Over the years, manufacturing processes have changed and been modified, due mostly to technology and advances in machinery and equipment brought by the current era. This has allowed processes to be streamlined, better productions to be achieved, and costs to be reduced due to increased production.
Do you know what the manufacturing processes for stainless steel tubes were in the past and what they are now? Or do you have any idea of the different processes that exist, their advantages, and what they are called? In the following paragraphs, we tell you more about these processes, as well as the advantages of each one.
How are stainless steel tubes manufactured?
In the past, during the 19th century, a rolling technique was used where the processes involved in this technique were long and complicated, since, first, stainless steel sheets were produced and joined in cross sections, then, through rolled steel plates, they were circulated with the help of rollers. Afterwards, they were welded with the help of a seam in a forging process.
How are stainless steel tubes manufactured today?
Thanks to technological advances and innovative processes, the evolution of stainless steel manufacturing has also advanced significantly, to the point of being able to carry out the manufacturing process of stainless steel tubes with or without welding and not having to first manufacture the sheets to subsequently make the tubes.
One of the most commonly used processes today is carried out by melting the steel, together with all the other necessary materials to make it stainless, such as chrome or nickel, to then be introduced at the end of a container with a circular shape and, through pressure, it is passed through a die that pierces them and turns them into a tube that comes out through a hole with the desired dimensions.
Stainless steel tube manufacturing processes
Although there are more processes than those described below, these are the most common, or at least the most used, due to their approximation to the characteristics that are needed in the industry today.
Seamless stainless steel tubes
These tubes are made with the technique mentioned before. The process is basically to make the tube from scratch and for the whole process to complete itself. That's why it doesn't have seams, because they are not welded after the cooling process has taken place, they are already joined in the same technique.
These can be cold drawn, which enhances the physical properties of the tube, reduces machining time, with much more aesthetic finishes, high weight resistance and superior elasticity.
While the hot finish process, which is made from a hot bar that spins and pierces the tube's hole, is used to make seamless tube more profitable with a greater tolerance range, much more precise diameters, a better price-product ratio and greater ease of machining.
Seamed stainless steel tubes
On the contrary, this type of manufacturing has a visible seam, as a turning is done or, with the help of a roller machine, a circular, square or any other shape is made, to later be able to be welded.
This process, in general, is recommended when the tubes do not have a standard length and require more specific shapes or diameters and can be with a longitudinal seam or with helical or spiral welding.
Depending on the characteristics and purpose of the stainless steel tubes you plan to make, the technique will vary. Therefore, knowing what these techniques are will help you know which one is suitable for the tubes you are going to use.
To learn more about the processes or techniques that are most beneficial to you, contact us or request a quote so that you can get the material you need. We look forward to hearing from you!
