At ZH METAL MATERIAL, the quality of our products is the cornerstone of our reputation. We believe that to supply world-class customers, we to must be world-class in everything we do and in every detail of our business.
We always supply high-quality tubing, and do so in a safe, efficient and timely way. We are renowned for our ability to supply tubes of all sizes, which means that we can closely work to your designs.
We only use premium-grade metals to ensure that the quality of our tubes is optimal, and we undergo rigorous testing and checks. Uncompromising quality control and strict traceability is key to the entire ZH METAL MATERIAL operations. We are proud of our commitment to quality and efficiency.
ZH METAL MATERIAL’ beautifully shaped railings and balustrades provide an effective way for you to enhance your new builds and restoration projects.
We offer shaped tubes in six unique designs, including variants of oval and square profiles.
Our shaped tube profiles are enduringly elegant. But the tubes offer more than just aesthetic benefits. They also present ergonomic and structural advantages over conventional round tubing, providing the construction industry with greater possibilities when it comes to choosing metal architecture.
Our engineers can work to architects’ briefs to create custom-made tubing for high-end applications, or for more complex projects where ‘kits’ just can’t meet the requirements. Our shaped tubes are used to make railings and balustrades for staircases, balconies and terraces of all specifications and sizes.
Sculptural and sophisticated, the beautifully engineered tubing offers superior design. From public buildings to family homes, street furniture to commercial properties, the custom-made tubes will help to set your project apart from others.
Sometimes the aesthetics of the tubing is critical to the project. But long-term durability and strength is an essential consideration for architectural applications.
Shaped tubing boasts ergonomic and safety advantages over standard round tubing, such as being both easier and more comfortable to grip. Our D-shaped tube, used predominantly as handrail, has been carefully tested for its ergonomic viability.
Methodical ‘tube deflection testing’ demonstrates that shaped stainless steel tubes formed from standard round tubes are less likely to buckle than their round counterparts. The shaped tubing benefits from increased strength performance (between 20% – 54% depending on the shape). This is crucial for infrastructure applications such as protective guard rails and barriers, which often require immense durability. Sign posts, window trims, bollards, decorative shrouds and luggage kick rails at airports are amongst the many examples of infrastructure that have been fabricated from our uniquely shaped profiles.
Most of our tube profiles are fabricated from premium-grade stainless steel. Stainless steel has been the leading material for projecting progressive, modern architecture for more than eighty years. Most of our architectural tubing is fabricated from stainless steel 304L (1.4301) and stainless steel 316L (1.4404) due to its incredible strength, ductility and versatility.
The fact that it is corrosion-resistant makes it hygienic and easier to maintain. Stainless steel is also an extremely sustainable material as it is fully recyclable at end-of-life.
Our stainless steel tubing comes in various finishes, including a brushed satin finish, which is great at hiding fingerprints and blemishes, and a luxurious polished mirror finish. We can even powder coat stainless steel to create a wood-effect.
PVD is available in a wide range of colours for a contemporary look. It is scratch and corrosion resistant.
Suitable for structural and decorative purposes, this alloy provides ample strength while retaining a high degree of manipulability.
Sometimes referred to as marine-grade stainless steel, this alloy contains a higher nickel and molybdenum content for increased corrosion resistance, making it ideal for marine architecture and other exterior applications.
We can also form tubing from duplex and superduplex stainless steel if the tubing will be used in subsea conditions. Duplex stainless steel grades boast many of the benefits of austenitic and ferritic stainless steel.
Aluminium is functional, cost-effective, light but strong, non-corrosive, non-toxic and durable.
Its surface is covered in an extremely thin yet strong layer of oxide film, which makes it highly corrosion-resistant.
Possesses immense strength coupled with excellent formability.
A cost-effective alternative for applications where strength and weight are still key attributes.
Brass is an alloy consisting of copper and zinc, which is stronger than pure copper and provides a lighter, gold-like finish. Brass is the most common of the copper- based alloys. It has a good corrosion resistance.
We typically use ‘basis brass’ for tube fabrication as it has excellent cold forming attributes, and can be readily soldered.
We use cupronickel 90/10, which contains 90% copper and 10% nickel, with small quantities of iron and manganese for strength and corrosion-resistance.
Cupronickel 90/10 has a warm colour that is similar to bronze, which makes it an extremely cost-effective alternative to bronze.
Cupronickel has high electrical resistivity.
