What is the dimensional tolerance of EN 10210 hollow sections?
As a supplier of EN 10210 hollow sections, I often receive inquiries about the dimensional tolerances of these products. Dimensional tolerance is a critical aspect in the manufacturing and application of hollow sections, as it directly affects the quality, fit, and performance of the final structures. In this blog, I will delve into the details of the dimensional tolerance of EN 10210 hollow sections.
Understanding EN 10210
EN 10210 is a European standard that specifies the technical delivery conditions for hot - finished structural hollow sections of non - alloy and fine - grain steels. These hollow sections are widely used in construction, engineering, and various industrial applications due to their excellent strength - to - weight ratio, corrosion resistance, and aesthetic appeal. The standard covers circular, square, and rectangular hollow sections, each with its own set of dimensional requirements and tolerances.
Dimensional Tolerances for Circular Hollow Sections
For circular hollow sections under EN 10210, the outer diameter (OD) tolerance is an important parameter. The standard typically allows for a certain deviation from the specified nominal outer diameter. For example, for smaller diameter circular hollow sections, the tolerance might be relatively tighter compared to larger ones. Usually, the tolerance on the outer diameter can range from ± 0.5% to ± 1% of the nominal diameter, depending on the size of the section.
The wall thickness of circular hollow sections also has specific tolerances. The minimum wall thickness should not be less than a certain percentage (usually around 93% - 95%) of the specified nominal wall thickness. This ensures that the section has sufficient strength to withstand the intended loads. The maximum wall thickness is also regulated to maintain consistency in the manufacturing process and the overall performance of the section.
Dimensional Tolerances for Square and Rectangular Hollow Sections
Square and rectangular hollow sections have their own unique set of dimensional tolerances. In terms of the side length, the tolerance is often expressed as a percentage of the nominal side length. For smaller side lengths, the tolerance might be around ± 0.5mm to ± 1mm, while for larger side lengths, it could be a percentage, such as ± 0.5% - ± 1% of the nominal side length.
The corner radii of square and rectangular hollow sections are also subject to tolerances. The corner radius should be within a specified range to ensure proper fit and connection with other structural components. Additionally, the flatness of the sides is an important factor. The standard allows for a certain amount of deviation from perfect flatness, which is measured over a specified length of the section.
Straightness and Length Tolerances
Straightness is another crucial aspect of the dimensional tolerance of EN 10210 hollow sections. The sections should be reasonably straight, and the standard specifies a maximum allowable deviation from a straight line. This is typically measured as the maximum deflection over a given length of the section. For example, the maximum deflection might be limited to 1mm per meter of length or a total deflection over the entire length of the section.
The length of the hollow sections also has tolerances. The actual length of the section can deviate from the specified nominal length. The tolerance on length is usually expressed as a plus or minus value, such as ± 5mm to ± 10mm, depending on the length of the section.
Importance of Dimensional Tolerances
The dimensional tolerances of EN 10210 hollow sections are of great importance for several reasons. Firstly, they ensure the interchangeability of the sections. When different sections are used in a structure, they need to fit together precisely. Accurate dimensional tolerances allow for easy assembly and connection of the sections, reducing the need for on - site modifications.
Secondly, dimensional tolerances are related to the structural performance of the sections. If the dimensions deviate too much from the specified values, the section may not have the intended strength and stiffness. For example, if the wall thickness is less than the specified minimum, the section may fail under load, leading to safety hazards.
Comparison with Other Standards
It is also interesting to compare the dimensional tolerances of EN 10210 hollow sections with other relevant standards. For instance, ASTM A618 HOT FORMED STEEL HOLLOW SECTIONS is an American standard for hot - formed steel hollow sections. While there are some similarities in the general concept of dimensional tolerances, the specific values and measurement methods may differ. ASTM standards may have different tolerance ranges for outer diameter, wall thickness, and other dimensions, which can be important considerations for international projects or when choosing between different suppliers.
Our Quality Assurance in Meeting Dimensional Tolerances
As a supplier of EN 10210 STRUCTURAL HOLLOW SECTIONS, we take great care in ensuring that our products meet the strict dimensional tolerances specified in the standard. We have a comprehensive quality control system in place. Our manufacturing process is closely monitored at every stage, from raw material inspection to the final product testing.
We use advanced measuring equipment, such as calipers, micrometers, and laser measuring devices, to accurately measure the dimensions of the hollow sections. Our quality control team conducts regular inspections to verify that the products comply with the EN 10210 standard. Any sections that do not meet the dimensional tolerances are rejected and re - worked or scrapped to ensure that only high - quality products are delivered to our customers.
Coating and Its Impact on Dimensional Tolerances
In some cases, our EN 10210 hollow sections may be coated with materials such as 3LPE COATED PIPE. The coating process can have an impact on the dimensional tolerances. The thickness of the coating needs to be considered, as it adds to the overall dimensions of the section. However, we take this into account during the manufacturing process and ensure that the final coated sections still meet the required dimensional tolerances.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the dimensional tolerance of EN 10210 hollow sections is a complex but essential aspect of their quality and performance. Understanding these tolerances is crucial for both manufacturers and users of these sections. As a supplier, we are committed to providing high - quality EN 10210 hollow sections that meet the strict dimensional requirements of the standard.


If you are in the market for EN 10210 hollow sections or have any questions about dimensional tolerances and our products, we encourage you to contact us for further discussion and potential procurement. We are always ready to assist you in finding the most suitable hollow sections for your projects.
References
- EN 10210: Technical Delivery Conditions for Hot - Finished Structural Hollow Sections of Non - Alloy and Fine - Grain Steels.
- Industry manuals and guidelines on the manufacturing and application of hollow sections.