In a variety of products and applications, stainless steel tubing plays an essential role. This metal is able to reliably transport hot gasses or liquids without degrading, which makes it a key part of many industries and infrastructures – everything from manufacturing equipment and automobile mufflers to kitchenware and food processing equipment. Stainless steel tubes are also available in a wide range of sizes and shapes, as well as varying types and grades of stainless. Whether you are looking for standard stainless steel tube or something more specific, there are a variety of options to meet your needs and budget.
The most commonly used stainless steel grade for tubing is type 304. This material has excellent corrosion resistance, and it can be welded easily. It is also ideal for a variety of temperature applications and environments. There are also several variations of this grade, such as 316L. This variant has low carbon content, which helps avoid harmful carbide precipitation during welding. 316L is often preferred for applications that require minimal metallic contamination, such as pharmaceutical or food processing equipment.
Round tubing is another popular option, especially in industrial applications that require strength and durability. This steel is easy to machine and can withstand high levels of pressure. Stainless steel round tube is available in a wide range of diameters, and it can be fabricated into a variety of shapes. There are also a number of grades and alloys to choose from, depending on the specific application.
Stainless steel square tubing is an attractive option for architectural and structural applications. This tubing has four equal-length sides and is typically manufactured from a range of alloys to provide the necessary strength and other mechanical properties. This tubing is ideally suited for use in a number of industrial and commercial applications, including structural support design, metal framing and shelving.
In addition to being durable, this material has a low maintenance requirement and is highly customizable. This makes it a popular choice for businesses that want to improve their productivity or increase the functionality of their facilities. Stainless steel tubing is also an excellent option for applications in which space limitations and budgets are important considerations.
When selecting a stainless steel supplier, it is important to ensure that the company you choose has a wide inventory and an extensive selection of stainless tubing types. At Ryerson, we offer one of the largest inventories of stainless steel tubing in North America. Our extensive product line includes a wide variety of diameters, wall thicknesses and shapes to suit a diverse range of applications, including chemical & petrochemical, oil & gas, power generation and piping systems. Our inventory consists of a large selection of fractional, hypodermic and metric stainless steel tubing. All of our stainless steel tubing is sized using an outside diameter (OD) and wall thickness (WT), and the sizing specifications are clearly marked. To learn more about our tubing offerings, contact us today.