If you are restoring metal architecture in historic buildings, or you’re seeking an antique look, ZH METAL MATERIAL can fabricate tubing from copper, brass or bronze. If you want a highly durable metal but with the traditional warmth of bronze, you could choose 90/10 cupronickel (which is also less expensive than bronze), or use bronze-coloured PVD (Physical Vapour Deposition) titanium ion plating on stainless steel.
Twisted oval tube and twisted square tube are popular choices for metalwork used for restoration projects and intricate lighting designs. The tightness of the twist can be varied; this flexibility is useful for instances when past designs need to be replicated.
Clean, rounded lines and flat sides provide strength for architectural purposes. This tube is easy to fix to other elements.
This popular tubing is practical, elegant and strong. Its clean shape and its versatility make it viable for a vast number of applications.
The flat side fixes securely – and easily – to other elements. It is simple to maintain, which is why it is so often used in marine and medical industries.
Tests have shown that this profile is up to 54% stronger than standard round tubing, making it our strongest shaped tube.
Range (304/316)
| Size mm | 1.2mm Wall (304) | 1.5mm Wall (304) | 2.0mm Wall (304) | 2.1mm Wall (304) | 2.8mm Wall (304) | 3.0mm Wall (304) | 1.5mm Wall (316) | 2.0mm Wall (316) | 2.1mm Wall (316) | 2.8mm Wall (316) | 3.0mm Wall (316) |
| 23.0 x 12.0 | Checked | Checked | |||||||||
| 27.0 x 14.0 | Checked | Checked | |||||||||
| 31.0 x 15.0 | Checked | Checked | |||||||||
| 35.0 x 10.0 | Checked | ||||||||||
| 35.0 x 21.5 | Checked | Checked | Checked | ||||||||
| 36.0 x 18.0 | Checked | Checked | |||||||||
| 37.0 x 22.0 | Checked | Checked | |||||||||
| 38.0 x 11.0 | Checked | Checked | |||||||||
| 39.0 x 19.0 | Checked | Checked | Checked | Checked | |||||||
| 40.5 x 20.0 | Checked | Checked | |||||||||
| 41.0 x 15.0 | Checked | Checked | |||||||||
| 43.0 x 28.0 | Checked | Checked | |||||||||
| 45.0 x 25.0 | Checked | ||||||||||
| 48.0 x 21.0 | Checked | Checked | Checked | Checked | |||||||
| 53.0 x 40.0 | Checked | Checked | |||||||||
| 61.0 x 50.0 | Checked | Checked | |||||||||
| 62.0 x 31.0 | Checked | Checked | Checked | Checked | Checked | Checked | Checked | ||||
| 69.0 x 29.0 | Checked | Checked | |||||||||
| 75.0 x 35.0 | Checked | Checked | |||||||||
| 78.0 x 39.0 | Checked | Checked | Checked | Checked | |||||||
| 91.0 x 51.0 | Checked | Checked | |||||||||
| 95.0 x 55.0 | Checked | Checked | |||||||||
| 99.0 x 38.0 | Checked | Checked | |||||||||
| 114.0 x 48.0 | Checked | Checked | Checked | Checked | |||||||
| 123.0 x 63.0 | Checked | Checked | |||||||||
| 128.0 x 55.0 | Checked | Checked | |||||||||
| 131.0 x 50.0 | Checked | ||||||||||
| 133.0 x 63.0 | Checked | Checked | |||||||||
| 138.0 x 73.0 | Checked | Checked | |||||||||
| 167.0 x 66.0 | Checked | Checked | Checked | Checked | |||||||
| 195.0 x 85.0 | Checked | Checked |
Range (5083/6063)
| Size (mm) | 2.1mm Wall (5083) | 2.8mm Wall (5083) | 2.9mm Wall (5083) | 3.4mm Wall (5083) | 3.6mm Wall (5083) | 3.7mm Wall (5083) | 3.2mm Wall (6063) |
| 26.0 x 13.0 | Checked | Checked | |||||
| 27.0 x 14.0 | Checked | ||||||
| 31.0 x 18.0 | Checked | Checked | |||||
| 40.5 x 20.0 | Checked | Checked | |||||
| 43.08 x 28.0 | Checked | ||||||
| 50.0 x 25.0 | Checked | Checked | |||||
| 59.5 x 28.0 | Checked | Checked |
| Size (mm) | 16mm Wall | 3.2mm Wall |
| 23.0 x 12.0 | Checked | |
| 27.0 x 14.0 | Checked | Checked |
| 31.0 x 15.0 | Checked | Checked |
| 35.0 x 9.0 | Checked | Checked |
| 39.0 x 19.0 | Checked | Checked |
| 41.0 x 15.0 | Checked | Checked |
| 43.0 x 28.0 | Checked | Checked |
| 62.0 x 31.0 | Checked | Checked |
| 70.0 x 35.0 | Checked |
Stainless Steel (304 & 316): 5.7m lengths
Aluminium 5083: 5.7m lengths
Aluminium 6063: 4.7m lengths
Brass CZ108: 4.7m lengths
An ergonomic, tactile shape that is perfect for handrails and balustrades. This low-maintenance design is commonly used for architectural and marine purposes.
