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28 May 2021 / Articles

Introducing RACETUBE™ Nerves of Steel

We are proud to introduce our new range of high strength steel tubular products to the motorsport industry.

What is RACETUBE™?

RACETUBE™ is a roll over protection tube manufactured to meet the demanding requirements of Motorsport UK and FIA regulations for ROPS.  It has specifically been designed by Aerocom Metals for use in Roll cages, Roll over hoops, chassis construction, suspension components and all areas of motorsport fabrication. RACETUBE™ is a carbon based cold drawn seamless (CDS) with high strength, easy formability and great welding properties.

All RACETUBE™ material is certified to meet the following mechanical, testing and finish requirements;

Mechanical requirements

  • TENSILE 500 n/mm squared to 630 n/mm squared
  • YIELD 360 n/mm squared minimum
  • ELONGATION 25% to 40%

Testing parameters

  • Mechanical tests in accordance to ASTM A370-20
  • Chemical Analysis in accordance with ASTM E354-21
  • Microscopic Examination in accordance with ASTM E3-11
  • Grain size analysis per ASTM E112-13

Finish

  • In accordance with Aerocom Metals microfinish
racetube for motorsport

The importance of testing

All testing on our RACETUBE™ is carried out by a NADCAP accredited laboratory, and all chemical and mechanical properties are sent with the tubes EVERY time.  As a product that is used for ROPS, transparency is critical, and a laboratories test results should be made available from your suppliers.

What are ROPS?

Similar to roll bars found in high-performance vehicles, ROPS (Roll Over Protection System) protect occupants using curved or bent tubing that extends over the head and body of the driver. ROPS must be designed and made so that, when correctly installed, they substantially reduce the risk of injury to the occupants. The essential features of an efficient ROPS are that it is designed to suit the particular vehicle, is of sound construction, has adequate mountings and is a close fit to the bodyshell.

Typically, an effective ROPS will be made up of a structural framework made up of a main rollbar and a front rollbar (or two lateral rollbars), their connecting members, one diagonal member, backstays and a mounting point which is otherwise known as a rollcage.

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