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Stainless Steel Tube VS Stainless Steel Pipe

Stainless Steel Tube

What is the difference between Stainless Steel Tube and Stainless Steel Pipe.

The terms “stainless steel pipe” and “stainless steel tube” are often used interchangeably, but they have distinct differences based on their manufacturing, applications, and dimensional specifications. Here’s a breakdown of the key differences:

1. Shape & Structure

  • Pipe: Typically round and designed to transport fluids or gases (e.g., water, oil, chemicals). Pipes are hollow with a round cross-section.
  • Tube: Can be round, square, rectangular, or oval. Tubes are used for structural applications (e.g., handrails, machinery) and require precise dimensions.

2. Measurement Standards

  • Pipe: Sized by Nominal Pipe Size (NPS) and Schedule (wall thickness). The diameter refers to the inside (ID) for flow capacity.
  • Tube: Sized by actual outside diameter (OD) and wall thickness (in inches or millimeters). Tubes have tighter tolerances on dimensions.

3. Wall Thickness

  • Pipe: Thickness is defined by schedule (e.g., Sch 40, Sch 80), which affects pressure handling.
  • Tube: Wall thickness is specified directly (e.g., 1mm, 2mm) and is more uniform.

4. Manufacturing & Tolerances

  • Pipe: Made for high-pressure applications, with less strict dimensional tolerances.
  • Tube: Produced with precise tolerances (OD, wall thickness, straightness) for structural and mechanical uses.

5. Applications

  • Pipe: Used in plumbing, oil & gas, water supply, and industrial fluid transport.
  • Tube: Used in construction, Heat Exchanger Tubes, automotive, medical devices, furniture, and machinery where strength and precision are critical.

6. Material & Finish

ASME SA213 TP316L

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