/ Stainless Steel
Stainless Steel
Telescoping Tubing
Ø2.8–23 mm, ±0.05 mm wall tolerance, 25 stock sizes, no tooling needed.
Upsilon makes precision-drawn stainless steel telescoping tubing from Ø2.8 to 23 mm (0.11–0.91 in), with the wall held to ±0.05 mm and 25 stock sizes ready to produce. The tube stock comes from our own stainless tube mill, in grades from 201 to 316L.
±0.05mm
Precision-drawn wall tolerance
Ø2.8-23mm
Diameter range (0.11–0.91 in)
25
Stock sizes, ready to produce
0.2–0.4mm
Wall thickness on request
Choosing a Grade
The higher the number, the better the corrosion resistance and the higher the cost. A simple rule:
saltwater or salt spray, choose 316; food contact, choose 304; no special needs, 201 will do.
Grade
In short
Best for
SUS201
Economy grade, lower nickel, cost-effective
Indoor, dry environments and budget-led projects
SUS304
The all-rounder: food-safe and well balanced
Kitchenware, food-contact products, general telescoping parts
SUS316 / 316L
Marine grade: resists seawater and salt spray
Boats, coastal and harsh outdoor environments
Stock Sizes
25 stock sizes, ready to produce with the shortest lead time. Other sizes within Ø2.8–23 mm and a 0.2–0.4 mm wall are evaluated on request.

Small Tube
Ø2.8–8.4 mm, 0.2 mm wall. For slim, multi-section poles.
8
sizes
OD × wall, mm
OD × wall, in
2.8 × 0.2
0.110 × 0.008
3.6 × 0.2
0.142 × 0.008
4.4 × 0.2
0.173 × 0.008
5.2 × 0.2
0.205 × 0.008
6.0 × 0.2
0.236 × 0.008
6.8 × 0.2
0.268 × 0.008
7.6 × 0.2
0.299 × 0.008
8.4 × 0.2
0.331 × 0.008

Standard
Ø7–17 mm, 0.2–0.25 mm wall. Our most-used range.
sizes
11
OD × wall, mm
7.0 × 0.2
OD × wall, in
0.276 × 0.008
8.0 × 0.2
0.315 × 0.008
9.0 × 0.2
0.354 × 0.008
10.0 × 0.25
0.394 × 0.010
11.0 × 0.25
0.433 × 0.010
12.0 × 0.25
0.472 × 0.010
13.0 × 0.25
0.512 × 0.010
14.0 × 0.25
15.0 × 0.25
0.551 × 0.010
0.591 × 0.010
16.0 × 0.25
0.630 × 0.010
17.0 × 0.25
0.669 × 0.010

Ø18–23 mm, 0.25–0.28 mm wall.
OD × wall, mm
18.0 × 0.25
19.0 × 0.25
20.0 × 0.25
21.0 × 0.25
22.0 × 0.28
23.0 × 0.28
Large Tube
6
sizes
OD × wall, in
0.709 × 0.010
0.748 × 0.010
0.787 × 0.010
0.827 × 0.010
0.866 × 0.011
0.906 × 0.011
Every size from Ø7 to 23 mm can be made with a single or double slot, so the sections cannot spin.
Inch values are converted from millimeters.
Process Parameters
Our standard practice and what's possible, in one place. Need something outside these ranges?
Send it over and we'll evaluate.
Grade
SUS201 / 304 / 316 / 316L
Diameter
Ø2.8–23 mm (0.11–0.91 in)
Wall thickness
0.2–0.4 mm (0.008–0.016 in) on request; standard stock 0.2 / 0.25 / 0.28 mm
Tolerances
Wall ±0.05 mm (precision-drawn); cut length ±0.1 mm; finished extended length ±5 mm
Stock length
3,500 mm (11.5 ft)
Section length
40–400 mm (1.6–15.7 in) per section; number of sections and collapsed length designed around your product
Telescoping force
Typically from about 500 g (1.1 lb), adding 200–300 g (0.4–0.7 lb) per section; starting force and overall feel adjustable from 500 to 3,000 g (1.1–6.6 lb)
Spring clips
Phosphor bronze spring clips
Profiles
Round; single or double slot available from Ø7 to 23 mm
Locking
Five options: friction-fit, internal twist lock, external twist lock, push-button (ball-detent) lock and flip lock
Scope
Mechanical telescoping only (spring clips and locks); hydraulic, pneumatic and electric telescoping are not supported
Finishing & Logo
Typical Applications
Product Formats
Telescoping parts that need strength and corrosion resistance
Boat hooks and boat support poles (316)
Industrial inspection poles
Magnetic pickup tool poles
Golf ball retrievers
Desk, tour guide and hand-held flag poles
Frequently Asked Questions
Every piece inspected
6 inspection steps, 100% inspection, no sampling
SMETA 4-Pillar audited
Audited every year since 2019
Reply in 6–10 hours
Solution and quote within 24–48 working hours
Five things we need to quote
Environment: indoor, outdoor, coastal or food contact
Length: extended and collapsed length, or section length and number of sections
Diameter and wall: pick a size from the stock table if you like
Finish and logo
Estimated quantity
Missing a few? That's fine. Send drawings, sketches or a reference sample along with what you have.