The Key Differences Between Tube and Pipe

With Decades of experience, Alliance Tubular Products has continually established itself as a pioneering force in the manufacturing industry, specializing in the production of steel tubing.

While "tubes" and "pipes" are often used interchangeably, they possess distinct characteristics that set them apart in terms of usage, design, and functionality.

Understanding these differences is essential in comprehending the diverse applications and implications within industries of tube and pipe manufacturing in today's industrial landscape.

This overview aims to delve into the nuances of tubes and pipes, shedding light on their varying properties and functionalities, thereby highlighting Alliance Tubular Products' commitment to delivering high-quality, customized solutions tailored to meet the ever-evolving demands of the market.

Alliance Tubular Products is the only tube mill in the country that can produce your specialty sections and metric shapes without the expense and lead times associated with new tooling.

Using our universal tooling rolling technology, Alliance Tubular can produce virtually any ERW square between 1.5" - 5.0" (38mm - 127mm) sq and any rectangle between 1.5" x 2.0" - 4.0" x 6.0" (102mm x 152mm).

Basic Structural Differences of Tube & Pipe

Understanding the differences between steel tubes and pipes and their structural variances is essential to determine the appropriate option for specific industry requirements. The fundamental differences between steel tubes and pipes can significantly impact their effectiveness and suitability for diverse industries and applications.

Shape and Dimensional Characteristics:

Pipes are round and have standardized diameter measurements, such as nominal pipe size (NPS) or nominal diameter, specified by a schedule (SCH). They have specific wall thicknesses and are designed to transport fluids or gases.

Conversely, tubes can have various shapes, including round, square, or rectangular, and are specified by their outside diameter (OD) and wall thickness. They are often used for structural applications and the passage of fluids or gases, depending on the application's specific requirements.

Manufacturing Method:

Pipes are typically manufactured using either a seamless or welded process. Seamless pipes are created without any welding seam, while welded pipes are made by bending and welding a steel plate or strip.

Depending on the desired specifications and applications, tubes can be produced through seamless, welded, or welded and drawn processes. Seamless tubes do not have any welded joints, while welded tubes are made by welding or bending a sheet or strip of steel.

Tolerance and Consistency:

Pipes generally have tighter dimensional tolerances and are manufactured to meet specific pressure and temperature requirements for transporting fluids and gases.

Tubes can have slightly looser tolerances and are often used in structural applications where exact dimensions are less critical than pipe applications.

Applications:

Pipes are primarily used to transport fluids and gases in industries such as oil and gas, plumbing, and construction.

Tubes find applications in various industries, including construction, infrastructure, automotive, and manufacturing, where they are used for structural support, as components in machinery, or for the passage of fluids and gases.

Description of Tube Production Techniques:

Regarding the production of tubes, several techniques are employed to meet the specific demands of different industries. Let's explore these techniques in detail:

Welded Tubes:

Electric Resistance Welding (ERW):

This method involves using an electric current to generate heat, which fuses the edges of the steel strip or plate, forming a tube. ERW is commonly used for producing structural tubing and pipes.

Submerged Arc Welding (SAW):

SAW is a welding process in which the welding arc is submerged in a layer of granular flux, protecting the weld zone from atmospheric contamination. It is often employed to produce large-diameter pipes for various industrial applications.

High-Frequency Induction Welding (HFIW):

HFIW utilizes high-frequency induction heating to join the edges of the steel strip or plate. The heated edges are then forged together under pressure to create a welded tube. This method is used to manufacture pipes and tubes for various applications, including oil and gas transportation.

Seamless Tubes:

Hot Extrusion Process:

In this technique, a solid cylindrical billet is heated and forced through a die to create a hollow tube. Seamless tubes produced through hot extrusion are known for their superior mechanical properties and surface finish, making them suitable for high-pressure applications in various industries.

Cold Drawing Process:

Cold drawing involves pulling a seamless tube through a die to reduce its diameter and wall thickness. This process enhances the tube's dimensional accuracy and surface finish, resulting in a product with precise tolerances and excellent surface quality.

