Stainless Steel Tube: Grades, Sizes & Industrial Applications Explained
Stainless steel tube is used across a wide range of industrial environments where strength, durability and resistance to corrosion are important. From process pipework and manufacturing equipment to fluid handling systems, choosing the correct tube specification can have a significant impact on the reliability and performance of an installation.
At Aston Fittings, we supply pipe and tube for industrial requirements, with options available in different material grades and specifications. Our range can accommodate pipe from 1/8″ to 56″ bore, with both seamless and welded options available.
Stainless steel tube is manufactured from corrosion-resistant steel alloys and is available in different grades, dimensions and forms to suit the intended application.
Although the terms pipe and tube are sometimes used interchangeably, specifications can differ depending on how the product will be used. The required diameter, wall thickness, material grade, manufacturing method and relevant specification should therefore all be considered before ordering.
Stainless steel is particularly useful where pipework or tubing may encounter moisture, demanding operating environments or substances that could cause less resistant materials to deteriorate.
Common stainless steel tube grades
The appropriate grade depends on factors such as the operating environment, temperature, pressure and media being transported.
Two grades commonly encountered in industrial applications are 304 and 316 stainless steel.
304 stainless steel
304 is a widely used stainless steel grade offering good corrosion resistance and versatility. It can be suitable for many general industrial and manufacturing applications where particularly aggressive conditions are not expected.
316 stainless steel
316 stainless steel offers enhanced corrosion resistance and is frequently considered for more demanding environments. It can be particularly useful where equipment is exposed to corrosive substances or challenging environmental conditions.
Selecting between stainless steel grades should not simply come down to cost. The complete operating conditions and required specification need to be considered to ensure the material is appropriate for the application.
Understanding stainless steel tube sizes
Selecting the right stainless steel tube involves more than choosing a diameter. Depending on the system, considerations can include:
- bore or outside diameter
- wall thickness
- required length
- material grade
- operating pressure
- operating temperature
- seamless or welded construction
- connection and fitting requirements
- applicable industry specifications
Aston Fittings can produce pipe from 1/8″ through to 56″ bore in different grades of material and to specific requirements. Both seamless and welded products are available.
Seamless vs welded stainless steel tube
One important consideration is whether an application requires seamless or welded material.
Seamless tube is produced without a longitudinal welded seam. It can be specified for applications where its particular manufacturing characteristics are required.
Welded tube is manufactured by forming material and joining it along a seam. Modern welded products are used extensively across industrial applications and can provide an effective solution where the relevant specification permits them.
Neither option should be selected purely because one is assumed to be universally better than the other. The operating conditions, required standards and project specification should determine whether seamless or welded material is appropriate.
Industrial applications for stainless steel tube
The combination of strength, corrosion resistance and availability in numerous specifications makes stainless steel tube suitable for a broad range of industries and systems.
Process and fluid handling
Stainless steel tube can form part of systems designed to transport liquids and gases. Correct material selection is particularly important where the transported media or surrounding environment presents a corrosion risk.
A system may also incorporate stainless steel compression fittings, stainless steel threaded fittings, stainless steel ball valves or other components depending on its design.
Manufacturing and engineering
Industrial manufacturers may require stainless steel tube for machinery, production equipment, fabricated assemblies and other engineered systems.
Where bespoke components are needed alongside standard pipework products, processes such as pipe fabrication, sub contract machining and CNC machining can also form part of the wider manufacturing requirement.
Instrumentation systems
Smaller-bore stainless steel tubing is widely associated with instrumentation and control applications. These systems can incorporate stainless steel manifolds, valves and single ferrule fittings or twin ferrule fittings to create secure connections between components.
The precise tubing and connection method should always be selected according to the system specification and operating conditions.
High and low pressure systems
Pipework requirements vary considerably according to operating pressure. A low pressure installation may require a very different combination of tube, valves and low pressure threaded fittings from a more demanding system using high pressure threaded fittings or 3000lb fittings.
Considering the system as a whole helps ensure individual components are appropriately matched.
Water and industrial installations
Stainless steel can also be used for water-related pipework where corrosion resistance and durability are important. Depending on the installation, stainless steel water pipe fittings, press fittings or other connection methods may be incorporated into the system.
What should you consider when specifying stainless steel tube?
Start with the actual operating requirements rather than selecting a product based solely on its dimensions.
The material grade needs to be compatible with both the surrounding environment and whatever will pass through the tube. Pressure and temperature requirements must also be established, together with the relevant dimensions and wall thickness.
Connection methods are another important consideration. Tube may need to integrate with flanges, butt weld fittings, hydraulic fittings, screwed fittings or compression fittings elsewhere in the installation.
It is also worth considering maintenance and the wider system design. Correctly specified pipe, tube, fittings, supports and associated components can make installation and ongoing servicing considerably more straightforward.
Supporting stainless steel tube correctly
Pipework should be properly supported as part of the overall installation design. Depending on the application, this could involve pipe support brackets, tube support brackets or tube support clamps.
Suitable support helps maintain the intended positioning of the system and should be considered during the design stage rather than as an afterthought.
The spacing, type and specification of supports will depend on factors including tube dimensions, system layout, loads and operating conditions.
Choosing stainless steel tube for your application
There is no single stainless steel tube specification suitable for every industrial application. Grade, size, construction and associated fittings all need to be considered in relation to the intended service conditions.
A clear understanding of the required bore, material, specification and whether seamless or welded construction is needed makes it easier to identify an appropriate product.
At Aston Fittings, we can supply pipe and tube from 1/8″ to 56″ bore in different material grades and to specific requirements, including seamless and welded options.
Speak to Aston Fittings
If you need stainless steel tube, pipe or associated fittings for an industrial application, speak to our team about your requirements. We can help you identify suitable products based on the dimensions, material grade and specification required for your project.
Explore our pipe and tube range or contact Aston Fittings on +44 (0)121 778 6001 to discuss your requirements.