This elliptical oval tubing combines a pleasing aesthetic with an ergonomic and tactile shape.
It can be easily connected with our joiners, enabling fabricators to produce high-quality handrails and balustrades in conjunction with structural glass and brickwork. Weld the tubing to the joiners for an uncompromising seamless form, or simply dry-join them together.
| Size (mm) | 1.2mm Wall (304 Only) | 1.5mm Wall | 1.7mm Wall | 2.0mm Wall | 2.1mm Wall | 2.5mm Wall | 2.8mm Wall | 3.0mm Wall | 3.1mm Wall | 5.2mm Wall | 5.5mm Wall |
| 23.5 x 13.3 | Checked | ||||||||||
| 30.5 x 17.5 | Checked | Checked | |||||||||
| 32.0 x 16.0 | Checked | Checked | |||||||||
| 39.5 x 20.5 | Checked | ||||||||||
| 43.0 x 30.0 | Checked | ||||||||||
| 47.0 x 25.0 | Checked | Checked | Checked | ||||||||
| 49.0 x 30.0 | Checked | ||||||||||
| 50.0 x 36.0 | Checked | Checked | |||||||||
| 53.0 x 26.0 | Checked | ||||||||||
| 61.0 x 37.0 | Checked | Checked | Checked | Checked | |||||||
| 65.0 x 33.0 | Checked | Checked | Checked | ||||||||
| 71.0 x 45.0 | Checked | ||||||||||
| 75.0 x 49.0 | Checked | ||||||||||
| 76.0 x 38.0 | Checked | ||||||||||
| 76.0 x 50.0 | Checked | Checked | Checked | ||||||||
| 78.0 x 38.0 | Checked | Checked | Checked | ||||||||
| 80.0 x 58.0 | Checked | ||||||||||
| 81.5 x 40.5 | Checked | ||||||||||
| 83.0 x 60.0 | Checked | ||||||||||
| 84.0 x 56.0 | Checked | ||||||||||
| 86.0 x 58.0 | Checked | Checked | |||||||||
| 90.0 x 45.0 | Checked | Checked | |||||||||
| 92.0 x 56.0 | Checked | Checked | Checked | ||||||||
| 98.0 x 50.0 | Checked | Checked | Checked | ||||||||
| 117.0 x 50.0 | Checked | Checked | |||||||||
| 121.0 x 76.0 | Checked | Checked | |||||||||
| 128.0 x 70.0 | Checked | Checked | |||||||||
| 131.0 x 65.0 | Checked | Checked | |||||||||
| 139.0 x 53.0 | Checked | ||||||||||
| 143.0 x 45.0 | Checked | ||||||||||
| 167.0 x 87.0 | Checked | ||||||||||
| 200.0 x 100.0 | Checked | Checked |
| Size (mm) | 2.1mm Wall | 2.8mm Wall | 2.9mm Wall | 3.1mm Wall | 3.2mm Wall | 3.4mm Wall | 3.6mm Wall | 3.7mm Wall | 3.9mm Wall | 4.9mm Wall | 5.1mm Wall | 5.2mm Wall | 5.5mm Wall | 5.7mm Wall | 6.6mm Wall | 7.6mm Wall |
| 31.0 x 18.0 | Checked | Checked | ||||||||||||||
| 38.0 x 25.0 | Checked | Checked | ||||||||||||||
| 49.0 x 30.0 | Checked | Checked | Checked | |||||||||||||
| 53.0 x 26.0 | Checked | Checked | Checked | |||||||||||||
| 60.0 x 32.0 | Checked | Checked | Checked | |||||||||||||
| 71.0 x 45.0 | Checked | Checked | Checked | |||||||||||||
| 76.0 x 38.0 | Checked | Checked | Checked | |||||||||||||
| 85.0 x 55.0 | Checked | Checked | ||||||||||||||
| 90.0 x 45.0 | Checked | Checked | ||||||||||||||
| 104.0 x 67.0 | Checked | Checked | ||||||||||||||
| 117.0 x 50.0 | Checked | |||||||||||||||
| 120.0 x 75.0 | Checked | |||||||||||||||
| 165.0 x 102.0 | Checked | Checked | ||||||||||||||
| 200.0 x 130.0 | Checked |
| Size (mm) | 3.2mm Wall | 6.4mm Wall |
| 30.5 x 17.5 | Checked | |
| 32.0 x 16.0 | Checked | |
| 35.5 x 25.0 | Checked | |
| 40.0 x 27.0 | Checked | |
| 60.0 x 32.0 | Checked | |
| 75.0 x 49.0 | Checked | |
| 92.0 x 56.0 | Checked | Checked |
| 124.0 x 68.0 | Checked |
