Stainless Steel 304
Stainless steel grade 304 is an austenite stainless steel that is the most widely used and versatile of the various grades of stainless steel. It is a part of the T300 series stainless steels with...
Stainless Steel Tubing: Types and Applications
Introduction
This article will take an in-depth look at stainless steel tubing.
The article will bring more detail on topics such as:
- Principle of Stainless Steel Tubing
- Types of Stainless Steel Tubing
- Applications and Benefits of Stainless Steel Tubing
- And Much More�
Chapter 1: Understanding the Guiding Principles of Stainless Steel Tubing
This segment will explore the characteristics of stainless steel tubing, detailing its manufacturing process and its functional uses.
Defining Stainless Steel Tubing
Stainless steel tubing is a durable and long-lasting material noted for its corrosion resistance and low upkeep needs. The sizing and types of stainless steel tubes are tailored to the particular demands of the application and its envisioned use.
Many individuals often confuse piping with tubing because both feature a round cross-section and are typically believed to perform similar tasks. Nevertheless, unlike pipes, which are usually circular, tubes can also be square or rectangular.
The essential difference between pipes and tubes is in their applications. Pipes are predominantly employed for conveying gases and liquids and are measured by their internal diameter (ID), whereas tubes are generally structural components, measured by their external diameter and wall thickness.
Thanks to its strength, corrosion resistance, and minimal maintenance needs, stainless steel is a favored material for architects and manufacturers. For structural purposes, it is vital that stainless steel tubing be accurately sized according to its outer diameter and wall thickness. The selection of the tubing type is based on specific applications, which may include fractional, hypodermic, square, or metric tubing.
Production of Stainless Steel Tubing
Multiple methodologies are applied in the manufacturing of stainless steel tubing, such as:
Tube Mill Process
This method involves the following steps:
Rolling and Welding
In the rolling and welding operation, continuous deformation of stainless steel coils into tubes is done on a tube mill. Techniques like TIG, high-frequency, and laser welding are employed to connect the strip edges. Depending on the welding technique, edge preparation might be necessary to secure a high-quality weld. To finalize, the weld bead on both the inner and outer diameters is removed via scarfing, sanding, or bead rolling, tailored to the ultimate application and specifications.
Cleaning and Heating
The newly formed stainless steel tubes are cut to industry-specific lengths. They are subsequently cleansed to remove impurities. Thereafter, the tubes are subjected to heat treatment to relieve any stresses caused during welding and forming. This process takes place in a continuously rolling hearth furnace fitted with precise temperature controllers and recorders. Post heat treatment, the tubes are straightened and undergo pickling to eliminate surface scales.
Cold Drawing
For instances where desired sizes aren't obtainable from the mill, a cold drawing process may be adopted. During cold drawing, the tubes or pipes are coated with a soap and oxalic solution serving as a lubricant to diminish friction. The tube or pipe is then drawn over a bench, utilizing die plugs during the cold drawing operation.
Finishing Process
Subsequently, the extended tube or stainless steel pipe undergoes cleaning, heat treatment, pickling, and straightening. Final products are marked with computerized inkjet technology. Before passing to stainless steel pipe exporters, the pipes or tubes are labeled with information regarding the material grade, heat number, size, and the stamp of a third-party inspection. Rigorous testing and quality control follow, succeeded by appropriate packaging and shipping. Stainless steel pipes and tubes are utilized in various applications due to these steps.
Seamless Extrusion
Extrusion, gun drilling, and piercing are typical approaches for creating seamless stainless steel tubing. Among these, extrusion offers the utmost consistency in exterior diameters, which results in the most concentric internal diameters. Furthermore, extrusion is particularly effective for manufacturing long-length seamless steel coil tubing. Starting with a hot-extruded seamless pipe, the basic material proceeds through cold processing.
In this stage, the raw material is shaped into a long, straight form using tube reducers or pilger mills. Cold pilgering is a longitudinal cold-rolling method that reduces both wall thickness and diameter in one move, maintaining consistent outside and inside diameters. This can yield cross-section reductions over 90% in one cycle for particular materials.
