Legality of steel tubing.

[newy]

Is steel (square cross-section) tubing legal? I realise that aluminium tubing is legal, as it comes under extrusion, but does steel tubing count as steel angle, even though it isn't made from angle as such.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------James Newton

[Bill Enslen]

Check the Small Parts, Inc. catalog. I know that they sell Square Aluminum Tubing. They may also sell Square Steel Tubing.
As FRC2001 says, If SPI sells it, then you may use it -- any size, any quantity -- as long as the size you want is in their catalog.

[newy]

No, its not in the small parts catalogue, which probably means its not permitted - am I right? The trouble is we'd begun to build our chassis from tubular steel, but luckily not too much before somebody checked the rules - however, we should be able to remake from extruded ali.

[Bill Enslen]

Unfortunately, you are correct since tubular steel is not listed in the additional hardware list. Steel angle up to 2" x 2" x 1/4" is, however you're better off from a weight perspective if you stick with aluminum. If you can find a machine shop near you to weld the aluminum frame, you'll have a solid structure on which to hang your components. Try to get them to donate their time in return for sponsorship of your team. But hurry -- the clock is ticking!