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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).

Definition and Basic Characteristics:

Steel tubes and pipes are crucial in many industries, from construction and infrastructure to automotive and manufacturing. These versatile components are essential for various applications, providing structural support, fluid conveyance, and efficient material transport. Understanding steel tubes and pipes' definition and crucial characteristics is paramount to appreciating their significance in various sectors.

Definition of Tubes:

Steel tubing refers to a hollow, long, and cylindrical steel product that is often used for structural applications. It is made from steel and can come in various shapes, sizes, and thicknesses, depending on the intended use. Steel tubing is commonly used in construction, infrastructure, automotive, and manufacturing industries for its strength, durability, and versatility. It is produced through various manufacturing processes, including welding, seamless extrusion, and other forming methods, to create a wide range of products that can be used for structural support, fluid transportation, and other industrial applications.

Definition of Pipes:

A steel pipe is a cylindrical hollow section or tubular structure made of steel, primarily used for conveying fluids, such as gases and liquids, and for structural applications. Steel pipes come in various sizes, shapes, and specifications, and they are commonly manufactured using different methods, including seamless, welded, and cast processes. They are known for their high tensile strength, durability, and corrosion resistance, making them suitable for various applications in industries such as oil and gas, construction, infrastructure, and manufacturing.

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.

Tube Manufacturing Process:

Tubular goods play a crucial role in diverse industries, fulfilling various applications with unique properties and capabilities. To fully comprehend the manufacturing process behind these tubular goods, it is essential to delve into each type of production method in detail.

Tube Formation from Flat Rolled Steel:

In this process, a flat strip of metal or slit coil is passed through a series of rollers that gradually shape it into a cylindrical form. This method is commonly used for producing welded tubes.

The Alliance Family of Companies is prepared to support all client-tailored solutions for tubular goods. We have an industry-leading inventory of hot rolled steel, hot rolled pickled and oiled, hot rolled pickled dry, cold rolled steel, and all coated products.

With extensive mill relationships nationwide, Alliance can source quality steel to match your requirements.

Welding Process:

Welded tubes are manufactured by joining two edges of a flat strip or plate through various welding techniques such as high-frequency induction, electric resistance, or submerged arc welding. This process creates a seam along the length of the tube.

Seamless Tube Production:

Seamless tubes are created without any welding seams. The production process involves either extruding a solid billet through a piercing rod to create a hollow tube or using a rotary piercing process to produce a hollow shell, which is then elongated and rolled to the desired dimensions.

Cold Drawing Process:

Cold drawing often produces tubes with precise dimensions and improved surface finish. In this process, a seamless tube is drawn through a die to reduce its diameter and wall thickness, resulting in a smoother, more uniform tube.

Mandrel Mill Process:

The mandrel mill process produces seamless tubes with a wide range of diameters and wall thicknesses. In this method, a solid round billet is heated and pierced to form a hollow shell. The shell is then elongated and rolled over a mandrel to achieve the desired dimensions and surface finish.

Extrusion Process:

Extrusion is another method for manufacturing seamless tubes. It involves pushing a heated billet through a die to create a tube with a consistent cross-section. Extrusion is commonly used for producing tubes with complex cross-sectional shapes and specific dimensional requirements.

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.

Pipe Manufacturing Process:

Pipe products are crucial in diverse industries, fulfilling various applications with unique properties and capabilities. To fully comprehend the manufacturing process behind these products and understand the difference between tube and pipe, it is essential to delve into each type of production method in detail.

Seamless Pipe Manufacturing:

Billet Heating: The process begins with heating a steel billet to a high temperature.

Piercing: The heated billet is pierced to create a hollow cylindrical shell.

Sizing: The shell is elongated and rolled to the desired dimensions using a mandrel or plug mill.

Heat Treatment: The seamless pipe undergoes heat treatment to improve its mechanical properties and remove residual stresses.

Welded Pipe Manufacturing:

Coil Preparation:

Steel coils are initially prepared and fed into the manufacturing line.

Forming:

The steel strip is shaped into a cylindrical tube using various forming techniques, including roll forming and bending.

Welding:

The edges of the steel strip are welded together using one of several methods, such as high-frequency induction welding, electric resistance welding, or submerged arc welding.

Sizing and Straightening:

The welded pipe undergoes sizing to achieve the desired dimensions and straightening to correct deformations.

