What’s the Difference Between Round Stainless-Steel Tubes and Pipes?

Steel pipes and round stainless-steel tubes are two of the main products that are produced by steel manufacturers for construction and other purposes. While round stainless-steel tubes and steel pipes may look similar, there are a few key differences that influence their application and appearance. These include the materials used, their capacity and tolerance, as well as their strength and rigidity. In this article, we will discuss how these two items differ and why their characteristics influence their possible applications in different industries.

What Materials Are Used for Manufacturing Steel Pipes and Steel Tubes?

Because steel pipes and steel tubes are used for different purposes, manufacturers choose a combination of materials for maximum strength and rigidity. Because steel pipes are not designed to be bent or manipulated without specialized equipment, they’re typically made up of carbon steel and low alloy steel. Round stainless-steel tubes, on the other hand, can be bent, curled, and coiled easily depending on your need, which is why manufacturers use a variety of materials, including steel, aluminum, copper, and chrome.

Strength Comparison: Steel Pipes Versus Round Stainless-Steel Tubes

As mentioned above, these two items are made up of different materials, which dictates how durable they are for their specific applications. When it comes to strength, round stainless-steel tubes take precedence over steel pipes. While steel pipes are used for larger-scale applications, such as plumbing and the transport of oils, gasses and water, steel tubes are used for more precise applications in more extreme environments, such as high or low temperatures and high-pressure settings.

This is also why manufacturing round stainless-steel tubes requires higher standards and larger amounts of labor and energy, unlike steel pipes that are typically mass-produced for easier distribution.

Applications for Steel Pipes and Round Stainless-Steel Tubes

Steel pipes and stainless-steel tubes are used for different purposes regardless of their similar appearances. Steel pipes, known for their larger diameters, are used in HVAC systems, plumbing, sewerage, and irrigation structures to distribute and transport both gases and liquids.

In comparison, round stainless-steel tubes are more versatile and may be used for other applications. Thanks to their sturdiness, steel tubes may be used to provide a strong foundation for infrastructures and durable building features, such as handles, gates, and railings. In addition, steel tubes are also corrosion-resistant, making them the preferred material for medical machinery and tools since they don’t react with bodily fluids or corrode when exposed to medical-grade cleansers and disinfectants.

Finding the Appropriate Steel Materials for Your Needs

Steel pipes and steel tubes play important roles in the industries they’re utilized in. While they share common characteristics, understanding their applications is crucial to keeping your projects as durable and high-functioning as possible. If you’re unsure whether you need steel pipes or round stainless-steel tubes, do not hesitate to contact us at Global Nexus, so that we can assist you in completing your projects without any drawbacks or delays.