Understanding ERW & When to Use It

At FH Brundle, we know our customers have a good grasp of the products they use. However, a deeper understanding can help make better choices. One such product is ERW, or Electro Resistant Welded Steel. This versatile material is a go-to in many industries thanks to its strength, cost-effectiveness, and wide range of uses. Let’s explore what ERW is and when it’s the right choice for your projects.

What is ERW?

Electric Resistance Welded (ERW) steel is made by cold forming a flat steel strip into a round, tube or a box shape. The edges of the formed shape are then joined together using a high-frequency electrical current, which creates a welded seam along the length of the tube or pipe. This process produces a strong and durable product that is suitable for a wide range of applications, including construction, automotive, and industrial uses.

ERW Steel Sections

Key Benefits of ERW

Strength and Durability: The welding process creates a strong and reliable seam, making ERW tough and durable.

Cost-Effective: ERW is often more affordable than other types, like seamless tubes, thanks to its efficient manufacturing process.

Versatile: Available in various sizes, shapes, and thicknesses, ERW can be customised to fit different needs.

Precision: The cold-forming and welding process ensures precise dimensions, providing consistent quality.

When to Use ERW Steel Sections

ERW is ideal for a wide range of applications. Here are some scenarios where it’s the perfect choice:

Construction and Structural Projects: ERW tubes are widely used in construction for structural supports, scaffolding, and building frames due to their strength and durability.

Automotive Industry: ERW is used in car components like chassis, roll cages, and exhaust systems, where precision and reliability are crucial.

Furniture Manufacturing: The uniformity and aesthetic quality of ERW box sections make them great for making furniture frames and fittings.

Agricultural Equipment: The robustness and resistance to wear and tear make ERW ideal for agricultural machinery and equipment.

Pipeline Systems: ERW tubes provide a reliable and leak-resistant solution for transporting water, gas, and other fluids.

Fencing and Gates: The consistent quality and ease of fabrication make ERW tubes and profiles a popular choice for fencing, gates, and other outdoor structures.

Our Range of ERW Products

At FH Brundle, we offer a wide range of ERW products to suit various needs:

ERW Tubes: Perfect for structural and mechanical applications where strength and precision are key.

ERW Box Sections: Ideal for frameworks, structures, and general fabrication where a robust and aesthetic finish is required.

ERW Profiles: Customised shapes to meet specific design requirements, ensuring versatility in application.

Case Study: Crafting a Bespoke Santa Maria Grill with ERW Steel

Project Overview: A private client commissioned our customer, a skilled steel fabricator, to create a bespoke Santa Maria grill for their outdoor space. The goal was to design a durable, visually striking grill that could withstand high temperatures and frequent use.

Materials Used:

ERW Box Section (30x30x30): The ERW box sections served as the primary structural component of the grill, providing the robust framework essential for a grill designed to handle high temperatures and heavy usage. The consistent strength and precise dimensions of ERW steel made it an ideal choice for ensuring stability and long-term durability in this custom application.

Steel Sheets (1.5mm, 3mm, 4mm): Utilized for the grill’s body, these sheets offered the necessary durability to handle intense heat and exposure to the elements.

Steel Wheels: Installed to enhance mobility, allowing the grill to be easily moved around the outdoor space.

12mm & 16mm Bright Bars: Integrated into various support structures, these bars added to the grill’s overall strength and stability.

Bright Flat Bars: Used in the design for additional reinforcement and detailed finishing touches.

Powder-Coated Mesh: Applied to the shelving and storage areas, this material provided durability and resistance to rust, essential for long-term outdoor use.

Santa Maria Barbeque Grill

The final product is a robust, stylish Santa Maria grill, with ERW steel playing a crucial role in its construction. 

Explore our full range of ERW products here.

We’re here for you now and whenever you might need us next.

For more information on Understanding ERW & When to Use It talk to F H Brundle