Aluminium Shs Weight Calculator

Calculate Aluminium SHS Weight

Calculation Results

Formula Used:

Weight = (Cross-Sectional Area * Length * Density) / 1,000,000,000

Cross-Sectional Area = (Outer Width * Outer Height) – (Inner Width * Inner Height)

Inner Width = Outer Width – 2 * Wall Thickness

Inner Height = Outer Height – 2 * Wall Thickness

Density is in kg/m³ and dimensions are converted to meters for volume calculation.

Aluminium SHS Weight Data

Parameter	Value	Unit
Outer Width (A)	—	mm
Outer Height (B)	—	mm
Wall Thickness (t)	—	mm
Length	—	mm
Aluminium Density	—	kg/m³
Cross-Sectional Area	—	mm²
Total Volume	—	m³
Calculated Weight	—	kg

Chart showing Weight per Meter vs. Length and Wall Thickness.

What is Aluminium SHS Weight Calculation?

The Aluminium SHS Weight Calculator is a specialized tool designed to accurately determine the mass of Aluminium Square Hollow Sections (SHS). Aluminium SHS are widely used in construction, manufacturing, and engineering due to their excellent strength-to-weight ratio, corrosion resistance, and aesthetic appeal. Calculating their weight is crucial for material estimation, structural load calculations, transportation logistics, and cost management. This calculator simplifies the process by taking key dimensions and material properties as input to provide precise weight outputs.

Who should use it:

• Structural engineers and designers
• Fabricators and manufacturers
• Procurement and purchasing managers
• Construction project managers
• DIY enthusiasts working with aluminium structures

Common misconceptions:

• Weight is uniform: While SHS are standardized, slight variations in alloy composition and manufacturing tolerances can affect density. Our calculator allows for selection of common densities.
• Simple geometric calculation: The calculation involves subtracting the inner void from the outer dimensions, which requires careful handling of units and formulas.
• Only length matters: Wall thickness and the precise outer dimensions significantly impact the final weight, not just the length.

Aluminium SHS Weight Formula and Mathematical Explanation

The core of the Aluminium SHS Weight Calculator relies on fundamental geometric and material science principles. The weight is determined by the volume of the aluminium material and its density.

Step-by-Step Derivation:

1. Calculate Inner Dimensions: The hollow nature of SHS means we need to find the volume of the aluminium itself, not the total volume enclosed by the outer dimensions.
   • Inner Width (a) = Outer Width (A) – 2 * Wall Thickness (t)
   • Inner Height (b) = Outer Height (B) – 2 * Wall Thickness (t)
2. Calculate Cross-Sectional Area of Aluminium: This is the area of the aluminium material in a single cross-section slice.
   • Area = (Outer Width * Outer Height) – (Inner Width * Inner Height)
   • Area = (A * B) – (a * b)
   Alternatively, for SHS where A=B and a=b:
   • Area = A² – a²
   • Area = A² – (A – 2t)²
3. Calculate Total Volume: Convert all dimensions to meters and multiply the cross-sectional area by the total length.
   • Volume (m³) = (Cross-Sectional Area (mm²) * Length (mm)) / 1,000,000,000
   • (Note: 1 m³ = 1,000,000,000 mm³)
4. Calculate Weight: Multiply the total volume by the density of aluminium.
   • Weight (kg) = Volume (m³) * Density (kg/m³)

Variable Explanations:

The calculator uses the following variables:

Variable	Meaning	Unit	Typical Range
A (Outer Width)	The external width of the square hollow section.	mm	10 – 200+
B (Outer Height)	The external height of the square hollow section. For SHS, A = B.	mm	10 – 200+
t (Wall Thickness)	The thickness of the aluminium wall.	mm	1 – 10+
L (Length)	The total length of the SHS piece.	mm	100 – 12000+
ρ (Density)	The mass per unit volume of the specific aluminium alloy.	kg/m³	2650 – 2750
CSA (Cross-Sectional Area)	The area of the aluminium material in the cross-section.	mm²	Calculated
V (Volume)	The total volume occupied by the aluminium material.	m³	Calculated
W (Weight)	The total mass of the aluminium SHS.	kg	Calculated

Practical Examples (Real-World Use Cases)

Understanding the Aluminium SHS Weight Calculator is best done through practical scenarios:

Example 1: Structural Frame Component

A construction company needs to fabricate a support beam for a lightweight architectural feature. They are using Aluminium SHS with the following specifications:

• Outer Width (A): 100 mm
• Outer Height (B): 100 mm
• Wall Thickness (t): 5 mm
• Length (L): 3000 mm
• Aluminium Density: 2700 kg/m³ (Standard Aluminium)

Using the calculator:

• Inner Width/Height = 100 – 2*5 = 90 mm
• Cross-Sectional Area = (100 * 100) – (90 * 90) = 10000 – 8100 = 1900 mm²
• Volume = (1900 mm² * 3000 mm) / 1,000,000,000 = 0.0057 m³
• Weight = 0.0057 m³ * 2700 kg/m³ = 15.39 kg

Interpretation: Each 3-meter section of this SHS weighs approximately 15.39 kg. This information is vital for ordering the correct amount of material, planning lifting procedures on-site, and ensuring the structural design accounts for the weight.

Example 2: Custom Furniture Frame

A furniture designer is creating a modern coffee table frame using Aluminium SHS. They need to calculate the weight for shipping and material costing.

