Stainless Steel Pipe Seamless VS Welded

Stainless steel (SS) is a versatile alloy material that can be used in manufacturing and fabrication. It is most commonly found in pipe form. Stainless steel pipe can be divided into stainless steel seamless pipe and stainless steel welded pipe, the mainly differences are as following:

Process

The first step of seamless stainless steel tube’s manufacturing process is punch out a hole in the stainless steel billet at 2200° F. While hot, the billet is drawn through a mandrel rod and elongated. The mandrel milling process increases the molds length by 20 times to form a seamless tube shape. Last, tubing is further shaped through pilgering, cold rolling, or cold drawing.

Welded stainless steel pipe is made of stainless steel strip or sheet through roll forming into a tube shape and then welding along its full length. After welding, the weld seam or bead of SS welded pipe can be refined by hot forming, cold forming, forging. More, the manufacturing process of stainless steel welded pipe can avoid multiple heating process, and the the whole process is very environmentally friendly.

Strength

SS seamless pipes are stronger because the welding seam can act as weak points that could break under high pressure.

Cost

Seamless stainless steel pipes are more expensive as they require more time and effort, while welded stainless steel pipes can be made quickly and with less precision.

Quality

Stainless steel seamless pipes have a higher quality finish than welded pipes because they do not have visible seams. Stainless steel welded pipes often have imperfections at the seams can be seen and felt.

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Application