During the reduction, lubricants are applied to both external and internal diameters of the tube, which are later degreased in anticipation of annealing. This method generally produces stainless steel tubes in lengths between 40 and 160 feet. Cold reduction is especially efficient for producing seamless stainless steel tubing intended for coil applications.
Coiling Tube
Using specialized machinery, a straight tube is cold-drawn into a coiled form. Cold drawing reduces the outside diameter, inside diameter, and wall thickness, causing the tube to elongate as it is drawn.
Main Drawing
Floating plug drawing engages pulling tubing through a conical die while introducing a floating plug within the inside diameter. The final dimensions for inside diameter and wall thickness are dictated by the die and plug sizes. This technique yields a more consistent and smooth finish, ideal for light-wall items.
Conversely, sink drawing pulls tubing through a conical die to set the resulting inside diameter and wall thickness based on the drawing and specifications. This approach applies to high-pressure scenarios that necessitate greater wall thickness. The inside diameter typically has a slightly rougher finish than floating plug drawing.
Lubricants assist in the drawing by being applied to both the outer and inner diameters of the tubes. The lubricant is then degreased, generally in a large solvent tank, suited for most end-use applications like medicinal or liquid transfer purposes.
Vacuum Annealing
Following cold reduction, stainless steel tubing and coils undergo annealing, which reduces internal stresses and rejuvenates the crystalline form, easing subsequent cold processing. Rapid cooling shifts the material from a hardened, brittle state to a softer, pliable form.
This annealing step is repeated until the tube satisfies specific dimensions, including outside diameter, inside diameter, and wall thickness.
Hydrotest Tubing
This kind of tubing must conform to rigorous ASTM standards and pass detailed inspections for flaws before reaching customers.
Upon the tubing’s completion to specified parameters, it undergoes hydrostatic testing to validate its structural integrity, crucial for confirming the tubing meets all necessary standards. Hydrostatic testing delivers valuable data, including:
- Mechanical properties
- Material defects
- Special hard spots susceptible to hydrogen failure
Final Touches on Stainless Steel Tubing
Stainless steel coil tubing can either be neatly rolled onto spools for shipment or straightened and cut to the customer’s specified lengths. Ensuring traceability and manufacturer identification, products might be polished and marked accordingly.
Drawn Over Mandrel (Metal Spinning)
A small metal tool or mandrel is placed inside a tube to keep its shape during the drawing. This provides support during the drawing process, preventing wrinkling. The tube passes through a die with a smaller opening than the original tube width. As the tube moves through the die, it contracts to the desired diameter. The technique permits exact tolerances and specifications.
DOM Tubing begins from CREW (Cold-Rolled Electric Resistance Welded) tube or a hollow form. To initiate, the larger ERW tube is "tipped" to enable the trolley to clasp it. This trolley utilizes a sort of conveyor belt to haul the tube through the die. Once "tipped," a carbide mandrel is inserted into the raw tube’s bore. Lubricated with a solvent, the tube is gripped at the pointed end by the trolley jaws, pulling the pipe through the die.
The die and mandrel set the final tube dimensions, including both the external and internal diameters. A high-angle die reduces the thickness of a thick-walled tube, while a low-angle die does the opposite for a thin-walled tube. Achieving the correct diameter-to-thickness (D/t) ratio depends on deliberate picks of the die's angle and position.
Multiple Passes
The DOM process may demand several passes, depending on factors like polishing requirements, dimensional needs, and specific mechanical or metallurgical specs. For instance, significant reduction for the final tube might necessitate incremental passes. Further surface treatments might also be required to hit desired standards.
Mandrel and Rod Removal
After drawing, the mandrel is extracted. One technique involves applying pressure to rotate the tube through rollers. Compressing the tube allows it to release the mandrel, and subsequent drawing might be needed for the expected finish.
