US TUBE SUPPLY WE SPECIALIZE IN ALUMINUM TUBING

Taking the Confusion out of Pipe and Tube Buying

At first glance, buying pipe may appear to be confusing, but once you understand the basics, it becomes much easier. Determining the grade of steel is the first step in the process. This provides a basis for additional questions to narrow down the best possible product. 

Many first time buyers also struggle when figuring out the size of pipe and or tube they need.  Pipe and tube are not at all the same thing and have different applications, shapes, and measurement techniques. In general pipe is used to move gas, air, or water while tube is generally for structural use.  Pipe is round, but tube can be round, square, or rectangular.

Tube measurement will be covered in a different blog article, but pipe is measured by the length, nominal inner diameter (ID) and pipe “schedule” (wall thickness). It’s important to note that pipe sizes follow an industry standard, so the sizing is the same regardless of grade. March 1927 the American Standards Association formally standardized what is now referred to as the U.S. Standard Pipe Chart sizing for pipe of all materials. While the sizing can seem random, there is a method to the madness particularly in the case of standardization. A 1 inch pipe would be as follows:

1" SCH 40 x 20' 

With a  measured size of 1.315"OD x .133"WT x 20'

This is where the nominal inner diameter (ID) comes in.  In this case the ID 1.049" will be the inner diameter measurement.   The OD size is different for each Size ID; For example 3-1/2" Pipe will have a 4" Diameter. This is another aspect of pipe buying that most novices find confusing.

To add to the non-intuitiveness, once the pipe size is higher than 14," the size called out is actually the outer diameter (OD), instead of the inner diameter, as described above. This remains the OD size from then on, even to the largest made pipes.

There are however exceptions even to this. For the wall thickness, Sch 40 and Sch STD (Standard) is the same up until the 12" Pipe.  For pipes larger than that, the schedule switches to Sch 40S (STD) or what is referred to as “True Sch 40.” Makes sense right?

For example in the case of 12" Pipe sizes would be as follows:

STD or Sch 40s

12" SCH 40s = 12.750"OD x .375"WT

or

Sch 40 (True Schedule 40)

12" SCH 40 = 12.750"OD x .405"WT

This also applies to Sch 80 and Sch 80S.

Please request our pipe chart for specific details and dimensions.

Next on the list is to determine whether seamless or welded tubing is required.  Grades will commonly be available for both types, so it depends on the specific job.  Send the size and grade along with total footage of pipe that you require.

Here’s a review of what we will need to quote the best pipe for your specific project:

1. Grade of steel

2. Size of pipe or tube

3. Seamless or welded

4. Any restrictions on mill or country of origin or DFARS

5. Quantity- footage

Should you need a pipe that does not fall on the industry standard pipe list.  We can have custom sizes fabricated. Custom fabrication is no problem for the U.S. Tube Supply team.

WE SPECIALIZE IN STAINLESS STEEL

Grades of Stainless Steel Tubing and Their Uses

Stainless Steel is the generally accepted terminology applied to iron based alloys that contain at least 10.5% chromium. Many people are familiar with chromium as a corrosion-resistant coating on the surface of a chrome-plated part, such as an automobile bumper. In stainless steel, however, the chromium is added during the melting of the steel and forms a homogeneous mixture with the iron and other alloying elements, such as nickel and molybdenum, which enhance the metal’s resistance to corrosion.

304 And 316 Stainless Steel

Stainless steel can be strengthened by work hardening the structure. The 300 series stainless steel grades (304 and 316) contain nickel from 8 to 14% in addition to the chromium that must be present. 316 contains an additional element, molybdenum, from 2 to 3%. It is these alloying elements added to the iron base that makes stainless steel very different from carbon steel. The extra addition of molybdenum makes 316 better than 304, especially in the environment with chloride exposure. Both 304 and 316 are corrosion free, heat treating steel and fits perfect to manufacture custom size tubes. Tubes, made of 304 stainless steel grade would not easily corrode, stain, or oxidize like the regular steel.

The use of stainless steel tubes stands out very important to many industries, from plumbing to freight forwarding, from constructional and architectural industry to manufacturing and suppliers. 

Advantages of Using stainless Steel Tubes

Low Corrosion

Stainless steel is not prone to corrosion like regular steel. It requires low maintenance to remain rust-free for many years.

Attractive Appearance

Compared to the regular steel, stainless steel tubes holds attractive looks and fits perfect to any environment. The sophisticated and elegantly looking stainless steel tubes bring aesthetic looks to any industry.

Strong and Sturdy

Stainless steel is strong and sturdy. It doesn't matter for what purpose you use this material, it will work efficiently, even in the worst weather conditions. It is stronger and more durable than regular steel.

Stainless Steel Tube Applications

As stainless steel is the best option to resist corrosion and heat, from textile machinery, dairy and food processing, construction and architecture industry, shipbuilding, to energy industries, freight forwarding industry, all prefer stainless steel over the regular steel and other such materials.