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Awning frames can be designed to fit any need. In fact, Awning frames can be designed to be bolted together, field welded, withstand any wind, snow or rain load needed. Awnings can cantilever off a building any reasonable distance or be designed as free standing. Below are a few of the common materials that frames can be made from.
Steel Pipe
This material can be characterized as a relatively thick, round section of mild steel. It is easily welded, bolted and threaded, and is adaptable to many shop environments. It is heavy and functional, but not necessarily highly aesthetic.
Steel Tubing
Steel tubing is similar to steel pipe, but available in a range of wall-thickness and shapes, including round, square and rectangular – it is easily welded or bolted, and can be obtained in higher strengths than steel pipe.
High-Strength Steel Tubing
This is a cold-worked, thin-wall steel tubing that is available in round, square and rectangular shapes. Popular sizes are under 2 inches. High-strength steel tubing normally is furnished with corrosion-inhibiting surface treatments. It is also easily bent to designer shapes, relatively light weight and easily welded.
Aluminum Pipe
Manufactured with the same dimensions as steel pipe, it weighs only one-third as much. On the other hand, it is only one-third as stiff as steel pipe. Temper is lost at welded joints, which reduces its strength.
Aluminum Tubing
This is available in a wide variety of shapes, sizes and tempers, with an array of advantages and disadvantages in comparison to steel.
Staple-on Extrusions
Aluminum tubing is extruded into cross-sections that are used to connect fabric panels to the face of the tubing. Connections are made by stapling the fabric inside a groove that is filled with a pressure-installed weather strip/trim piece.
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