Computer Aided Design (CAD)
Today, CAD technology replaces traditional trial-and-error in die design. CAD's precision in die creation improves drawing processes, raising efficiency, reducing lead time, and cutting costs. For example, CAD allows precise determinations of die angles for both thick and thin-walled tubes, eliminating undue time and expense.
Finite Element Method (FEM)
The final output is analyzed with Finite Element Method (FEM) techniques, evaluating aspects like pressure, temperature, and material properties. More advanced modeling tools have largely outmoded trial-and-error methods.
MSC SuperForm is noteworthy software employing FEM for modeling material flow, forming stresses, pressures, and trimming processes. This data assists engineers to define die and mandrel shapes, optimize lubrication, and other cost-saving initiatives.
Stainless Steel Tubing Standards
Standards from ASTM International provide globally recognized benchmarks for the stainless steel tubing industry, ensuring uniformity and quality. These cover criteria such as chemical makeup (grades), tube wall thickness (inches), fractional radii and wall thickness (millimeters), working pressures (essentially in psi), and weight (regularly expressed in pounds per foot).
Chapter 2: What are the Different Types of Stainless Steel Tubing?
Stainless steel tubing is available in many types and configurations, each suited to specific industrial and commercial applications. These tubes differ in quality, can be either seamless or welded, vary in radius, length, and wall thickness, and may have either polished or unpolished finishes. Understanding the differences in stainless steel tube forms—including alloy selection, tube manufacturing method, and surface finish—helps specifiers choose the optimal tube for projects involving fluid transport, structural support, or sanitary systems.
Pipe vs Tubing
Although "tube" and "pipe" are sometimes used interchangeably, there is a significant distinction between these two stainless steel products, especially in engineering and industrial settings. Tubing is typically used for structural applications where precise measurements and the outer diameter (OD) are critical to strength, stability, and fit—making it ideal for medical devices, construction, and process engineering. Conversely, pipes are purpose-built for transporting liquids, gases, or slurries, where internal capacity, or inside diameter (ID), determines flow rates and pressure capacity. The round shape of pipes enhances their ability to handle the internal pressure of fluids efficiently, which is why stainless steel pipes are prevalent in plumbing, oil & gas, water treatment, and food processing industries.
Classification of Pipe vs Tubing
Pipes are identified by their Nominal Pipe Size (NPS), a standardized designation system, and a schedule number reflecting wall thickness and pressure rating. The wall thickness at a given schedule varies across pipe sizes, influencing both the burst pressure and allowable stress. Stainless steel pipes are typically utilized in systems requiring durability under high pressure, such as chemical processing plants or high-pressure hydraulic systems.
Stainless steel tubes, however, are usually specified and ordered by their exact outside diameter and wall thickness. In some cases, tubes are also defined by inside diameter and gauge number. Their dimensional precision, tighter tolerances, and a variety of available cross-sectional shapes—such as square tubing, rectangular tubing, and round tubes—make them suitable for structural frameworks, architectural elements, and heat exchangers.
While pipes are virtually always circular due to fluid dynamics, stainless steel tubes are available in multiple shapes (including round, square, or rectangular) for diverse uses. Pipes generally cover larger diameters (from 12 inches up to several feet), while tubing is the go-to solution for applications requiring small diameters and precise engineering tolerances.
Ordering of Pipe vs Tubing
When sourcing stainless steel tubing, purchasers typically specify outside diameter, wall thickness, and (rarely) inside diameter; only two out of these three dimensions should be tolerance-controlled, with the third remaining theoretical. Tubing maintains much stricter dimensional tolerances than comparable pipes, making it especially valuable for industries like medical device manufacturing and instrumentation. In contrast, stainless steel pipe is standardized according to the Nominal Pipe Size (NPS) system, which includes a nominal diameter and a schedule number for wall thickness. Both tubes and pipes are highly customizable and can be cut, bent, coiled, flared, or machined for specific technical requirements.
Characteristics of Pipe vs Tubing
Several key characteristics differentiate stainless steel tubes from pipes:
- Shape - Tubes come in square, rectangular, or round profiles for a wide range of industrial and architectural applications. Pipes are exclusively round to facilitate uniform pressure distribution.
