Why are seamless pipes more expensive than welded pipes?

The reasons why seamless pipes are more expensive than welded pipes can be mainly attributed to the following aspects:

1. Production process and material cost
The main reason why seamless pipes are more expensive than welded pipes is the complexity of their production process and the particularity of raw materials. ‌

First, the production process of seamless pipes is more complicated than that of welded pipes. Seamless pipes are made by perforating, hot rolling, cold rolling or cold drawing a whole piece of steel billet, without welding joints. This production process requires higher technology and equipment investment, so the cost is higher. In contrast, welded pipes are made by curling and welding strip steel. The production process is relatively simple, and continuous and automated production can be achieved, with high material utilization and relatively low cost. ‌

Second, the raw material requirements of seamless pipes are higher. Seamless pipes usually use high-quality steel as raw materials, and the cost of these steels is higher than that of materials such as strip steel used in welded steel pipes. Welded pipes can use a wider range of materials, including recycled steel. High-quality seamless pipe raw materials increase the production cost of seamless pipes. ‌

2. Performance and use
Superior performance: Seamless pipes are superior to welded pipes in terms of performance. The strength, pressure resistance, corrosion resistance and sealing of seamless pipes are better than those of welded pipes because their internal structure is tighter and has no obvious defects, which improves the strength and pressure resistance of the pipe. This performance advantage also makes seamless pipes more suitable for high-pressure, high-temperature and high-demand working conditions, such as oil, natural gas, chemical, aerospace, nuclear power and other fields.

Wide range of uses and high requirements:
Due to the superior performance of seamless steel pipes, it is often used in occasions with high requirements for pipe performance, such as high-pressure fluid transportation, high-temperature steam pipelines, etc. These applications have strict requirements on the quality and performance of pipes, further pushing up the market price of seamless steel pipes.

3. Market supply and demand relationship
Relatively low production capacity: Compared with welded pipes, the production capacity of seamless steel pipes is relatively low. This is mainly due to factors such as its complex production process, large equipment investment and long production cycle. The lower production capacity makes the supply of seamless steel pipes relatively small in the market, thereby pushing up its price.

Stable and growing demand: With the acceleration of industrialization and urbanization, the demand for high-quality pipes continues to grow. As an important type of pipe, the market demand for seamless steel pipes has also maintained steady growth. This stable and growing demand further supports the price level of seamless steel pipes.

Conclusion:

The reasons why seamless steel pipes are more expensive than welded steel pipes mainly include complex production processes, high material costs, superior performance and wide applications, and tight market supply and demand. These factors work together to make the price of seamless steel pipes relatively high in the market. However, it is worth noting that with the advancement of technology and the intensification of market competition, the production cost of seamless steel pipes is expected to gradually decrease, and their prices may also be adjusted accordingly.

Read more: SCH 40 seamless pipe or Seamless tube manufacturing process