Steel tubing has a wide variety of applications and is used
all over the world. Its versatility means that steel tube suppliers stock
various different sizes and types to meet the many different needs of their
customers.
Some of the applications of steel tube include structural
support, automotive parts, plumbing purposes, and transportation of gas and oil
– it can be cut to specific lengths a customer requires for their project.
There are three common types of steel, carbon, alloy and stainless, used by
suppliers to manufacture tubing before it is distributed. There are several
known advantages and disadvantages to each that will be presented in this
article allowing steel tube operators to make the most informed decision when
purchasing steel tube from suppliers.
Steel Tubes |
All steel is made with carbon and iron, how much carbon and
alloy is used determines the classification. Most suppliers should, at least, offer
the following three materials for their seam or seamless steel tubes.
Carbon Steel Tubes
Steel tube operators usually turn to carbon as an affordable
option for many different applications because it is offered in a range of
sizes and wall thicknesses – making it easy to find the perfect option for
almost any project. In most cases, carbon is a less expensive material than
other common materials, including alloy and stainless steel. There are three
types of carbon steel tube available for purchase including low carbon steel (the
largest class of carbon steel also referred to as mild steel), medium carbon
steel and high carbon steel.
Alloy Steel Tube
Rolled Steel Products |
Alloy steel is manufactured by taking carbon steel and
adding various elements, including manganese, nickel, copper and aluminum, to
it. The addition of these and other elements in various amounts changes the
properties of the carbon to create a product with features that carbon steel
lacks, like increased hardness or resistance to corrosion for example.To bring
out the properties of alloy steel, including weld ability and form ability, treatment
with heat is required.
Operators who are not
satisfied with a few of carbon’s drawback usually turn to steel tube suppliers
for alloy tubing that will be more suitable for their projects. Alloy steel is
commonly used for tubing more likely to be exposed to more extreme environments
and harsher weather conditions.
Steel Pipe |
Stainless Steel Tube
Probably the most common type of tubing found from steel
tube suppliers is stainless steel. It has been alloyed to withstand corrosion
and rust, making it the preferred choice for most projects requiring steel
tubing. The final product is extremely durable and able to withstand even the
harshest conditions, with very low chances of ever
rusting. It is also a popular choice because it is recyclable – making
stainless steel an earth-friendly option. Because of the multiple different
lengths and diameters available, stainless steel tubing can usually be found
from suppliers in three different shapes: round, square and rectangular. It is
an extremely versatile product used in a wide range of industries including
marine, gas and oil transportation, construction, biotech and automotive.
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