- Measurement - Tubes are ordered by precise outside diameter and wall thickness, supporting demanding specifications. Pipes follow the NPS standard, where the nominal diameter and schedule determine performance and compatibility within piping systems.
- Telescoping Abilities - Tubes can be telescoped (fitted one inside another), which assists in custom assembly jobs; pipes typically lack this feature.
- Rigidity - Pipes are rigid and generally require specialized equipment for forming or bending. Stainless steel tubes, excluding those made from certain alloys like brass or copper, can often be bent, coiled, or shaped with moderate effort—crucial for custom fluid and gas routing.
- Applications - Tubes are preferred for medical equipment, instrumentation, automotive structures, and architectural supports, relying on precise OD for consistent performance. Pipes are favored for plumbing, utility systems, and industrial flow systems, where maximizing flow and pressure with robust construction is essential.
- Metal Types - Pipes are generally produced via hot rolling; tubes may be hot or cold rolled for improved tolerances and surface finish, depending on end-use requirements.
- Size - Pipes are utilized for large-diameter flows (industrial-level), while smaller-diameter tubing excels in applications needing high accuracy and compact footprints.
- Strength - Stainless steel tubing can be engineered for higher strength and superior durability, especially in structurally demanding or high-pressure scenarios.
304 Stainless Steel Tubing
304 stainless steel tubing is a versatile cylindrical, hollow mechanical component made from austenitic chromium-nickel stainless steel alloy. This type of tubing is widely chosen for its excellent corrosion resistance, formability, and ability to withstand harsh industrial or commercial environments. 304 stainless steel is a top choice for industries such as food processing, pharmaceuticals, beverage production, chemical manufacturing, and architecture due to its excellent tensile strength, ductility, and ease of fabrication.
Originally referred to as 18/8 stainless steel for its nominal composition (approximately 18% chromium and 8% nickel), 304 stainless steel may also contain varying amounts of carbon and iron. Chromium content ranges from 18% to 20%, and nickel from 8% to 18%. Sub-grades, such as 304L (low carbon) and 304H (high carbon), exist to offer enhanced weldability or high-temperature strength, allowing selection based on planned operating conditions—such as welding environments, pressure requests, or heat exposure.
304 stainless steel tube is often supplied in both seamless stainless steel tubing and welded stainless steel tubing forms. Seamless tubing offers superior pressure handling and is ideal for high-purity and critical fluid transfer, while welded tubes provide cost-effective solutions for less demanding applications. Although the initial price of 304 stainless steel tubing can exceed alternatives like carbon steel or aluminum, its longevity, recyclability, and minimal maintenance requirements deliver long-term value and reduce total cost of ownership. It is widely available in a range of sizes and surface finishes, including bright annealed or satin-polished, to meet specific cleanliness, aesthetic, or corrosion-resistance requirements.
Additionally, 304 stainless steel is highly recyclable at end of life, further minimizing environmental impact and lifecycle costs—attributes that align well with green building initiatives and sustainable manufacturing practices.
316 Stainless Steel Tubes
316 stainless steel tubes are hollow, cylindrical products made from a molybdenum-alloyed austenitic stainless steel renowned for its exceptional corrosion resistance, particularly against chlorides and marine environments. Frequently used for transporting fluids and gases under high pressure, 316 stainless steel tubing is a preferred choice in critical settings including chemical processing, marine applications, pharmaceutical production, and food-grade process lines. This material exhibits excellent tensile strength, broad chemical resistance, and superior weldability, with a typical melting point between 1,350°C and 1,400°C—enabling use in high-temperature and high-stress situations.
