Round Tube Vs. Square Tube Frame

Dune buggies use either round or square tubing.

Steel tubes are used for a wide variety of structural framing applications. Framing tubes provide stability, uniformity, strength and soundness to structures that endure a great amount of stress.

Round Steel Tube

Round steel tubes are used in farm equipment, construction equipment, race car frames, motorcycle frames, automotive parts and off-road dune buggies. Heavy equipment requires strength and stability. Dune buggy frames are designed to protect the driver and must provide structural soundness.

Square Steel Tube

Square steel tubes are commonly used for construction framing, truck racks and beds, trailers, ornamental objects and railings. Many dune buggies are built using square tubing for the framing and round tubing for the roll bars.

Strength

A debate exists as to which tube is stronger but one fact remains true. Square tubing is easier to cut and weld. According to the Professionals at Tube Work, round tube is stronger in both torsion and deflection than square tubing of the same weight. Round steel tubes are also easier to bend.

References

• Metals Depot: Carbon Steel Square Tube, Steel Round Tube

Resources

• Dune Buggy: Buggy Links