Scaffold tube is 48.3 mm OD with 3.2 mm (standard) or 4.0 mm (heavy duty) walls per EN 39 — Q235/S235JR steel, hot-dip galvanized inside and out for rental fleets. A 40GP container takes 26–27 t ≈ 3,000–3,300 pieces of 6 m × 3.2 mm tube. Ringlock and cuplock system components use the same base tube cut and forged to fit.
Scaffolding is one of the most repeat-purchase steel products in the trade: rental fleets grow, systems wear, and every market has its scaffolding makers buying tube by the container. The spec is deceptively simple — one diameter, two walls, one finish — but the details decide whether your tubes survive ten rental cycles or three.
The Sizes (There Are Only Two That Matter)
| Wall | Standard | Weight (kg/m) | Pieces per 40GP (6 m) | Order For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.2 mm | EN 39 light / JIS STK400 | 3.56 | ≈ 3,300 | Standard scaffolding — the volume product |
| 4.0 mm | EN 39 heavy / STK500 | 4.37 | ≈ 2,700 | Heavy-duty shoring, façade systems |
- OD 48.3 mm (1.9") — universal coupling compatibility worldwide; ±0.5 mm tolerance.
- Lengths: 6 m standard; 1.5–3 m for ledgers/standards in system scaffolds; cut-to-length available.
- Steel: Q235 / S235JR for 3.2 mm; S355JR or STK500-class for 4.0 mm heavy duty.
Galvanizing: The Decision That Sets Tube Lifespan
| Finish | Price vs Black | Rental Life | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| Black (oiled) | baseline | 1–3 cycles before rust complaints | Paint yourself, or leave it |
| Pre-galvanized | +8–15% | 5–8 cycles; seam zone rusts first | Budget systems, dry regions |
| Hot-dip after fabrication | +25–40% | 10+ years, all surfaces incl. inside | The rental-fleet standard |
Rental economics: HDG tube costs ~$1.3 more per meter but survives a decade of outdoor yards and job-site abuse — the fleet math favors it every time. See the full comparison in galvanized vs black pipe.
System Scaffolds: Ringlock & Cuplock
- Ringlock (rosette): standards from the same 48.3 tube with rosettes forged on; ledgers/braces with wedge heads. We supply base tube cut to system lengths or complete component kits.
- Cuplock: cups welded on standards at 500 mm pitch; ledger ends form the lock. Same base tube, 3.2 mm walls typical.
- Accessories: base jacks, swivel clamps, planks — order alongside tube to fill the container.
Container Math for Scaffold Makers
A 40GP with 26–27 t of 6 m × 3.2 mm HDG tube ≈ 3,000–3,300 pieces — roughly 18–20 km of tube. Mixing tube (60%) with system components and jacks (40%) is the usual container recipe. MOQ 5 t; bundles of 91 pcs (about 2 t) strapped for crane handling. Pipe range: steel pipe products →
Building scaffold stock? Price the container.
Wall thickness, finish (HDG/pre-galv/black) and quantity to [email protected] or WhatsApp +86 191 5745 8011 — FOB/CIF quotation with container loading plan in one working day.
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