Pipes and tubes could be tough to classify and tend to be distinguished based on function. In addition to the classifications, stainless steel is distinguished with the help of type and grade. Other than stainless steel tubes and stainless-steel pipes, you could find various other pipes and tubes in the market which could be used for various purposes.
304 Stainless Steel Pipe
For piping and tubing applications, type 304 stainless steel is a common selection as it is chemical and corrosion-resistant. Type 304 stainless steel is not compatible with applications where the temperatures fall between 800- and 1640-degrees Fahrenheit as it is prone to carbide precipitation due to a lower carbon content limit. Stainless steel type 304L circumvents the problem as it has a lower carbon content limit and could be subjected to welding and higher temperature applications. Other types of stainless steel often possess additives that would strengthen traits that are desirable in particular applications.
Take a look at different types of steel tubing and stainless-steel piping.
- Stainless Steel Tubing for General Corrosion-Resistance
This category of Steel could be appropriate for applications that would require corrosion resistance above other traits. Ferritic or martensitic types of steel gets manufactured which could be either heat-treated or could be annealed. Austenitic stainless steels offer more resistance and could be used under the same general conditions as ferritic and martensitic types.
- Stainless Steel Pressure Pipe
This type of stainless-steel pipe is made of either solid chromium or a chromium and nickel combination. Types of stainless-steel pressure pipe include welded and seamless pipe, electric fusion welded pipe for high-pressure applications, large diameter pipe for corrosive or high-temperature applications and seamless and welded ferritic and austenitic stainless steel pipe.
- Stainless Steel Sanitary Tubing
For places where stainless steel tubing or piping must come into contact with food and other sensitive products, sanitation is a high priority. Stainless steel sanitary tubing is used in such applications as it has high corrosion resistance, doesn’t tarnish and is easy to keep clean. For specific applications, different tolerances could be achieved. The grade is typically used for such applications.
- Stainless steel mechanical tubing
In applications like bearings, cylinders and other hollow formed parts, stainless steel mechanical tubing is used. The tubing could be manipulated to have a variety of cross-sectional shapes like rectangular or square other than the traditional, round tubing cross-section.
- Stainless Steel Aircraft Tubing
In highly specific aircraft applications, chromium and nickel type stainless steel is used due to their resistance to heat and corrosion. It is found in applications that would require high strength stainless steel aircraft tubing that could be hardened or welded even though hardened pieces shouldn’t be used with certain corrosive substances. Low carbon types of stainless steel remain a common choice when it comes to welded parts. For applications that require welded and seamless tubing in larger sizes, aircraft structural tubing is used and this type of stainless steel is manufactured according to military specifications or aerospace material specifications.