The alloy composition of 316 stainless steel features iron, carbon, elevated chromium (over 10%), nickel, and the distinguishing addition of molybdenum, which significantly improves pitting and crevice corrosion resistance. Several variants are available: 316L (low carbon for enhanced weldability and reduced risk of carbide precipitation), 316H (high carbon for enhanced strength at elevated temperatures), and 316Ti (includes up to 0.5% titanium for stabilization in high-temperature service). These variations allow engineers to tailor performance, longevity, and compliance to demanding regulatory or hygienic requirements, making 316 stainless steel the industry standard in harsh environments. It is also available in both seamless and welded forms, with options for electropolished finishes when surface cleanliness is paramount.
When selecting between 304 and 316 stainless steel tubing, consider operating environment, temperature exposure, and chemical compatibility. While 304 suffices for most environments, 316 is essential for saltwater, acidic, or high-purity systems due to its superior resistance to corrosion and chemical attack.
Corrugated Stainless Steel Tubing
Corrugated stainless steel tubing (CSST) is a flexible hollow tube featuring a ridged, multi-layered construction, designed to facilitate the transport of gases such as natural gas and propane. CSST offers a lightweight, versatile alternative to traditional rigid black iron pipe, significantly streamlining gas line installation in commercial, residential, and industrial settings. It is commonly used in gas distribution systems, HVAC infrastructure, kitchen appliances, water heaters, and rooftop units.
Key advantages of CSST include outstanding corrosion resistance, flexibility for installation around obstacles, reduced reliance on stainless steel fittings, and a lower risk of costly gas leaks. Its unique design enables installers to navigate complex layouts—reducing labor time and minimizing the number of required joints or couplings. The dual-layer structure typically comprises an inner seamless stainless steel core (cold or hot rolled for integrity) and an outer plastic coating (often yellow or black for safety and code compliance) for extra protection.
The combination of a seamless inner tube and a robust plastic layer ensures CSST withstands high pressures, volatile gases, and everyday mechanical wear. The chromium content within the stainless steel provides long-term resistance to pitting, corrosion, and environmental degradation. This tubing is supplied in various diameters and grades to match the specific delivery needs and regulatory considerations of commercial and residential building codes.
Beyond gas transport, CSST is increasingly popular in innovative applications such as solar thermal systems, industrial process lines, and laboratory setups where flexible and durable tubing is vital. Proper installation by certified technicians is crucial for safety and performance, ensuring all connections and terminations comply with local codes and manufacturer guidelines.
Hypodermic Tubing
Hypodermic tubing is a specialized, precision-engineered type of stainless steel tubing designed for minimally invasive medical delivery and withdrawal of fluids under the skin. Manufactured to exceedingly tight tolerances and smooth internal surfaces, hypodermic tubes are commonly made from 304 or 316 stainless steel for their biocompatibility, rust resistance, and mechanical strength. This tubing serves as the basis for hypodermic needles, syringes, catheters, and medical cannulas. Each tube typically features a sharp, beveled puncturing end to facilitate clean skin penetration in injection or aspiration procedures.
Hypodermic tubing is specified by outside diameter, inside diameter, and wall thickness (often designated by gauge) to ensure compatibility with medical devices and regulatory requirements. Larger-diameter hypodermic tubes are favored in blood drawing and transfusion due to their wider lumen, which allows for faster flow and minimizes red blood cell trauma. Conversely, smaller-gauge tubes are essential for applications such as insulin administration or laboratory sampling where precision delivery is needed. Beyond healthcare, hypodermic stainless steel tubing is utilized in laboratory, instrumentation, aerospace, and high-tech manufacturing as spacers, guide wires, capillaries, and dispensing needles—where consistency, cleanliness, and corrosion resistance are essential.
Stainless Steel Pipes
A stainless steel pipe is a round, hollow conduit engineered for the safe and efficient transport of liquids, gases, slurries, and particulate materials in sectors such as chemical processing, petrochemicals, water treatment, natural gas distribution, and oil & gas transmission. Fabricated from corrosion-resistant stainless steel alloys, these pipes perform reliably in harsh environments characterized by elevated temperatures, aggressive chemicals, or extreme pressure.
