1. Sketching the unit

Make a simple sketch of the unit to be built.Show tube lengths and joint numbers. (To calculate overall dimensions add 1.6mm to tube length for each insert and 25.4mm for each joint).

Beside the sketch make a list of materials needed-tube lengths, joints, inserts, shelf supports, shelving material etc..referring to the Speedframe Components Guide.

Square Tube Joints
4 off 800mm = 3200mm
4 off 500mm = 2000mm
4 off 450mm = 1800mm
4 off 150mm = 600mm
..................................
Total = 7600mm

Joints

4 off 4.1 (1pkt)
4 off 5.2 (1pkt)

Accessories

28 off inserts
4 off Adjustable feet

2.Design Rules

- Load bearing capacity depends on design of structure: for instance, a cube of Speedframe is much stronger than a structure with long legs. Avoid continuous spans of more than 1829mm. The following table can be used as a guide to safe beam loadings.

Alloy Speedframe

Alloy system takes approximately 1/3 steel beam loads.

- Intercepted members must never be load-bearing unless they are supported by a downward strut (Figure 3). When calculating lengths of intercepted members allow for size of joint and inserts (Figure 4).

- When designing with slotted tube always work in 25.4mm modules. When cutting slotted tube always cut midway between slots.

- To strengthen legs of structures always fit base not more than 152mm above the ground.When building trolleys either fit base ties at the bottom and use plate-fitting castors or fit reinforced leg units and use 102mm diameter plug-fitting castors. When fitted in this way these castors are suitable for industrial use and will carry loads of up to 68 kg per castor.

Steel Speedframe

Safe distributed load per beam

Span        Load

610mm - 200kg Load
914mm - 100kg Load
1219mm - 65kg Load
1524mm - 40kg Load
1829mm - 30kg Load

3. Cutting

If not using ready-cut lengths, cut tube to soze using a hacksaw and a Speedrame trimming block. (the block should be screwed down to a firm working surface). For maximum economy, cut longest lengths first. Carefully remove burrs from cut ends of the tube using a file.

4. Making Joints

Push insert into open end of tube. Use hard inserts for rigid structures, soft white inserts for structures to be frequently dismantled and rebuilt. Select the joint required and push the arm of the joint into end of tube.(If using single or double shelf supports these should be sandwiched between joint and insert at this stage). Strike the head of the joint (not the arms) with the white face of the Speedframe hammer to drive the joint home, the insert will then retain it firmly in place.Avoid hammering open ends of tube - interpose a piece of wood. Speedframe frame-works can be dismanteld by knocking apart with the Speedframe hammer.

Speedframe joints likely to suffer severe vibration or pull-out loads should be permanently fixed by pinning as follows: Before making the joint punch a hole through the tube with the pinning punch to align with the hole provided in the arm of the joint. Tap in the joint with the Speedframe hammer then use an ordinary hammer to fit a drive screw into the hole in the tube do that it passes into the hole in the joint arm.

Note: Some joint arms have no holes.To pin these drill a 4.7mm diameter hole through them to accept the drive screw.

IMPORTANT: Failure to properly apply the design and assembly instructions contained herein may result in you building an insafe structure. If in any doubt whatsoever, contact your local Speedframe centre for advice before proceeding. 

Special points for alloy speedframe

1. Mitre fins of the section, if necessary, using nylon template and clippers or fine toothed hacksaw.
2. Cladding must be fitted before framework is completed.
3. Glass can be inserted after framework is completed as it is retained by snap-in bead.
4. In situations where the pinning punch cannot be used owing to the fins, drill a 5mm hole, 17.5mm from the end of the tube.

1.Joints

Standard Speedframe joints provide the seven possible right-angled intersections of square tube.The joints are pressure die-cast in aluminium alloy and stove enamelled to simulate the finish of the tubes. Joints type 6.6 are supplied unfinished as they are not visible when assembled.