Cutting and Finishing:

Depending on the application requirements, the pipe is cut to the required length and subjected to finishing processes such as deburring, inspection, and surface treatment.

Longitudinal Submerged Arc Welding (LSAW):

This method is commonly used to produce large-diameter pipes. It involves using a submerged arc welding process to join the edges of a steel plate, forming a longitudinal seam, which is then welded from the inside and outside.

Overview of Pipe Manufacturing Methods (welded, seamless, etc.):

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

Seamless Pipe Manufacturing:

Extrusion Process: In this method, a solid cylindrical billet is heated and pushed or pulled through a die to form a hollow tube. Seamless pipes manufactured through extrusion have uniform structure and properties, making them suitable for applications requiring high pressure and high strength.

Welded Pipe Manufacturing:

Electric Resistance Welding (ERW):

This process involves applying electrical current to the edges of a steel strip or plate, heating them to a melting point, and then forging them together. ERW is commonly used for manufacturing pipes for various applications, including water pipelines, oil and gas transportation, and structural uses.

Submerged Arc Welding (SAW):

SAW utilizes a continuous wire feed and granular flux to create a protective layer during welding. It is often employed for producing large-diameter pipes for high strength and durability applications.

High-Frequency Induction Welding (HFIW):

HFIW uses high-frequency induction heating to join the edges of a steel strip or plate, followed by forging the heated edges together under pressure. This method is commonly used for manufacturing pipes and tubes for various industrial applications, including oil and gas transportation.

Tubes play a crucial role in various industries with their wide range of applications. The versatility of tubular products is extensive, from agriculture to automotive and transportation, construction to fitness equipment, and steel service centers.

Let's explore how tubes are utilized in these industries and the benefits they bring.

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.

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:

  • Efficient Transportation: Pipes enable the efficient transportation of oil and gas over long distances, ensuring a steady supply to various distribution points and end-users.
  • Corrosion Resistance: Certain types of pipes, such as those made of corrosion-resistant materials, ensure the integrity and safety of oil and gas transmission, reducing the risk of leaks and environmental hazards.
  • High Pressure and Temperature Capability: Pipes designed to withstand high pressure and temperature conditions contribute to the efficient and safe delivery of oil and gas products to refineries and processing plants.

Construction Industry:

  • Structural Support: Pipes serve as critical components in the construction of buildings and infrastructure, providing structural support for frameworks, columns, and beams.
  • Plumbing and HVAC Systems: Pipes are essential for plumbing systems, facilitating water distribution, and removing wastewater in residential and commercial buildings. They also play a vital role in HVAC systems for efficient temperature control.
  • Durable and Long-lasting: Pipes made of durable materials offer longevity and require minimal maintenance, contributing to the overall integrity and longevity of construction projects.

Chemical Industry:

  • Chemical Transport: Pipes facilitate the safe and efficient transport of various chemicals within chemical processing plants, ensuring the smooth operation of manufacturing processes.
  • Corrosion and Chemical Resistance: Certain pipes resist corrosion and chemical reactions, ensuring the safe handling and distribution of corrosive chemicals and substances.
  • High-Temperature Capability: Pipes designed to withstand high temperatures are crucial for transporting hot liquids and gases in chemical processing operations.

Water Treatment Industry:

  • Safe Water Distribution: Pipes ensure the safe and hygienic distribution of potable water to residential, commercial, and industrial areas, meeting the essential needs of communities and industries.
  • Wastewater Management: Pipes facilitate the efficient disposal of wastewater from households and industries, contributing to environmental sustainability and public health.
  • Corrosion Prevention: Corrosion-resistant pipes used in water treatment plants help maintain water quality and prevent contamination, ensuring the longevity and efficiency of water treatment processes.

Mining Industry:

  • Material Transport: Pipes enable the efficient transport of minerals, ores, and slurries from mining sites to processing facilities, contributing to the smooth operation of mining operations.
  • Durable and Wear-resistant: Pipes designed to be durable and wear-resistant are essential for handling abrasive materials in mining processes, ensuring minimal downtime and maintenance.
  • Versatile Applications: Pipes find versatile applications in the mining industry, including ventilation systems, water distribution, and material handling, contributing to the overall efficiency and safety of mining operations.

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