There are many factors to consider when choosing suitable stainless steel tubing for your application. Some elements are more critical than others and can make a difference in the end product.
These factors include corrosion resistance, strength, and fabrication characteristics. They also involve form, process, customer preferences, and cost and availability considerations.
Corrosion Resistance
Stainless steel tubing is one of the most corrosion-resistant materials available. It can withstand high concentrations of chloride ions and many other chemicals and solvents. It also withstands higher temperatures than other metal alloys, making it ideal for industrial and medical applications.
While 304 and 316 are the most commonly stainless steel, other options may suit your needs better. 316 grade is more resistant to chemical and solvent corrosion than 304, thanks to its inclusion of 2 to 3 percent molybdenum. It’s commonly used in industrial and processing applications and outdoor or marine use where chloride exposure is high.
Adding molybdenum increases the resistance to pitting corrosion, a common cause of rust and discoloration. This type of corrosion happens when a corrosive agent penetrates through the protective chromium layer and erodes the internal components.
Another type of corrosion is crevice corrosion. This occurs when a corrosive agent binds to the steel through microscopically small gaps in the material. It can be prevented by ensuring no areas where a corrosive agent can get trapped and clog up a stainless steel pipe. Fortunately, there’s no need to panic if corrosion does set in on the steel pipes, as techniques such as shot blasting can eliminate the damage very efficiently. If you’d like to do some further research on this, there is plenty of shotblast media available online where you begin to learn more.
This is an important consideration when choosing suitable stainless steel tubing for your application. Using the wrong material will only lead to unnecessary costs and trouble.
Strength
Stainless steel tubing is a popular choice for many industries because it offers a high strength-to-weight ratio, good corrosion resistance, and ease of fabrication. It’s a versatile material manufactured in several shapes, sizes, and thicknesses.
304 and 316 are the most common types of stainless steel used for tubing. These alloys have a range of chromium concentrations and nickel content, allowing them to be tailored to the application’s specific needs.
For instance, if the application requires higher corrosion resistance, consider purchasing a grade that includes molybdenum. This element boosts corrosion resistance by a factor of four or more.
Another factor to consider when deciding on a stainless steel grade is the machining processes it will see. For instance, if you’ll need to ream, drill, thread, bevel cut, or chamfer the tube, select a grade that can withstand these operations without embrittlement.
In addition, seamless & welded stainless steel tubing of which can offer improved strength and pressure resistance, but at a cost; when considering which method to use, it’s best to determine the operating environment, the form, and the process that the tubing will involve, the customer’s preference, and manage costs and availability.
Durability
Durability is one of the most important factors when choosing suitable stainless steel tubing for your application. This is because stainless steel can withstand many conditions, including harsh environmental elements, hot gasses, and corrosive liquids, without losing strength or durability.
Stainless steel also holds up to high pressures and temperatures better than aluminum. This is why it is used in applications such as pipelines, tanks, and other large structures that must resist these stresses.
Several factors can affect the durability of stainless steel tubing, but some of the most common are temperature, oxidation, and corrosion. Fortunately, these issues are easy to resolve since stainless steel tubing is designed to resist corrosion and deformation.
Another factor that can make a difference in the durability of stainless steel tubing is how it is manufactured. Various processes can manufacture this material, including seamless, metal spinning, and tube milling.
Stainless steel is also available in various sizes and configurations to be manufactured for various applications. Some suppliers have specialized in small scales for hypodermic tubing, while others have the machinery and technology to create it in extensive sizes for use as pipes and industrial tubes.
Weight
When choosing the suitable stainless steel tubing for your application, it’s essential to understand how its weight can affect your project. For instance, if your tubing is used in a pipeline, it is vital to ensure the system can sustain its necessary pressure and volume.
There are many ways to calculate the weight of stainless steel tubing. One of the most common methods is using a stainless steel tube weight calculator. This tool can accurately measure the importance of the tubing and the amount of fluid or gas it can carry.
Another way to calculate the weight of stainless steel tubing is by measuring the outer diameter (OD) and wall thickness. These are the most critical measurements when choosing a tubing size for your application.
For example, if you need to install a new pipe in your building, knowing how much weight it can support is essential. This can help you determine the best line size for your needs and how much it will cost.
304 stainless steel is often the best choice for tubing applications because it has excellent corrosion resistance, flexibility, and good strength. It’s also a popular choice for sanitary tubing because it doesn’t tarnish and is easy to clean.