• Outer Width (A): 40 mm
• Outer Height (B): 40 mm
• Wall Thickness (t): 2 mm
• Total Length (L) of all pieces combined: 2400 mm
• Aluminium Density: 2750 kg/m³ (High Purity Aluminium)

Using the calculator:

• Inner Width/Height = 40 – 2*2 = 36 mm
• Cross-Sectional Area = (40 * 40) – (36 * 36) = 1600 – 1296 = 304 mm²
• Volume = (304 mm² * 2400 mm) / 1,000,000,000 = 0.0007296 m³
• Weight = 0.0007296 m³ * 2750 kg/m³ = 2.0064 kg

Interpretation: The total weight for the aluminium components of the coffee table frame is approximately 2.01 kg. This low weight is characteristic of aluminium and makes it ideal for furniture that needs to be easily moved.

How to Use This Aluminium SHS Weight Calculator

Our Aluminium SHS Weight Calculator is designed for ease of use. Follow these simple steps:

1. Input Dimensions: Enter the precise outer width (A), outer height (B), and wall thickness (t) of the Aluminium SHS in millimeters (mm). For Square Hollow Sections (SHS), the outer width and height are typically the same.
2. Enter Length: Input the total length (L) of the SHS piece(s) you are calculating, also in millimeters (mm).
3. Select Density: Choose the appropriate density for the type of aluminium alloy you are using from the dropdown menu. Common values range from 2650 kg/m³ to 2750 kg/m³. If unsure, the standard 2700 kg/m³ is a good starting point.
4. Calculate: Click the "Calculate Weight" button.

How to read results:

• Primary Result (Highlighted): This shows the total calculated weight of the SHS in kilograms (kg).
• Intermediate Values: You'll see the calculated Cross-Sectional Area (mm²), Total Volume (m³), and Weight per Meter (kg/m). These provide more detailed insights into the material's properties.
• Table Data: A summary table reiterates your inputs and the calculated outputs for easy reference.
• Chart: Visualizes how weight changes with length and wall thickness.

Decision-making guidance: Use the calculated weight to verify material orders, plan transportation, estimate structural loads, and budget for your project. Comparing weights of different SHS sizes can help optimize designs for strength and material efficiency.

Key Factors That Affect Aluminium SHS Weight Results

While the calculator provides precise results based on inputs, several real-world factors can influence the actual weight:

1. Alloy Composition: Different aluminium alloys have slightly different densities. For example, alloys with higher copper or zinc content might be denser than pure aluminium or magnesium-rich alloys. Always use the density specific to your alloy.
2. Manufacturing Tolerances: Actual dimensions (width, height, thickness) can vary slightly from nominal specifications due to manufacturing tolerances. This can lead to minor deviations in calculated weight.
3. Surface Treatments/Coatings: Processes like anodizing or powder coating add a small amount of material and thus weight. This calculator typically does not account for these additions unless a specific density for coated material is known.
4. Temperature Effects: Aluminium expands when heated and contracts when cooled. While usually negligible for standard calculations, extreme temperature variations could theoretically affect dimensions and thus weight density.
5. Internal Surface Finish: While the calculator assumes smooth internal surfaces, a rougher internal finish might slightly alter the effective volume, though this effect is minimal.
6. Measurement Accuracy: The accuracy of the input dimensions is paramount. Precise measurements of the SHS are essential for a reliable weight calculation.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is the difference between Aluminium SHS and Steel SHS weight calculation?

The fundamental formulas are the same (volume x density), but the key difference lies in the density value used. Steel has a significantly higher density (around 7850 kg/m³) compared to aluminium (around 2700 kg/m³). Therefore, steel SHS of the same dimensions will be much heavier.

Q2: Can this calculator be used for Rectangular Hollow Sections (RHS)?

Yes, the underlying principle is the same. For RHS, ensure you input the correct distinct outer width and outer height values. The calculator's formula correctly handles non-square cross-sections.

Q3: What does "Weight per Meter" mean?

Weight per Meter is the calculated weight of a 1-meter (1000 mm) length of the specified Aluminium SHS. It's a useful metric for comparing different profiles and estimating weights for longer structures.

Q4: My calculated weight seems high/low. What could be wrong?

Double-check your input dimensions (especially wall thickness and outer dimensions), ensure they are in millimeters, and verify you've selected the correct aluminium density for your specific alloy.

Q5: Does the calculator account for cut-outs or holes in the SHS?

No, this calculator assumes a solid, continuous SHS profile. If your SHS has significant cut-outs or holes, you would need to calculate the volume of those removed sections and subtract their weight accordingly.

Q6: What is the standard density for aluminium?

The density of pure aluminium is approximately 2700 kg/m³. However, common aluminium alloys used in structural applications typically range from 2650 kg/m³ to 2750 kg/m³. Our calculator provides options for these common ranges.

Q7: How accurate is this calculator?

The calculator is highly accurate based on the provided geometric formula and the selected material density. Accuracy depends on the precision of your input measurements and the exact density of the specific aluminium alloy used.

Q8: Can I use this for calculating the weight of extruded aluminium profiles?

Yes, if the profile is a square or rectangular hollow section, this calculator will work. For complex extruded shapes, a dedicated profile calculator or CAD software would be more appropriate.