Often employed in applications relying on rigid materials for the transport of water and other liquids, the stainless steel tube has come a long way since the earliest experiments. French scientist Leon Guillet extensively researched the making of stainless steel over 100 years ago. Today, the science is well developed, with many special stainless steel alloys being developed for specific uses.

Desirable for Multiple Uses

The metal has many desirable qualities, especially in maintaining clean water, and is ideal for a wide range of applications. Stainless steel tube is also useful for providing structural support in vehicles and buildings. Tubes are generally manufactured according to highly standardized sizes and specifications, fit for purpose. Tubes and pipes differ only in the level of engineering invested in manufacture, with tubes being technically of a finely tuned engineering quality.

The Size and Quality of a Tube

There are three main processes for manufacturing tube, providing the possibility for a varying range of shapes, sizes and quality. Tubes may be formed in square, triangular or polygonal shapes, not only the typical cylindrical shape. Sometimes the tube may undergo additional processes to satisfy certain specifications and be composed of special alloys to handle various pressures.

Seamless Stainless Steel Tubes

There are two main types of tube, one of these being seamless. Manufactured through extrusion, the stainless steel is pressed through a die in the desired shape of the tube. This type of tube is made through either hot or cold processes. This method is efficient and effective while also requiring extensive preparation.

As Welded or Mandrel Drawn

A second way to produce tubes is through welding. A rolled sheet of steel is conveyed through weld rollers with grooves around the circumference. Through the transmission of electricity to a contact point along the seam, a thin line seam is welded. Another method for forming tubes is by placing a small piece of metal called a mandrel within the tube to define its shape. As the tube passes through a die of smaller diameter, the tube shrinks to match the mandrel shape.

Usage across Industries

Stainless steel tube is relied upon for its versatility, high corrosion resistance and undeniably low maintenance costs. A wide variety of specific stainless steel classifications exist, and the range of tube uses is extensive across industries. The domestic, architectural and civil engineering, transport, chemical and pharmaceutical, petroleum and water treatment industries commonly use an extraordinary variety of tubes including stainless heat exchanger tubes, precision tubes and other special alloy tubes.

Above the Ordinary

The professional production of stainless steel tubes is highly developed and increasingly technical in nature. Activity in this field now requires the highest level of expertise. Serving the petrochemical industry, oil refineries, new developments in the automotive industry, precision instruments, and other highly specific requirements, this company provide a glimpse of the future and support the success of a range of industries worldwide.