Seamless vs Welded pipe

Seamless pipes/tubes(SMLS) and welded pipes are two common types of steel pipes. There are some significant differences between them, including manufacturing processes, performance characteristics and applicable fields. The following are the main differences between seamless and welded pipes:

1. Manufacturing process

Seamless Pipe: Seamless pipe is made by heating, punching and rolling from a steel billet, so there are no welded joints. This manufacturing method ensures smooth and uniform surfaces on the inside and outside of the pipe, providing better fluid flow and corrosion resistance.

Welded pipe: Welded pipe is made by rolling steel plates into a tube shape and then joining them by welding. This means that the welded pipe has one or more long welds along its length. These welds may introduce weaknesses in some applications requiring additional corrosion protection.

2. Wall thickness

The precision of seamless pipes is low and the wall thickness is relatively thick. The steel pipe of welded pipe has high precision and the wall thickness is usually thin.

3. Price
Seamless pipes are more expensive than welded pipes because the production process of seamless steel pipes is more complex and their costs are higher.

4. Performance characteristics

Seamless Pipe: Because there are no welded joints, seamless pipe generally performs better in high temperature, high pressure, and corrosive environments. They are suitable for applications requiring high strength and high corrosion resistance, such as oil and gas transmission, chemical industry and high-pressure boilers. 

Welded Pipe: The performance of welded pipe often depends on the quality of the weld. Although they can be used in many applications, welded joints can become a potential source of corrosion and weakness. However, with proper welding techniques and corrosion protection, the risk of these problems can be reduced. In terms of corrosion resistance, pressure bearing, high temperature resistance and other properties, seamless pipes are better than welded pipes.

5. Applicable fields

Seamless pipes: Due to their high-performance characteristics, seamless pipes are often used in applications that require a high degree of reliability and safety, such as nuclear power plants, high-temperature and high-pressure vessels, and chemical equipment.

Welded Pipe: Welded pipe is suitable for some general engineering and low pressure applications such as building structures, hydraulic transmission and general piping systems. They are usually more affordable.

Seamless pipes and welded pipes each have advantages in different application areas. When selecting pipe materials, engineering needs, performance requirements, and cost factors need to be considered to determine which type of steel pipe is more suitable for a specific project.

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