The inherent corrosion resistance, hygiene, and structural integrity of stainless steel make it the preferred material for critical piping infrastructure. Advantages include low maintenance, simple cleaning and sterilization (essential in food, beverage, and pharmaceutical processing), as well as excellent mechanical strength and durability. While initial acquisition costs are generally higher than carbon steel or plastic alternatives, stainless steel pipes deliver strong value through greatly reduced replacement cycles and minimal risk of system failure due to rust or corrosion. Stainless steel is available in various grades (304, 316, 321, and duplex stainless) and wall thicknesses (schedule 10, 40, 80, etc.) to ensure optimal compatibility with system requirements and regulatory codes.
For optimal system design and long service life, proper specification of pipe grade, diameter, and joining method (e.g., welded, seamless, flanged, or threaded) is crucial. Stainless steel remains recyclable, supporting sustainability initiatives in modern construction and manufacturing projects.
Stainless Steel Fittings
Stainless steel pipe fittings are indispensable in configuring, directing, and joining pipe and tubing systems across multiple industries. These fittings—including elbows, tees, reducers, couplings, unions, caps, ferrules, and adapters—provide leak-proof connections, accommodate directional changes, and facilitate equipment integration within stainless steel piping networks.
Stainless steel is the material of choice for pipe and tube fittings due to its superior corrosion, oxidation, and chemical resistance, along with outstanding strength over extended temperature ranges. This makes such fittings ideal for challenging environments in the oil & gas, chemical processing, water treatment, food and beverage, pharmaceutical, pulp and paper, power generation, and aerospace industries.
Hygienic stainless steel fittings are critical for food processing and clean-in-place (CIP) systems, where the non-porous surface inhibits bacterial growth. In addition to standard threaded, welded, and compression fittings, specialized sanitary, tri-clamp, and high-purity fittings are available for industries with stringent cleanliness or regulatory standards. Stainless steel’s durability and recyclability provide substantial life-cycle cost savings, even when fittings eventually require replacement or repair, while reducing waste and environmental impact.
Stainless Steel Square Tubing
Stainless steel square tubing is characterized by its hollow, four-sided profile, fabricated from corrosion-resistant steel alloys such as 304 or 316. While capable of fluid and gas transfer, its primary function is structural support and architectural framing in construction, building, material handling, and industrial fabrication. Stainless steel square tubes offer exceptional strength-to-weight ratio, clean lines, and visual appeal—making them integral to contemporary architectural designs, support beams, rails, frames, shelving, grids, partitions, mounting brackets, and handrails.
Stainless steel square tubing delivers substantial benefits: excellent corrosion resistance in indoor and outdoor environments, strong resistance to deformation under load, and ease of cleaning and maintenance. While stainless steel often requires higher upfront investment than alternatives like carbon steel, aluminum, or PVC, its extended lifespan, minimal upkeep, and end-of-life recyclability yield superior long-term value. Common finishing options include mill finish, polished, and brushed, which can be tailored to the desired aesthetic or performance criteria.
Square tubing is frequently specified by outside dimension and wall thickness, with sizes and tolerances determined by industry standards (ASTM A554, A312, and more). It is widely stocked by stainless steel tube suppliers and fabricators, ensuring fast lead times for construction or OEM requirements.
Stainless Steel Tubes
Stainless steel tubes are precision-engineered hollow cylinders used throughout the industrial, architectural, medical, and process industries for transporting fluids, protecting wiring, constructing frameworks, and supporting critical infrastructure. Their popularity is grounded in the versatility, mechanical strength, and corrosion resistance of stainless steel alloys—most notably grades 304 and 316, which dominate applications ranging from sanitary piping to aerospace hydraulics.
Key benefits of stainless steel tubing include exceptional corrosion protection in aggressive or sanitary environments, ease of cleaning (critical for pharmaceutical and food manufacturing), low maintenance costs, and adaptability to custom fabrication techniques like bending, forming, and laser cutting. Stainless steel tubes are available in seamless and welded forms, in a variety of cross-sections (round, square, rectangular) and surface finishes (polished, pickled, annealed). Leading stainless steel tubing suppliers offer a comprehensive selection of metric and imperial sizes, wall thicknesses, and grades to support sectors like water treatment, biotechnology, shipbuilding, laboratory instrumentation, automotive manufacturing, and architectural engineering. When selecting tubing for your project, consider required dimensions, grade and alloy, finish type, pressure rating, applicable certifications (such as ASTM and ISO), and compatibility with fittings or connectors.
