Three Types of Steel Tubing

Steel tubing has a wide variety of applications and is used all over the world. Its versatility means that steel tube suppliers stock various different sizes and types to meet the many different needs of their customers. 

Some of the applications of steel tube include structural support, automotive parts, plumbing purposes, and transportation of gas and oil – it can be cut to specific lengths a customer requires for their project. There are three common types of steel, carbon, alloy and stainless, used by suppliers to manufacture tubing before it is distributed. There are several known advantages and disadvantages to each that will be presented in this article allowing steel tube operators to make the most informed decision when purchasing steel tube from suppliers. 

Steel Tubes

All steel is made with carbon and iron, how much carbon and alloy is used determines the classification. Most suppliers should, at least, offer the following three materials for their seam or seamless steel tubes.

Carbon Steel Tubes

Steel tube operators usually turn to carbon as an affordable option for many different applications because it is offered in a range of sizes and wall thicknesses – making it easy to find the perfect option for almost any project. In most cases, carbon is a less expensive material than other common materials, including alloy and stainless steel. There are three types of carbon steel tube available for purchase including low carbon steel (the largest class of carbon steel also referred to as mild steel), medium carbon steel and high carbon steel.

Rolled Steel Products

 Alloy Steel Tube

Alloy steel is manufactured by taking carbon steel and adding various elements, including manganese, nickel, copper and aluminum, to it. The addition of these and other elements in various amounts changes the properties of the carbon to create a product with features that carbon steel lacks, like increased hardness or resistance to corrosion for example.To bring out the properties of alloy steel, including weld ability and form ability, treatment with heat is required. 

 Operators who are not satisfied with a few of carbon’s drawback usually turn to steel tube suppliers for alloy tubing that will be more suitable for their projects. Alloy steel is commonly used for tubing more likely to be exposed to more extreme environments and harsher weather conditions.

Steel Pipe

Stainless Steel Tube

Probably the most common type of tubing found from steel tube suppliers is stainless steel. It has been alloyed to withstand corrosion and rust, making it the preferred choice for most projects requiring steel tubing. The final product is extremely durable and able to withstand even the harshest conditions, with very low chances of ever rusting. It is also a popular choice because it is recyclable – making stainless steel an earth-friendly option. Because of the multiple different lengths and diameters available, stainless steel tubing can usually be found from suppliers in three different shapes: round, square and rectangular. It is an extremely versatile product used in a wide range of industries including marine, gas and oil transportation, construction, biotech and automotive.