Versatility & Strength: Types of Stainless Steel Pipe / Tube

NOTE: we stock a range of stainless steel tube products, available in Imperial, Metric and Nominal Bore sizes. Grades with immediate availability include:  304, 310, 316 and 321 but we can source many specialist grades and products with a fast turnaround. We have a range of cutting and finishing services and all products are available for immediate dispatch. To view all of our stainless pipe products click here, or contact us on 0800 123 70 10 or email: sales@metalsupplies.com

Stainless steel pipe (tube) is widely used in a large array of applications because of its oxidation resistance, low-maintenance requirements and because it has no adverse affect on metals it comes into contact with.

How Are Stainless Steel Tubes Classified?

Stainless steel tubes (pipes) are typically classified or distinguished based on their end use function and/or environmental conditions and also their type (grade). For tubing and piping applications, Grade 304 stainless steel is often preferable because its high chemical and corrosion-resistance, but it is not suitable for applications where temperatures of 800 – 1640 degrees Fahrenheit (F) are likely because of its proneness to carbide precipitation (which is down to Grade 304’s 0.08 percent maximum carbon content). Conversely, Grade 304L stainless steel tube doesn’t have this problem because of a lower upper limit of carbon content, thus making it suitable for welding and higher temperature applications. Other types of stainless steel often possess additives. NOTE:  nickel, molybdenum or other additives make up the composite of other types of stainless steel, strengthening particular properties and traits desirable in specific applications.

Stainless Steel Pipe for General Corrosion-Resistance

Pipe is typically put into this category when the end application prioritises corrosion resistance above other properties. Increasing the chromium content and adding molybdenum and nitrogen as alloying elements increases stainless steels’ resistance to pitting and crevice corrosion. Austenitic Stainless steels with high chromium and nickel content offer more resistance than high chromium ferritic and martensitic stainless steel and can be used under the same general conditions as ferritic and martensitic types.

Stainless Steel Pressure Pipe

Several versions of stainless steel pressure pipe are in wide use today, such as electric fusion welded pipe (suitable for high-pressure applications), seamless and welded pipe, large-diameter welded pipe (suitable for high-temperature applications and those where corrosion resistance is a priority) and seamless, welded ferritic and austenitic pipe.  They are all made from either solid chromium or a combination of chromium and nickel.

Stainless Steel Sanitary Tubing

Sanitation and hygiene is always a high priority for applications for any stainless steel pipe that comes into contact with food, pharmaceuticals and other products that will come into contact with people and other live organisms. Stainless steel sanitary tubing is used in such applications because it has high corrosion-resistance, it doesn’t tarnish and it can be cleaned easily. Grade ASTMA270 is typically used for these applications and different tolerances can be achieved for different, specific applications.

Stainless Steel Mechanical Tubing

Grades ASTMA 511 and A554 are typically used for stainless steel mechanical tube applications such as cylinders, bearings and other hollow formed parts. As well as the more traditional round tubing cross-section,  mechanical tubing can also used to create a variety of cross-sectional shapes including square and rectangular.

Stainless Steel Aircraft Tubing

When it comes to the aircraft industry, highly-specified tubing is required to ensure stable and predictable behaviour in a range of applications. Chromium and nickel content stainless steel is generally used because of the elements’ heat and corrosion-resistance. Stainless steel aircraft tubing  typically needs to be of high-strength, and can be work-hardened or welded and low-carbon grades of stainless steel are a common choice for welded sections. NOTE: work-hardened pieces shouldn’t be used if the tube is likely to come into contact with certain kinds of corrosive substances.

Stainless Steel Aircraft Structural Tubing

This type of stainless steel is manufactured according to Aerospace Material Specifications (AMS) or Military Specifications (MIL Specs). It is used for applications that necessitate seamless and welded tubing 1.6 to 125 mm in outside diameter (‘/i6 to 5 inches).

Stainless Steel Aircraft Hydraulic-Line Tubing

This type of steel tube is typically small and size and is used in aerospace applications such as the critical fuel-injection lines and hydraulic systems, and tends to be small. It is often manufactured in stainless steel Grades 304 or 304 L because of the steels’ high-strength, corrosion-resistance, and ductility.

For further information about stainless steel pipe and tube products, call or email us today.