| Size (mm) | 1.6mm Wall | 3.2mm Wall |
| 23.5 x 13.3 | Checked | |
| 30.5 x 17.5 | Checked | Checked |
| 32.0 x 16.0 | Checked | Checked |
| 61.0 x 37.0 | Checked | Checked |
| 71.0 x 45.0 | Checked | |
| 75.0 x 49.0 | Checked | Checked |
Stainless Steel: 5.8m lengths
Aluminium: 5.8m lengths
Brass: 2.8m or 4.8m lengths
Blended radius corners and a slight convex side provide great strength, making it an attractive substitute for standard box section tubing.
Due to its appealing softened corners and the range of available sizes, it is ideal for balustrade and handrail panels.
Aesthetically striking alternative to standard round or square tube profiles. Offers impressive strength integrity while being lighter and more cost-effective than conventional solid twisted bars.
Not only beautiful, the twisted shape has improved rigidity and deflection capabilities in comparison to round tubes of the same wall thickness and material grade. An exciting form to work with.
Choose between continuous twist or incremental twist.
| Size (mm) | St Steel (304/316) 1.5mm Wall | St Steel (304/316) 2.0mm Wall | Brass CZ108 1.6mm Wall |
| 17 x 17 | Checked | Checked | |
| 23 x 23 | Checked | Checked | |
| 28 x 28 | Checked | Checked | |
| 34 x 34 | Checked | Checked | |
| 45 x 45 | Checked | Checked | |
| 66 x 66 | Checked | Checked | Checked |
| 88 x 88 | Checked | Checked | Checked |
Stainless Steel: 5.8m Lengths
Brass: 2.8m or 4.8m lengths
Tube lengths may vary for larger sizes
With a smooth top, flat section and incredible lateral strength, this clever design prevents water ingress underneath, plus it is very easy to install. Ideal for handrail on marine craft and in public buildings.
The D-shaped tube has been developed with ease of installation in mind; its distinctive ridged design creates a flat and secure base to apply to bulwarks, brickwork and balustrades, including glass. (Square-cut balusters can be welded directly to its recess, or a glazing channel can be welded or attached by threading inserts to the underside).
When formed from marine-grade 316L stainless steel, it provides a great alternative to traditional teak bulwark capping or handrail on larger boats and cruise liners, since it requires very little upkeep to remain looking new.
| Size (mm) | 1.5mm Wall | 2.0mm Wall | 3.0mm Wall |
| 34 x 12 | Checked | ||
| 50 x 18 | Checked | ||
| 65 x 28 | Checked | ||
| 99 x 40 | Checked | ||
| 138 x 49 | Checked | ||
| 178 x 58 | Checked | Checked | |
| 5.8m Lengths | |||
| Tube lengths may vary for larger sizes | |||
| Size (mm) | 2.77mm Wall | 3.05mm Wall | 3.68mm Wall | 5.16mm Wall | 5.74mm Wall |
| 63 x 25 | Checked | Checked | |||
| 98 x 38 | Checked | Checked | |||
| 138 x 48 | Checked | ||||
| 5.8m Lengths | |||||
| Tube lengths may vary for larger sizes | |||||
| Size (mm) | 1.6mm Wall |
| 34 x 12 | Checked |
| 50 x 18 | Checked |
| 65 x 27 | Checked |
| 2.8m or 4.8m lengths | |
| Tube length may vary for larger sizes | |
Innovative spiral forming applied to a classic oval tube design. This beautiful twisted tubing creates a mesmeric effect that is ideal for decorative metal architecture on buildings and boats.
