DIFFERENCE BETWEEN STAINLESS STEEL TUBE AND STAINLESS STEEL PIPE

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Is it a tube or a pipe?
In some cases the terms can be used interchangeably, however there is a key difference between tube and pipe, particularly in how the material is ordered and tolerated. Tubes are used in structural applications, so the outside diameter becomes the important dimension. Tubes are often placed in applications such as medical devices that require precise outside diameters. The outside diameter is important as it will indicate how much it can hold as a stability factor. While pipes are typically used to transport gases or liquids, it is important to know the capacity. Knowing how much can flow through the pipe is key. The circular shape of the pipe makes it efficient in handling the pressure of the liquid flowing through it.

Classification
The classification of the pipes is hourly and nominal diameter. Pipe is generally ordered using the Nominal Pipe Size (NPS) standard and specifying a nominal diameter (pipe size) and program number (wall thickness). The program number may be the same for different size pipes, but the actual wall thickness will be different.
Typically tubes are ordered by outside diameter and wall thickness; however, it can also be ordered as OD & ID or ID and wall thickness. The resistance of a tube depends on the thickness of the wall. The thickness of a tube is defined by a gauge number. Smaller gauge numbers indicate larger outside diameters. The inside diameter (ID) is theoretical. The tubes can have different shapes such as square, rectangular and cylindrical, while the pipes are always round. The circular shape of the pipe makes the pressure force evenly distributed. The pipes are suitable for larger applications with sizes ranging from ½ inch to several feet. Tubes are generally used in applications where smaller diameters are required.

Order your pipe or tubing
Tube vs pipe
Typically tubes are ordered by outside diameter and wall thickness; however, it can also be ordered as OD & ID or ID and wall thickness. Although the pipe has three dimensions (OD, ID, and wall thickness), only two can be specified with tolerances and the third is theoretical. Tubes are generally ordered and maintained to tighter and tighter tolerances and specifications than tubes. Pipe is generally ordered using the Nominal Pipe Size (NPS) standard and specifying a nominal diameter (pipe size) and program number (wall thickness). Both tubes and tubes can be cut, bent, widened and manufactured; Check out our top 10 tips for ordering tubes and pipes.

Characteristics
There are a few key characteristics that separate the tube from the pipe:

Form
The pipe is always round. The tubes can be square, rectangular and round.
Measurement
Tube is normally ordered by outside diameter and wall thickness. Tubing is generally held to tighter and tighter tolerances and specifications than tubing. Pipe is generally ordered using the Nominal Pipe Size Standard (NPS) and specifying the nominal diameter (pipe size) and program number (wall thickness)

Telescopic skills
The tubes can be telescopic. Telescopic tubes are perfect for applications of different pieces of material to coat or expand each other.

Rigidity
The tubing is rigid and cannot be molded without special equipment. With the exception of copper and brass, tubes can be molded with some effort. The tubing can be bent and coiled without excessive distortion, wrinkles, or fractures.

Applications
The tubes are used in applications such as medical devices that require a precise outside diameter. The outside diameter is important as it will indicate how much it can hold as a stability factor. Pipes are used to transport gases or liquids, so it is important to know the capacity. The circular shape of the pipe makes it efficient when managing the pressure of the liquid flowing through it.

Metal types
The tubes are cold and hot rolled. The pipe is only hot rolled. Both can be galvanized.

Size
Pipes are suited to larger applications. Tubes are generally used when small diameters are required.

Force
The tubes are stronger than the tubes. Tubes work best in applications that require durability and strength.

Get in touch with the experts at UAITE STEEL
For more than 35 years, UAITE STEEL has built a reputation as a provider of world-class piping parts and components, and is proud to serve the industrial, energy, medical and aerospace industries around the world. If you are interested in requesting a product quote, please contact us to get started.