Industrial Applications of Tubes

For generations, the hardworking farmer has been the steadfast pillar of the American way of life. From cultivating vast fields to tending livestock, the farmer's commitment to nourishing and sustaining our communities is unparalleled.

Alliance Tubular Products is proud to supply the agriculture industry with the products you need on time.

Agriculture:

• Cranes
• Frames
• Combines
• Sprayers
• Harvesters
• Tractors

Automotive & Transportation:

In the fast-paced world of automotive and transportation, steel tubing has become essential for design, development, manufacturing, and elevated performance.

At Alliance Tubular Products, we pride ourselves on delivering high-quality steel tubing products that meet the stringent demands of the automotive and transportation industry. Our tubular products adhere to strict industry standards and are crafted precisely to ensure optimal fit, performance, and durability.

• Automotive Frames: Steel Frames, Chassis
• Marine Structures: Framing, Support Structures,
• Railway Equipment: Railcar Frames passenger compartments
• Off-Road and Recreational Vehicles: Frames for off-road vehicles, dune buggies, RVS

Construction:

Tubing products are pivotal in the construction industry, providing crucial structural support and versatility for various applications.

Partner with us today and explore our comprehensive range of tubing products designed to meet the unique demands of the construction industry, empowering your projects with exceptional quality and performance.

• Support Structures: Bridges, trusses, and other load-bearing components
• Frames and Skeletons: Walls, roofs, and floors in residential, commercial, and industrial buildings
• Energy: HVAC Units, Solar Brackets and Bases, Solar Racking, Power Plants
• Equipment: Cranes, Frames Bulldozers, Excavators, Steam Rollers

Fitness Equipment:

Within the fitness industry, mechanical tubing plays a vital role in creating high-performance fitness equipment. Mechanical tubing is designed and manufactured precisely to ensure optimal functionality and durability in fitness equipment. It provides the structural integrity and stability necessary to withstand the rigorous demands of intense workouts and repetitive movements.

• Weight Machines
• Weightlifting benches
• Squat Racks
• Cable Machines
• Leg Press
• Rowing Machines
• Exercise Bikes
• Treadmills

Steel Service Center:

Alliance Tubular Products is at the forefront of a leading steel service center that excels in distributing and processing high-quality steel tubing.

With a reputation built on precision and reliability, we not only fulfill the needs of our valued customers but also distribute our superior products to other service centers.

Experience the excellence of Alliance Tubular Products and join the network of service centers benefitting from our steel tubing products.

We view customers as long-term business partners; The Alliance team will do our best to make that relationship successful.

• Square: 5sq to 5.0sq 16ga; to ¼ ga
• Rectangle:5 x 2.0 to 4.0 x 6.0; 16 ga to ¼ ga

Advantages of Using Tubes in These Industries

When selecting materials for industrial applications, the advantages of using tube products are multiplex. They offer many benefits that make them an advantageous choice in various industries. The inherent characteristics of tubes, such as high strength, durability, and versatile design options, provide superior performance and efficiency in multiple applications. From agriculture to automotive and construction to manufacturing, the advantages of utilizing tube products extend across diverse sectors, empowering industries to achieve optimal results with precision and reliability.

Let's dive into the specific advantages that make tube products the preferred solution for countless applications in the industrial landscape.

Structural Support:

Tubes provide structural support for various agricultural equipment, such as frames for tractors, trailers, and irrigation systems, ensuring durability and stability during demanding farming operations.

Corrosion Resistance:

Certain types of tubes, such as galvanized steel tubes, offer excellent corrosion resistance, making them suitable for use in agricultural environments exposed to moisture and weather conditions.

Customization and Flexibility:

Tubes can be easily customized in size and shape, allowing for the creation of specialized structures and equipment tailored to specific agricultural needs, such as greenhouse frames and livestock enclosures.

Lightweight Construction:

Tubes made of materials like aluminum contribute to the overall lightweight design of automotive components, improving fuel efficiency and overall vehicle performance.

Crashworthiness and Safety:

Tubes used in the construction of roll cages and safety structures enhance the crashworthiness of vehicles, providing crucial protection to occupants during collisions and accidents.

