In the context of stainless steel commodity markets, stainless steel tubing and pipes products are one of the most common forms that you will come across.
The demand for such products across a number of industries including, automotive, pharmaceuticals and aerospace has led to several tubing companies producing this in order to meet the requirements of consumers.
Let us now take a look at what are the most durable stainless steel tubing in the world.
The most durable stainless steel tubing options are grade 304 and 316L
The most durable tubing options are grade 304 and 316L but you may also want to look into some other stainless steel alloys.
Grade 304 is the standard “18/8” stainless steel; it is the most versatile and most widely used stainless steel, available in a wider range of products, forms and finishes than any other.
It has excellent forming and welding characteristics.
The balanced austenitic structure of grade 304 enables it to be severely deep drawn without intermediate annealing, which has made this grade dominant in the manufacture of drawn stainless parts such as sinks, hollow-ware and saucepans.
Grade 304L, the low carbon version of 304, does not require post-weld annealing and so is extensively used in heavy gauge components (over about 6mm thickness).
Grade 304H with its higher carbon content finds application at elevated temperatures. The austenitic structure also gives these grades excellent toughness, even down to cryogenic temperatures.
Other grades such as duplex and super duplex, high nickel alloys, heat resistant stainless steels, 904L pipes can be sourced internationally accordance with the customer requirements.
Stainless steel tubes (OD 1-9/16″) supplied by us are industry standard approved and certified.
Grade 304 pipe is the most commonly used durable stainless steel tubing
Grade 304 is the most commonly used durable stainless steel tubing. It has a range of mechanical properties that make it well suited for a wide range of applications, and can be processed into a wide range of shapes.
Grade 304 is the most commonly used stainless steel alloy. It has a range of mechanical properties that make it well suited for a wide range of applications, and can be processed into a wide range of shapes.
Grade 304 is non-magnetic and exhibits excellent corrosion resistance in mildly corrosive environments such as those containing air, water and most mild chemicals.
The material is suitable for use in applications where heat resistance, durability and strength are required. This grade is often specified for kitchen sinks, cutlery, saucepans, washing machine drums and various other cooking appliances.
Typical applications of grade 304 stainless steel tubing:
- Barbecue grills;
- Bins;
- Architectural panelling;
- Cooking utensils;
- Food processing equipment;
- Hospital equipment;
- Kitchen benches;
- Sinks;
- Saucepans.
Grade 316L durable stainless steel tubing is used in the manufacture of medical devices and marine applications
Grade 316L durable stainless steel tubing is used in the manufacture of medical devices and marine applications.
Grade 316L has superior corrosion resistance to 304 stainless steel tubing, and is often used in medical and marine applications. Type 316 stainless steel has good strength and excellent corrosion resistance, including in marine or extremely corrosive environments.
It is stronger, though less malleable and machinable than 304 pipes, 316 maintains its properties in cryogenic or high temperatures.
316L stainless steel pipe is an extra low carbon version of 316 SS tubes, and while both grades are very similar, 316 “L” is ideal for welding applications, as it is less susceptible to weld decay.
The low carbon content decreases carbide precipitation that sensitizes the grain boundaries of welds in these materials. Due to the addition of molybdenum in the composition, Grade 316 stainless steel possesses increased resistance to chemical attack from acetic, tartaric, formic, citric and sulphurous acids.
Other options include duplex and super duplex durable stainless steel tubing
Duplex stainless steel tubing is a precipitation-hardened alloy that has the properties of both carbon steel and stainless steel. It has high strength, excellent corrosion resistance and hardness, and good wear resistance.
The material is not susceptible to pitting, crevices, or cracks when exposed to aggressive environments, making it ideal for medical devices.
Super duplex stainless steel tubing has many of the properties of duplex stainless steel pipes with improved corrosion resistance. In addition to its corrosion resistance, super duplex is also highly resistant to many chemicals and biologics that may be found in medical applications.
Duplex stainless steel is actually two types of stainless steel that are welded together. When duplex stainless steel is heat-treated, it is less likely to form a hard layer of chromium carbide (a potential cancer-causing substance) than the standard grade.
You can choose the grade of stainless steel tube for durability depending on your needs
There are many types of stainless steel tubing products. Each type has different properties, but all have the same basic metal composition.
There are a few exceptions to this rule, but most fall into one of these general classes:
Austenitic stainless steel tubing: These steels contain at least 16 percent chromium and at least 6 percent nickel. They also contain some carbon, but it is very little compared to other alloys of steel, at most 0.08% by weight. Austenitic stainless steels are not hardenable by heat treatment; however, they can be strengthened by cold working. The most common austenitic stainless steel is Type 304 (also known as 18/8).
Ferritic stainless steel tubing: These steels contain between 10 percent and 27 percent chromium with less than 0.1 percent carbon; they contain enough carbon to form martensite after heat treatment, but not enough to become hardenable through air-cooling from high temperatures. Ferritic steels are magnetic. They are corrosion-resistant in dry environments, but not as corrosion-resistant as austenitic grades in mildly corrosive environments.