Incorporating the classic oval tube design with the spiral forming process adapted from our twisted square tubing, this shape catches the light beautifully.
The tubing is also extremely tactile – the contours of the twists are sophisticated and sculptural.
It can also be joined using the same joining system as oval tubing, allowing fabricators to create high quality handrails and balustrades with ease.
Twisted oval tube is available in the same sizes as oval tube.
Our twisted metal spindles bring enduring elegance to any staircase or balcony. The smooth lines and exceptional finish makes every individual spindle look and feel as if it has been sculpted.
Crafted from both oval and radius square tubing, the spindles come with a choice of four different twists – from a subtle, sophisticated twist to continuous, tight twists for striking visual effect.
You can also create a staircase combining spindles of differing shapes and types of twist — or intersperse them with wooden spindles.
We typically supply spindles from stainless steel 304L (1.4301) for internal balustrades, with a mirror polish or satin finish. They can be fabricated from other metals such as brass, bronze or cupronickel.
Our D-shaped tubing features a curved topside which is ergonomically designed to be gripped as a handrail. It has a flat face on its underside that makes it easy to weld to. Flat-sided oval tubing can also be used.
| Profile | Size (mm) | Twist Option |
| Oval | 23.5 x 13.3 x 1.5 | 180o/360o/540o/Continuous |
| Oval | 30.5 x 17.5 x 1.5 | 180o/360o/540o/Continuous |
| Oval | 39.5 x 20.5 x 1.5 | 180o/360o/540o/Continuous |
| Oval | 47.0 x 25.0 x 1.5 | 180o/360o/540o/Continuous |
| Oval | 61.0 x 37.0 x 1.5 | 180o/360o/540o/Continuous |
| Square | 17.0 x 17.0 x 1.5 | 180o/360o/540o/Continuous |
| Square | 23.0 x 23.0 x 1.5 | 180o/360o/540o/Continuous |
| Square | 28.0 x 28.0 x 1.5 | 180o/360o/540o/Continuous |
| Square | 34.0 x 34.0 x 1.5 | 180o/360o/540o/Continuous |
| Square | 45.0 x 45.0 x 1.5 | 180o/360o/540o/Continuous |
| Square | 66.0 x 66.0 x 1.5 | 180o/360o/540o/Continuous |
| Square | 88.0 x 88.0 x 1.5 | 180o/360o/540o/Continuous |
Each spindle is cut to 1.1m; this extra length of tubing allows for the tube to be cut to fit any sized staircase. (The legal minimum handrail height in private residences is 900mm for staircases and landings).
Our joiners connect oval and twisted oval tubing with a smooth, seamless finish.
They allow you to produce tight joins on handrail and balustrades with greater ease, eliminating the need to cut and weld the tubing. The joiners can work in conjunction with structural glass and brickwork.
When used as a handrail, oval tubing can be dry joined, or joined by welding the joiners into the tube without any visual defects (after polishing).
Used for vertical bends, such as those you might see on a staircase.
Suitable for joining horizontal tubes, such as those used on balconies and handrails.
Used when the application requires a significant length of tubing.
Gently curved components used for furniture and handrailings.
| Profile | Size (mm) | 90o "A" Plane | 75o "A" Plane | 90o "B" Plane | Joiner | End Cap | Laser End Caps |
| Oval | 23.5 x 13.3 x 1.5 | Checked | Checked | Checked | Checked | Checked | |
| Oval | 30.5 x 17.5 x 1.5 | Checked | Checked | Checked | Checked | Checked | |
| Oval | 39.5 x 20.5 x 1.5 | Checked | Checked | Checked | Checked | Checked | |
| Oval | 47.0 x 25.0 x 1.5 | Checked | Checked | Checked | Checked | Checked | |
| Oval | 61.0 x 37.0 x 2.0 | Checked | Checked | Checked | Checked | Checked | |
| Oval | 71.0 x 45.0 x 2.77 | Checked | Checked | Checked | Checked | Checked | |
| Oval | 86.0 x 58.0 x 3.0 | Checked | Checked | Checked | Checked | Checked | |
| Oval | 121.0 x 76.0 x 3.0 | Checked | Checked | Checked | Checked | Checked | |
| D Shape | 65.0 x 27.0 x 2.0 | Checked | |||||
| D Shape | 99.0 x 38.0 x 2.0 | Checked |
