Property	Specification	Notes
Dimensions	50 mm x 50 mm x 5 mm	Precise dimensional tolerance +/-0.5 mm
Weight	1.92 kg/m	Exact weight for inventory and structural calculations
Material	E-glass fiber + thermosetting resin	UPR, ISO, or VE resin systems available
Colors	Green, yellow, orange, red, white, black, grey, blue	Custom colors on request
Surface	Smooth or sand-coated	Both options available
Standard Lengths	3 m or 6 m	Custom lengths available
Load Capacity	1800-2200 kg (axial)	Depends on support conditions and safety factor

Comparison with Common Metal Alternatives

The table below shows representative properties for equal external dimensions. Verify project-specific values with your supplier or engineer.

Property	FRP Tube (50x50x5)	Steel Tube (representative)	Aluminum Tube (representative)
Weight	1.92 kg/m	~7.5 kg/m	~4.2 kg/m
Tensile Strength	~240 MPa	~400 MPa	~310 MPa
Corrosion Resistance	Good to excellent, depending on resin	Requires coating or galvanizing	Good in many atmospheres
Thermal Conductivity	0.3-0.5 W/mK	~50 W/mK	~237 W/mK

Structural Properties

Moment of Inertia: 21.1 cm^4
Section Modulus: 8.44 cm^3
Radius of Gyration: 2.1 cm
Effective Buckling Length Factor: 1.0 (pinned ends)
Maximum Recommended Span: 2.5 m (as beam under distributed load; confirm for your load case)
Maximum Recommended Axial Load: 12 kN (at room temperature; depends on end conditions)

Applications

Structural Frameworks: Medium-load bearing frames
Equipment Support Structures: Machinery and equipment platforms
Handrails and Guardrails: Safety railings when designed to applicable standards
Cable Trays: Cable management systems
Chemical Processing Equipment: Environments where chemical resistance is needed
Marine Structures: Dock components and marine platforms
Electrical Isolation Frameworks: Supporting electrical equipment

Advantages of This Size

Versatile Dimensions: 50 mm square profile fits standard connectors and fixtures
Optimal Wall Thickness: 5 mm wall provides structural rigidity with low weight
Compatibility: Works with standard 50 mm brackets, clamps, and connection systems
Cost-Effective Size: Common stock item
Ideal for Medium-Load Applications: Balanced size for many frameworks

Installation Guidance

Cutting: Use carbide-tipped blades at 3000-4000 RPM
Drilling: Standard HSS drill bits at 1500-2000 RPM
Fastening: M8-M10 bolts for through-connections
Spacing: Support spacing of 1.5-2.0 m when used as beams; confirm with project engineer
Connection Systems: Compatible with standard 50 mm square tube connectors

Value Benefits

Lower Dead Load: Lower weight than steel of equal dimensions can reduce structural loads
Faster Handling: Lightweight profiles can reduce installation labor
Reduced Corrosion Maintenance: FRP does not rust, which can lower lifecycle maintenance in corrosive environments
Long Service Life: Can provide long service life in suitable environments when specified with the correct resin system

Frequently Asked Questions

How much weight can a 50 x 50 x 5 mm FRP square tube support?

These tubes can typically support 1800-2200 kg in axial compression and approximately 400-500 kg as a simply supported beam over a 1-meter span, depending on safety factors and connection details. Confirm with your engineer for your specific application.

Can these tubes be used in outdoor structures?

Yes, they are suitable for outdoor use. UV inhibitors can be included in the resin to help maintain properties in exposed conditions. Service life depends on resin system, environment, and loading.

How do I connect two tubes together?

They can be joined with mechanical fasteners (M8-M10 bolts), structural adhesive bonding, or specialized 50 mm FRP connection brackets. For 90-degree connections, purpose-made corner brackets designed for 50 mm square tubes are recommended.

Are these tubes fire resistant?

Standard versions have moderate fire resistance. Fire-retardant resin systems can be offered and tested to standards such as ASTM E84 on request.

How do I calculate the required number of tubes for my project?

For structural applications, consult our engineering team for load calculations based on the 50 x 50 x 5 mm profile. Design must account for the different stiffness and connection behavior of FRP compared with steel.

Can these tubes be painted or coated?

They can be painted with polyurethane or epoxy-based paints for aesthetics or additional UV protection. Painting is not required for corrosion resistance.