Product Description
Key Differences Between Pipes and Tubes
| Characteristic |
Pipes |
Tubes |
| Dimension Specs |
Sized by nominal pipe size (NPS) |
Sized by outer diameter (OD) |
| Wall Thickness |
Specified by Schedule (e.g., 40, 80) |
Specified by exact mm/inch |
| Application Focus |
Industrial piping systems |
Heat exchangers, mechanical parts |
| Standards |
ASME B36.10, ASTM A312 |
ASTM A213, A269 |
Chemical Composition (ASTM A312)
| Grade |
Chromium (Cr) |
Nickel (Ni) |
Molybdenum (Mo) |
Carbon (C) Max. |
Other Elements |
| 304 |
18-20% |
8-10.5% |
- |
0.08% |
- |
| 316 |
16-18% |
10-14% |
2.0-3.0% |
0.08% |
- |
Mechanical Properties (At Room Temperature)
| Property |
304 |
316 |
| Tensile Strength |
≥ 515 MPa |
≥ 515 MPa |
| Yield Strength |
≥ 205 MPa |
≥ 205 MPa |
| Elongation |
≥ 30% |
≥ 30% |
| Hardness (HB) |
≤ 217 |
≤ 217 |
Corrosion Resistance & Features
-
304 Seamless:
- Resists oxidation up to ~870°C and performs well in mild acids, alkalis, and atmospheric conditions.
- Cost-effective for general corrosion resistance (e.g., food processing, pharmaceutical equipment).
-
316 Seamless:
- Molybdenum addition enhances resistance to pitting/crevice corrosion in chlorinated media (e.g., seawater, salt solutions).
- Ideal for harsh environments like marine engineering, chemical processing with chlorides, and high-purity applications.
Manufacturing Process
- Hot Piercing:
- Billets are heated and pierced by a mandrel to form a hollow shell (pierced tube).
- Cold Drawing/Extrusion:
- Pierced tubes are drawn through dies to achieve precise OD, wall thickness, and surface finish (e.g., annealed & pickled, bright annealed).
- Heat Treatment:
- Solution annealing (1010-1120°C, water-quenched) to eliminate residual stress and maintain a uniform austenitic structure.
Product Info
We carry high-quality stainless steel pipe for various applications including general purpose and low carbon types to hi-temp strength and better corrosion resistance products. For an overview of product offerings view our stainless steel products line card.
Pipe Sizes & Weights
There are many available pipe sizes and weights to choose from. This chart, which includes the nominal pipe size, outside diameter (OD) and pipe schedules, can assist in your selection and guide you to available, in-stock pipe at Shaw Stainless & Alloy.
Standard Specifications
Our extensive inventory of welded and seamless pipe conforms to the ASTM A312 standard specification. View the standard specifications chart.
Stainless Steel Grades
Unsure about what grade of stainless pipe is needed for your next project? Learn more about our inventory and the functionality and application of the various grades of stainless steel.
Reference Catalog
We have developed the Shaw Stainless & Alloy Reference Catalog as a source for you to identify the many different products and services we offer. This catalog will identify stainless steel pipe, stainless steel fittings and other stainless steel accessories included with specification charts and general dimensional illustrations to help you identify available pipe products in our inventory.
Theoretical Bursting Pressures
Here is a chart to review theoretical bursting pressures for various stainless steel pipe.
Additional Info
Stainless Steel Pipe is measured by a standardized nominal pipe size (NPS) and schedule, differing from tube, which is measured by the actual outside diameter (OD) and wall thickness.
Pipe End:
straight cut, saw cut, and torch cut/ beveled for welding, beveled
Packing:
Plastic plugs in both ends, Hexagonal bundles of max. 2,000kg with several steel strips, Two tags on each bundle, Wrapped in waterproof paper, PVC sleeve, and sackcloth with several steel strips, Plastic caps.
Test:
Chemical Component Analysis, Mechanical Properties (Ultimate tensile strength, Yield strength, Elongation), Technical Properties (Flattening Test, Bending Test, Hardness Test, Impact Test), Exterior Size Inspection, Hydrostatic Test, NDT TEST ( ET TEST, RT TEST, UT TEST)
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