Leading Manufacturers and Suppliers
Chapter 3: What are the applications and benefits of stainless steel tubing?
This section will explore the various applications and benefits of stainless steel tubing, as well as the factors to consider when choosing the right tubing for specific needs.
Applications of Stainless Steel Tubing
Stainless steel tubing is utilized across a wide range of applications, from industrial machinery to automotive exhaust systems. It serves primarily to facilitate the movement or control of gases and liquids. Stainless steel tubing is particularly effective in handling high temperatures and corrosive substances, making it adaptable for various uses. Its versatility allows it to be employed in numerous contexts, limited mainly by budget and creativity.
This type of tubing is suitable for a variety of environments and can withstand prolonged exposure to the elements without rusting or deteriorating. It finds applications in industries such as construction, outdoor equipment, automotive manufacturing, and kitchenware, thanks to its resistance to corrosion and durability.
Benefits of Stainless Steel Tubing
Stainless steel tubing offers several advantages over other materials. Its key benefits include exceptional durability, the ability to transport both cold and hot liquids and gases, resistance to chemical corrosion, and flexibility in terms of grades and dimensions. Additionally, it can be manufactured cost-effectively for low-pressure systems.
Drawbacks of Stainless Steel Tubing
Despite its advantages, stainless steel tubing comes with a higher manufacturing cost compared to other metals. The processes involved in producing stainless steel tubes are also expensive. The assembly of stainless steel components can be challenging, and care must be taken to avoid wear and tear during installation. If the chromium oxide protective layer is damaged, it can lead to increased friction and potential issues during assembly.
When assembling stainless steel parts, friction and heat can cause the components to bond at the molecular level, creating a rough surface that may require special anti-jamming compounds to minimize wear. Some stainless steel tubes may eventually need repair or replacement.
Considerations When Selecting Stainless Steel Tubing
Several factors should be considered when choosing stainless steel tubing:
Right Metal for the Operating Environment
The choice of steel grade depends on the specific conditions the tubing will be exposed to. Extreme pH levels, high stresses, temperatures, and crevice corrosion can affect performance. Austenitic steels, such as 304 and 316 alloys, maintain their strength and corrosion resistance across a broad temperature range.
Ductility, Strength, and Toughness
Strength: The maximum force that a metal can withstand before breaking or deforming.
Ductility: The ability of a material to be shaped, such as being drawn into a wire, without losing its strength or breaking.
Toughness: The capacity of a metal to absorb energy and deform before fracturing.
Form and Process
Austenitic stainless steel is available in various forms, including bars, wires, tubes, pipes, sheets, and plates. However, many products require additional machining or forming to meet specific application needs.
Customer Preferences
Designers often choose stainless steel for its aesthetic appeal, whether it features a shiny, matte, electro-polished, pickled, or black oxide finish. Austenitic stainless steel tubing can accommodate these treatments, including the commonly applied passivation process.
Material Cost and Availability
While high-performance austenitic stainless steel tubing may have a higher initial cost, it is a worthwhile investment due to its durability and suitability for its intended application. Using corrosion-resistant materials can reduce downtime, maintenance, and replacement costs. Life-cycle costing can provide a comprehensive comparison of various materials, assessing both current and future expenses.
Conclusion
Stainless steel tubing is a multifaceted product that is commonly utilized in structural applications. Stainless steel tubing diameters and variations vary greatly based on the application requirements and are widely employed in a wide range of industrial sectors. It is manufactured by three processes namely seamless, metal spinning, and tube milling. Although the names are sometimes used interchangeably, there is one significant distinction between tube and pipe, notably in how the material is arranged or ordered and the classification.
