In some instances the terms may be used interchangeably, however, there is one key difference between tube and pipe, particularly in how the material is ordered and toleranced. Tubing is used in structural applications so the outside diameter becomes the important dimension. Tubes are often put into applications such as medical devices that require precise outside diameters. The outside diameter is important since it will indicate how much it can hold as a stability factor. Whereas pipes are normally used to transport gasses or liquids making it important to know the capacity. Knowing how much can flow through the pipe is key. The circular shape of the pipe makes it efficient when handling pressure from the liquid flowing through.
The classification of pipes are schedule and nominal diameter. Pipe is typically ordered using the Nominal Pipe Size (NPS) standard and by specifying a nominal diameter (pipe size) and schedule number (wall thickness). The schedule number can be the same on different size pipe but the actual wall thickness will be different.
Tubes are typically ordered to outside diameter and wall thickness; however, it may also be ordered as OD & ID or ID and Wall Thickness. The strength of a tube depends on the wall thickness. The thickness of a tube is defined by a gauge number. Smaller gauge numbers indicate larger outside diameters. The inside diameter (ID) is theoretical. Tubes can come in different shapes such as square, rectangular and cylindrical, whereas piping is always round. The circular shape of the pipe makes the pressure force evenly distributed. Pipes accommodate larger applications with sizes that range from a ½ inch to several feet. Tubing is generally used in applications where smaller diameters are required.
Tubing is typically ordered to outside diameter and wall thickness; however, it may also be ordered as OD & ID or ID and Wall Thickness. Although tubing has three dimensions (O.D., I.D. and wall thickness) only two may be specified with tolerances and the third is theoretical. Tubing is usually ordered and held to tighter and more stringent tolerances and specifications than pipe. Pipe is typically ordered using the Nominal Pipe Size (NPS) standard and by specifying a nominal diameter (pipe size) and schedule number (wall thickness). Both tubes and pipes can be cut, bent, flared and fabricated – check out our top 10 tips for ordering tubing and piping.
There are a few key characteristics that separate tube from pipe:
Pipe is always round. Tubes can be square, rectangular, and round.
Tube is typically ordered outside diameter and wall thickness. Tubing is usually held to tighter and more stringent tolerances and specifications than pipe. Pipe is typically ordered using nominal pipe size (NPS) standard and by specifying the nominal diameter (pipe size) and schedule number (wall thickness)
Tubes can be telescoped. Telescoping tubes are perfect for applications different pieces of material to sleeve or expand inside one another.
Pipe is rigid and cannot be shaped without special equipment. With the exception of copper and brass, tubes can be shaped with some effort. Bending and coiling tubing can be done without excessive distortion, wrinkling or fracturing.
Tubes are used in applications such as medical devices that require a precise outside diameter. The outside diameter is important since it will indicate how much it can hold as a stability factor. Pipes are used for transporting gasses or liquids making it important to know the capacity. The circular shape of the pipe makes it efficient when handling pressure from the liquid flowing through.
Tubes are cold rolled and hot rolled. Pipe is only hot rolled. Both can be galvanized.
Pipes accommodate larger applications. Tubing is generally used where small diameters are required.
Tubes are stronger than pipe. Tubes perform better in applications that require durability and strength.
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In the steel manufacturing industry, there are steel pipes and steel tubes. On the surface, these items may seem similar, but they are in fact completely different.
Steel pipes and tubes don’t have the same uses. They vary in application and sizing. Steel pipes and tubes both embody a hollow cylindrical shape. However, this is where the similarities usually end.
Different DiametersThere are a dozen distinctions between steel pipes and tubes. Firstly, they have different diameters that are measured differently. When determining the size, it’s important to remember that pipes are calculated by inside diameter.
Tubes are calculated by outside diameter. Steel pipes accommodate larger applications and tubes mostly serve smaller applications.
Another important distinguishing factor is shape and wall thickness. Commonly, steel pipes are supplied in round sections. Tubes can be round as well, but they can also be square and rectangular.
Recognizing those factors is vital because it directly relates to wall thickness. Calculating the wall thickness helps determine the strength of that steel pipe or tube. The strength of each steel pipe or tube relates to its use.
Tolerance and ApplicationThe main distinction between steel pipes and tubes is the tolerance and the application process. Normally, pipes transport or dispense gases and liquids. Therefore, it is critical to know the capacity and tolerance of the pipe.
Steel tubes are used for structural purposes. They are used to manufacture pivots in the agricultural industry, for example.
Manufacturing procedures play an enormous role in the difference as well. Regularly, tubes demand a more in-depth level of processes, tests, and inspections.
This delays the distribution method. On the other hand, steel pipe applications are more accessible and often undergo mass production.
Additionally, producing steel tubes is more costly because they require intense labor, energy, and material. The construction of pipes is more manageable, cutting the cost of the item.
MaterialThe material used to make each pipe differs, causing an increase in price. Carbon steel and low alloy steel primarily make up pipes. Meanwhile, tubes can be made of:
Another difference is the chemical makeup of each object. The central chemical elements of pipes are:
As for tubes, smaller elements are especially important to the quality and process.
Recognizing the differences between steel pipes and tubes is a necessary skill for those in the manufacturing industry. Numerous aspects, such as diameter, structure, wall thickness, use, cost, and material, all help distinguish the differing elements.