Different types of hollow steel pipes
Hollow steel pipes can be divided according to multiple dimensions such as production process, material, cross-sectional shape, wall thickness and purpose, and each type has unique performance and application scenarios.
1. Classification by production process
- Seamless steel pipe: Made by perforation hot rolling and other processes, without welds, high strength and good sealing, suitable for high-pressure fluid transportation and load-bearing structures.
- Welded steel pipe: The steel plate is rolled into shape using welding technology, with low cost and flexible process, and is used for building decoration and simple piping systems.
2. Classification by material
- Carbon steel pipe: Such as Q235 carbon steel, affordable, suitable for ordinary load-bearing structures such as scaffolding and shelves.
- Low alloy steel pipe: Such as Q345, higher strength, used in dynamic load scenarios such as mechanical parts and bridge supports.
- Stainless steel pipe: Such as 304 stainless steel, strong corrosion resistance, commonly used in outdoor decoration and food machinery.
- Aluminum alloy steel pipe: Lightweight and corrosion-resistant, suitable for aerospace and transportation fields.
3. Classification by cross-sectional shape
- Round pipes: 20–600mm outer diameter, excellent torsional stiffness, commonly used in fluid transportation and mechanical shaft components.
- Square pipes: 20×20mm to 400×400mm side length, sharp edges and corners, suitable for precise docking frames such as building curtain wall keels.
- Rectangular pipes: The length-to-width ratio is mostly 2:1 or 3:2 (such as 40×20mm), with outstanding bending resistance, used for ventilation ducts and elevator rails.
- Special-shaped pipes: such as oval, D-shaped or hexagonal pipes, require customized molds, and are used in furniture decorative lines and automation equipment rails.
4. Classification by wall thickness
- Thin-walled steel pipes: 1–3mm wall thickness, light weight and good flexibility, suitable for light-load scenarios such as guardrails and clothes drying racks.
- Medium-thick wall steel pipes: 3–10mm wall thickness, balance strength and cost, used for stair handrails and fitness equipment.
- Thick-walled steel pipe: 10–20 mm thick, strong pressure bearing capacity, suitable for high-pressure pipelines and heavy machinery.
5. Classification by Applications
- Steel pipe for components: used to manufacture structural parts such as bridges and pillars to improve overall strength and stability.
- Steel pipe for pipelines: saves weight when transporting fluids, taking into account impact resistance and corrosion resistance.
- Decorative steel pipe: beautiful appearance, serving building decoration and light furniture.
- Special industrial steel pipe: such as cable casing or aerospace components, adapted to insulation or weight reduction requirements.
