Purposes of Seamless and Welded Stainless Steel Tubing 

Manufacturer of standard and custom stainless steel welded tubing products are available in round, square, and rectangular sizes with aluminized, cold rolled, galvanized, pickled, and oiled finishes. Serves automotive, aerospace, and energy industries.

A seamless tube has no welded seam, promoting more excellent corrosion resistance, higher tensile strength, and pressure ratings than welded tubing. However, seamless tubing is more expensive and has long lead times for availability.

Strength

Stainless steel alloys are designed to offer strength and durability for an extensive range of applications. It is commonly found in piping systems and medical devices. Its versatility, durability, corrosion resistance, and formability make it a popular choice for many projects.

Both seamless and welded tubes are made from stainless steel but differ in strength. Compared to welded tubing, a seamless tube is more robust and can withstand higher working internal pressures. It is preferred when critical applications require heavy wall tubing that performs well in harsh environments. However, it is more expensive than welded tubing.

Welded stainless steel tubing is less expensive than seamless tubing but possesses superior strength and corrosion resistance. It is available in standard sizes and longer lengths than its seamless counterpart. Welded tubing is produced using a more straightforward manufacturing process and is easier to fabricate. However, this makes it less versatile than seamless tubing.

The manufacture of welded stainless steel tubing starts with rolling a coil to the desired thickness. The coil is then cut into strips based on the tube size. These strips are then welded together to create the finished tube. This process is prone to heat distortion and can result in uneven thicknesses, so staying within the recommended maximum temperature for welding is essential.

When deciding whether to purchase seamless & welded stainless steel tubing, consider the specific application and environment where it will be used. Welded stainless steel tubing is more affordable but may not be suitable for some applications. Seamless tubing is more costly but can withstand higher working pressures and has a thinner wall than welded tubing.

Choosing the correct type of tubing can save businesses money. For instance, seamless coil tubing only requires one fitting, which cuts installation time and reduces labor expenses. It is also easier to install and lowers the risk of leaks. Furthermore, it can be repurposed after its original use is complete, increasing the investment’s cost-effectiveness.

Corrosion Resistance

The type of stainless steel used to manufacture tubing plays a significant role in its corrosion resistance. While both welded and seamless are available in various grades, seamless offers better resistance to corrosion because it is more homogenous. Additionally, because it is more robust and can withstand higher internal pressures, a seamless tube is preferred when critical applications require excellent reliability in harsh environments.

Seamless tubing is produced by rolling a solid piece of steel into a tube and welding the seam closed. At the same time, this may seem like a simple process, but the raw materials must be carefully selected to ensure optimal performance. As a result, the manufacturing cost of seamless tubing is often higher than welded.

However, the superior corrosion resistance of seamless tubing is well worth the investment. It can be used in various applications, from food and beverage production to pharmaceutical and automotive. The lack of a seam also allows for thicker wall thicknesses, which increases strength and durability while providing excellent resistance to chemicals and harsh environments.

Welded tubing is produced by rolling strips of stainless steel into a tube and closing the longitudinal seam. The weld seam, or bead, can be reduced by cold rolling and forging techniques to improve weld integrity and surface finish. Welded tubing typically has a lower price than seamless, and because less drawing and annealing are required, it can be procured quicker.

Both welded and seamless tubing is durable, strong, and resistant to air, gas, fluid, and chemical transfer corrosion. Each has benefits and advantages, so you must consider your specific application when deciding which type of tubing is best for you. If you are still determining which type of tubing is appropriate for your project, contact a manufacturer that offers both types and ask to see samples before making a decision. A professional supplier will have a large inventory of welded and seamless tubing in a wide range of sizes and alloys and can customize tubing for your specific application.

Aesthetics

Metal tubes are used in various applications and industries, including automotive and aerospace. They can also be found in common household appliances. These tubes are made of multiple materials, including stainless steel. Stainless steel is an excellent material for tubing because it is durable, strong, and corrosion-resistant. 

Seamless tubes are formed from a solid stainless steel billet, which is heated and molded into an oblong shape. A mandrel rod is then fed through the center of the hollowed-out billet, which is elongated into the desired length. This process produces a more robust tube with superior corrosion resistance and higher working internal pressure than a welded tube. It also makes it a good choice for critical applications in harsh environments. 

When selecting suitable stainless steel tubing for your application, you should consider the material properties and how it will be used. Stainless steel is a versatile and sanitary alloy that can be customized to meet your needs. Its fundamental structure boosts tube longevity, lowering long-term expenses for repairs and replacements. It is also readily recycled, reducing the amount of waste that is sent to landfills.

Cost

While seamless tubing offers superior corrosion resistance and higher working internal pressures, it has a higher price tag than welded tubing. It is because creating seamless tubes requires more steps, making it more expensive.

Welded tubing, on the other hand, is cheaper because it involves less processing. 

The difference in price between welded and seamless tubing may be partially offset by the fact that welded tubing is generally available in shorter lengths than its seamless counterpart. Moreover, because welded tubing is typically made from standard sizes and can be quickly processed, it may be more affordable than seamless tubing for projects that do not require custom-sized metal products.