Precision Engineering:

Tubes allow for precise engineering and shaping, creating intricate and complex automotive components, including exhaust systems, chassis, and suspension components.

Structural Integrity:

Tubes offer exceptional structural integrity, making them ideal for constructing frameworks, columns, and beams in buildings and infrastructure, ensuring stability and load-bearing capacity.

Diverse Applications:

Tubes can be used for various construction purposes, such as scaffolding, roofing, fencing, and handrails, providing durability and aesthetic appeal to the built environment.

Resistance to Environmental Factors:

Tubes of highly corrosion-resistant materials are well-suited for construction projects in diverse environments, ensuring long-term durability and minimal maintenance requirements.

Sturdiness and Durability:

Tubes provide the sturdiness and durability required to construct fitness equipment, such as weightlifting racks, exercise machines, and gym structures, ensuring safety and longevity under heavy usage.

Design Flexibility:

Tubes allow for diverse fitness equipment designs, allowing manufacturers to develop customized exercise machines and apparatuses that cater to various workout requirements and user preferences.

Smooth Surface Finish:

Tubes with smooth surface finishes contribute to the overall user experience, ensuring comfortable grips and smooth movements during exercise routines, enhancing the functionality and usability of fitness equipment.

Industrial Applications of Pipes:

Pipes are pivotal in many industrial applications, providing essential infrastructure and facilitating efficient operations in various sectors. With their diverse applications, pipes contribute to the efficiency, safety, and success of oil and gas, construction, chemical, water treatment, and mining operations.

Oil and Gas Industry:

• Transmission of crude oil and natural gas through pipelines for long-distance transportation.
• Distribution of refined petroleum products to various industries and consumers.
• Utilization in drilling operations for the extraction of oil and gas.

Construction Industry:

• Plumbing systems for the distribution of water and the removal of wastewater in residential and commercial buildings.
• Use in HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) systems for efficient temperature control.
• Structural applications include constructing columns, beams, and scaffolding in building frameworks.

Chemical Industry:

• Transfer of various chemicals and liquids within chemical processing plants.
• Distribution of chemical products from manufacturing facilities to end-users.
• Utilization in the production of fertilizers, pesticides, and other agricultural chemicals.

Water Treatment and Supply:

• Distribution of potable water to residential, commercial, and industrial areas for consumption and various uses.
• Transportation of wastewater from households and industries to treatment facilities.
• Conveyance of treated water for irrigation and industrial processes.

Mining Industry:

• Conveyance of minerals, ores, and slurries from mining sites to processing facilities.
• Distribution of water for various mining operations, such as extraction and processing.
• Use in underground mines' ventilation systems to remove harmful gases.

Energy Sector:

• Distribution of steam and hot water in power plants for electricity generation.
• Various fuels, including natural gas and coal, are transmitted to power generation facilities.
• Deployment in renewable energy projects to transport fluids in solar and geothermal systems.

Strength and Durability:

Comparison of the Strength Characteristics of Tubes and Pipes:

Various factors come into play when comparing the strength characteristics of tubes and pipes. Tensile strength, which measures the maximum tension a material can withstand before breaking, is an essential parameter to consider.

Similarly, yield strength, which represents the point at which a material deforms permanently under applied stress, is another critical consideration.

When considering fatigue strength, which measures a material's ability to withstand repeated stress cycles without failure, pipes and tubes demonstrate similar behavior. Both exhibit high fatigue strength, allowing them to withstand cyclic loading and environmental variations over an extended period.

Finally, when evaluating impact strength, which determines a material's ability to withstand sudden, high-energy impacts, both pipes and tubes can exhibit excellent performance depending on the materials used in their construction. Material selection is critical in ensuring optimal impact resistance for both components.

It is essential to consider specific application requirements and consult engineering guidelines to determine the most suitable choice based on the desired strength characteristics and intended application.

Tubular Products:

Tensile Strength:

Tensile strength refers to the maximum stress a material can withstand while being stretched or pulled before breaking. Tubes with high tensile strength can bear heavy loads and resist deformation under tension.

