Manufacturing Process of Stainless Steel Pipes: Seamless vs. Welded

The manufacturing process of stainless steel pipes involves two primary methods: seamless and welded. Both methods have distinct characteristics and applications based on their material properties and the intended use of the pipes.

• Seamless Stainless Steel Pipes: These pipes are produced by extrusion, rotary piercing, and elongation. The lack of a weld seam results in a stronger pipe with uniform properties throughout its length. Seamless pipes are ideal for high-pressure and high-temperature applications due to their consistent structural integrity. Commonly used in the chemical and petrochemical industries, they are especially suited for environments that require high reliability and resistance to stress corrosion cracking (SCC).

• Welded Stainless Steel Pipes: Welded pipes are made by rolling stainless steel sheets or plates into cylindrical shapes, then welding the edges together. This method is more cost-effective and allows for the production of larger diameter pipes. While welded pipes might have slightly reduced strength at the weld zone compared to seamless pipes, advancements in welding techniques, such as TIG (Tungsten Inert Gas) and laser welding, have significantly improved their performance. Welded pipes are widely used in less demanding applications, such as water supply systems, plumbing, and HVAC systems.