Stainless steel is a versatile material consisting of an alloy of steel and a small percentage of chromium — the addition of chromium adds to the corrosion resistance of the material, a feature that earned its name from stainless steel. Since stainless steel is also low-maintenance, oxidation-resistant and does not affect other metals it comes into contact with, it is often used in a wide range of applications, particularly in the manufacture of piping and tubing. Stainless steel piping is divided into several categories based on the end-use of the pipe.

Often pipes and tubes are hard to classify and appear to be differentiated on the basis of feature. Stainless steel is also distinguished by type and grade in addition to these classifications. Type 304 stainless steel is a common selection for tubing and piping applications as it is highly chemical-and corrosion-resistant. Stainless steel type 304L circumvents this problem as it has a lower carbon content limit and can therefore be subjected to applications for welding and higher temperature. Certain types of stainless steel often have additives (such as nickel or molybdenum) that enhance clearly desirable traits.

Stainless Steel Tubing for General Corrosion-Resistance-Ferritic or martensitic steel forms (the ones often made of chromium) are either heat-treated or annealed. Austenitic Stainless steels (those with high levels of chromium and nickel) give far greater resistance and can be used in the same general conditions as ferritic and martensitic forms.

Stainless Steel Aircraft Tubing-Due to their heat and corrosion resistance, stainless steel like chromium and nickel are used in highly specific aircraft applications. Used in applications requiring high-strength aircraft tubing in stainless steel can be work-hardened or welded, while work-hardened parts should not be used with certain forms of corrosive substances. Low-carbon types of stainless steel are a common choice for welded parts. Another type of aircraft tubing is used in aerospace applications as fuel injection lines and hydraulic systems and tends to be small. It is often manufactured from types Stainless Steel 304 Seamless Tubes because of the steel’s high-strength, corrosion-resistance, and ductility.

Stainless Steel Pressure Tubes- This type of stainless steel tubes is made from either solid chromium or a chromium and nickel combination. Types of pressure tubes include Stainless Steel Seamless Tubes and welded tubes, electric fusion welded tubes for high-pressure applications, large-diameter welded tubes for corrosive or high-temperature applications, and seamless and welded ferritic and austenitic stainless steel tube.

Stainless Steel Sanitary Tubing- Sanitation is at high priority for applications where stainless steel tubing or piping has to come into contact with food and other sensitive materials. Stainless steel sanitary tubing is used in such applications as it is highly resistant to rust, does not tarnish, and is easy to maintain. Various tolerances can be achieved for specific applications. The grade typically used for these applications is ASTM A270.

Stainless Steel Mechanical Tubing- In applications such as cylinders, bearings, and other hollow formed parts, stainless steel mechanical tubing is typically used. Tubing can be manipulated to have a variety of cross-sectional shapes, such as square and rectangular, in addition to the more traditional, round tubing cross-section. ASTM grades A511 and A554 are usually used for mechanical tubing.