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What Is an MS Rectangular Pipe? A Complete Buyer Guide


“Which MS rectangular pipe should I choose for my project?”

This is one of the most common questions asked by contractors, fabricators, site engineers, and even first-time home builders in India.

MS rectangular pipes are widely used—but choosing the wrong size, thickness, or grade can lead to over-spending, structural weakness, or future repair issues.

This complete buyer guide explains everything you need to know about MS (Mild Steel) rectangular pipes in simple, practical language, so you can confidently select the right pipe for your construction or fabrication needs.

What Is an MS (Mild Steel) Rectangular Pipe?

An MS rectangular pipe is a hollow steel section with a rectangular shape, made from mild steel, which has low carbon content.

In simple terms:

  • It looks like a box-shaped steel pipe
  • It is strong, durable, and easy to fabricate
  • It is used where strength + clean structure is required

MS rectangular pipes are also known as Rectangular Hollow Sections (RHS).

Why Mild Steel?

Mild steel is preferred because it:

  • Is easy to cut, weld, and bend
  • Has good strength without brittleness
  • Is cost-effective compared to alloy steels

How Are MS Rectangular Pipes Manufactured?

The manufacturing process is straightforward and ensures uniform quality.

Step-by-Step Process:

  • MS steel coils or plates are cut into strips
  • The strip is passed through rollers to form a rectangular shape
  • Edges are welded using ERW (Electric Resistance Welding)
  • Pipes are sized, straightened, and cut to length
  • Final inspection for size and thickness accuracy

This process ensures consistent dimensions, smooth finish, and reliable strength.

MS Rectangular Pipe vs Square Pipe vs Round Pipe

Choosing the right shape is just as important as choosing the size.

Comparison Table

Feature MS Rectangular Pipe MS Square Pipe MS Round Pipe
Shape Rectangle Square Circular
Load Handling Best for directional loads Uniform load Even stress
Material Efficiency High Medium Low
Fabrication Very easy Easy Moderate
Appearance Modern & industrial Symmetrical Traditional
Best Uses Frames, sheds, beams Columns, furniture Scaffolding, plumbing

Quick Tip:

  • Rectangular pipe → Beams, frames, roofing
  • Square pipe → Columns, posts, furniture
  • Round pipe → Fluid flow, handrails

Standard MS Rectangular Pipe Sizes in India

MS rectangular pipes are available in many sizes to suit different applications.

Common Sizes (Width × Height)

Size (mm) Common Applications
40 × 20Furniture, light frames
50 × 25Gates, railings
75 × 40Roofing sheds
100 × 50Structural frames
150 × 75Heavy fabrication
200 × 100Industrial structures

Thickness Options

Thickness (mm) Suitable For
1.2 – 1.6Furniture, light use
2.0 – 2.5Gates, sheds
3.0 – 4.0Structural frames
5.0 – 6.0Heavy-duty projects

Standard Lengths Available in India

  • 6 meters (most common)
  • 9 meters (on order)
  • 12 meters (project-specific)

✔ Always confirm length tolerance before ordering.

MS Rectangular Pipe Weight Calculation

Knowing weight helps calculate cost, load, and transport.

Simple Weight Formula:
Weight (kg/m) ≈ 0.00785 × Thickness × (Width + Height – Thickness)

Example:
Pipe size: 100 × 50 × 3 mm
Weight ≈ 6.9 kg per meter

6-meter length ≈ 41–42 kg per piece

Common Grades & IS Standards Used in India

  • IS 4923 – Standard for hollow steel sections
  • IS 2062 (E250/E350) – Structural applications

Why IS Standards Matter

  • Ensure strength & safety
  • Maintain uniform quality
  • Required for government & large projects

Always check IS marking and manufacturer details on the pipe.

MS Rectangular Pipe Uses (Real-World Applications)

1. Construction & Structural Works

  • Roofing trusses
  • Columns and frames
  • Mezzanine floors

2. Industrial Sheds & Warehouses

  • Shed structures
  • Support frames

3. Gates, Grills & Railings

  • Main gates
  • Compound fencing

4. Furniture & Interior Fabrication

  • Tables and racks
  • Modular furniture

5. Fabrication & Engineering

  • Platforms
  • Machine frames

Advantages of MS Rectangular Pipes

  • High strength-to-weight ratio
  • Cost-effective
  • Easy to fabricate & weld
  • Clean, professional finish
  • Wide size availability

Limitations You Should Know

  • Needs corrosion protection outdoors
  • Not suitable for fluid transport
  • Heavier than aluminum sections

How to Choose the Right MS Rectangular Pipe (Buyer Checklist)

  • What load will it carry?
  • Indoor or outdoor use?
  • Span length of structure?
  • Budget vs durability?
  • Fabrication capability available?

Practical Selection Guide

Project Type Recommended Thickness
Furniture1.2–1.6 mm
Gates2.0–2.5 mm
Roofing sheds2.5–3.0 mm
Structural frames3.0–4.0 mm
Heavy industry5.0 mm+

Common Mistakes Buyers Make

  • Choosing thickness only by price
  • Ignoring weight per meter
  • Not checking IS standard
  • Buying oversized sections unnecessarily
  • Skipping corrosion protection

FAQs

1. What is an MS rectangular pipe used for?
Construction, sheds, gates, furniture, and fabrication.

2. What is the standard length of MS rectangular pipes?
Mostly 6 meters in India.

3. How is MS rectangular pipe price calculated?
Based on weight per kg and steel market rates.

4. Is MS rectangular pipe stronger than square pipe?
Yes, for directional loads.

5. Can MS rectangular pipes be welded easily?
Yes, they are easy to cut and weld.

6. Are MS rectangular pipes suitable for outdoor use?
Yes, with proper painting or galvanizing.

7. Which thickness is best for roofing?
Usually 2.5–3 mm, depending on span and wind load.

Final Thoughts: Buy the Right MS Rectangular Pipe with Confidence

MS rectangular pipes are a reliable, versatile, and cost-effective solution for most construction and fabrication needs. The key is selecting the right size, thickness, and grade—not just the cheapest option.

A well-chosen pipe ensures:

  • Structural safety
  • Long service life
  • Lower maintenance cost

👉 Need help selecting the right MS rectangular pipe size or quantity?
Contact a trusted steel supplier or consult an expert before purchasing—it saves time, money, and future headaches.