Understanding the Primary Difference between Seamless Pipes and ERW Stainless Steel Pipes

Pipes are ubiquitous and are pragmatically found in all industrial sectors majorly. The advent of rolling mill technology and its development during the first half of the nineteenth century also heralded in the industrial manufacture of tube and pipe. As the century was on the last leg of completion various processes became available for the manufacture of seamless pipes and tubes. As the production volume started increasing rapidly, the ongoing development and further improvement of the seamless techniques led to welded ERW tube being almost completely pushed out of the market.

As the requirements imposed on tubular products continued to increase, the associated manufacturing processes also started getting improved. There are lots of mechanical and operational differences these welded stainless steel pipes and MS seamless pipes have. Let's have a look.

Have A Look At The Key Differences Between Seamless Pipes And Stainless Steel Welded Pipes:

• Manufacturing Difference: Seamless tubes which are also called as CDS pipes i.e. cold drawing pipe is made from solid round steel "billet" which is heated and pushed over a form until the steel is shaped in the hollow tube. They are manufactured by extruding the metal to desired length. They do not have any joint in its cross section throughout its length.

Whereas, ERW pipes are electric resistance welded pipes which are manufactured by rolling metal and which is then welded longitudinally across its length. They have a welded joint in its cross section.

• Differences in Welding Process: In seamless tube welding or joints do not exist. It is manufactured from solid round billets. Whereas, ERW are welded longitudinally and manufactured from strip/coil.
• Size: Seamless tubes are finished to dimensional and wall thickness specifications in which the sizes ranges from 1/8 inch to 26 inch outer diameter. While ERW pipes can be manufactured up to 24 inches outer diameter.
• Applications: Seamless tubes are applicable for high pressure applications such as in industries like oil and gas exploration, oil drilling, oil and gas transportation, hydrocarbon industries and refineries. They are also used for hydraulic cylinders, boilers and automobiles. While welded stainless steel pipes are used in low pressure or medium pressure applications such as transportation of water and oil and various other engineering purposes like fencing, scaffolding, line pipes etc.

Nowadays, the tube and pipe manufacturers of renowned brand like MS seamless pipe have a system in place that enables the production process from the steelworks to the finished tube that is continuously monitored and documented for total traceability. Also, they are effectively controlled on the basis of quality criteria. They also carry out mechanical and non-destructive tests stipulated in the relevant technical specifications by personnel from production control department which assures the pipes produced are of high quality and totally reliable.

So, if you are looking to buy seamless pipes for your specific industrial need then always buy it from an industrial megastore which assorts and sells only branded quality of seamless tubes like MS seamless pipes. There are more chances to get discount on these pipes, if you buy them online.