Yield Strength:

Yield strength is the stress at which a material begins to deform plastically. Tubes with high yield strength can withstand significant loads without permanent deformation, making them suitable for structural applications requiring resistance to bending and twisting forces.

Compressive Strength:

Compressive strength is the ability of a material to withstand squeezing or compression forces without collapsing or deforming. Tubes with high compressive strength can support heavy loads and maintain structural stability under compression.

Buckling Resistance:

Buckling resistance refers to a tube's ability to resist buckling or collapsing under compressive loads. Tubes with high buckling resistance can maintain their structural integrity and prevent deformation or failure when subjected to axial compressive forces.

Fatigue Strength:

Fatigue strength represents a material's resistance to repeated cyclic loading, which can lead to failure over time. Tubes with high fatigue strength can withstand cyclic stress and loads without experiencing fatigue failure, ensuring long-term durability and reliability in dynamic applications.

Impact Strength:

Impact strength is the ability of a material to withstand sudden shock or impact loads without fracturing or breaking. Tubes with high impact strength can absorb energy from impacts, making them suitable for applications where resistance to sudden external forces is crucial.

Pipe:

Tensile Strength:

Tensile strength refers to a pipe's ability to withstand pulling or stretching forces without breaking. Pipes with high tensile strength can resist deformation and failure under tension, making them suitable for applications subjected to pulling forces.

Yield Strength:

Yield strength is the stress at which a pipe begins to deform plastically. Pipes with high yield strength can withstand significant loads without permanent deformation, making them suitable for applications requiring resistance to bending and twisting forces.

Compressive Strength:

Compressive strength is the ability of a pipe to withstand crushing forces without collapsing or deforming. Pipes with high compressive strength can support heavy loads and maintain their structural integrity under compression, making them suitable for applications subjected to pressure from external forces.

Burst Strength:

Burst strength is the maximum pressure a pipe can withstand before bursting or rupturing. Pipes with high burst strength can withstand internal pressure from fluids or gases without failure, ensuring the safe and efficient transportation of liquids or gases in various industries.

Flexural Strength:

Flexural strength is the ability of a pipe to resist bending without fracturing or breaking. Pipes with high flexural strength can maintain their structural integrity and shape under bending or flexing forces, making them suitable for applications subjected to bending loads or deflections.

Fatigue Strength:

Fatigue strength represents a pipe's ability to resist failure under repeated cyclic loading or stress cycles. High fatigue-strength pipes can withstand cyclic stresses and loads without experiencing fatigue failure, ensuring long-term durability and reliability in dynamic applications.

In Summary:

Structurally, tubes and pipes possess several distinctive characteristics. Tubes are known for their precise dimensional tolerances and finer surface finish, while pipes often have standard dimensions and a rougher surface. The manufacturing of tubes involves welded or seamless methods, resulting in their diverse applications across various industries, including construction, automotive, and aerospace. On the other hand, pipes primarily involve welded or seamless processes for transporting liquids or gases, making them pivotal to multiple industrial and commercial settings.

Notably, the inherent benefits of tubes revolve around their superior strength and enhanced durability, making them the ideal choice for structural and mechanical purposes. On the other hand, pipelines are primarily valued for their efficiency in transporting fluids or gases, highlighting their indispensable role in diverse industrial domains.

Recognizing these fundamental differences is crucial in selecting the optimal component for a specific engineering or construction project. It underscores the importance of choosing the most appropriate form based on specific functional requirements and operational demands, enshrining the pivotal role of tubes and pipes in diverse industries.

Alliance Tubular Products is the only tube mill in the country that can produce your specialty sections and metric shapes without the expense and lead times associated with new tooling.

Using our universal tooling rolling technology, Alliance Tubular can produce virtually any ERW square between 1.5" - 5.0" (38mm - 127mm) sq and any rectangle between 1.5" x 2.0" - 4.0" x 6.0" (102mm x 152mm).

Alliance Tubular Products also offers value-added services, including custom bundle sizes, precut lengths, and transportation.

Contact Alliance today – 219.427.5400.