Welded stainless steel tubes
Welded stainless steel tubes are made by welding a seam along the edge of a long stainless steel sheet that has been rolled into a tube. The seam makes these tubes unsuitable for high-pressure functions, however they are cheaper than seamless tubes and therefore a popular choice. Kamet specializes in the smaller tubing sizes which are most often used to house cable sensors. Choices in material such as SS316L (material number: 1.4401/1.4404), and SS304 (material number : 1.4304/1.4306) ensure that our welded tubing is suited to a wide range of industrial applications.
Types of welded stainless steel tubing and their applications
The specific type of alloy used for the welded tubes determines for which applications it is most suited. Kamet’s welded stainless steel tubing is available in five chromium-nickel alloys:
- Stainless steel 316L (material number: 1.4401/1.4404)
- Stainless steel 316Ti (material number: 1.4571)
- Stainless steel 305 (material number: 1.4401/1.4404)
- Stainless steel 304 (material number : 1.4304/1.4306)
Stainless steel 316L (SS316L – material number: 1.4401/1.4404)
SS316L is the low carbon version of SS316, the second most commonly used commercial grade of stainless steel. Being low in carbon, makes these welded tubes suited for use in the food industry. A unique characteristic of SS316L is that it maintains excellent corrosion resistance, not only in normal atmospheric conditions, but also in saltwater environments and industries where there is the hazard of chlorination. Like most austenitic stainless steel, it performs well at sub-zero temperatures too. It is less suited to high temperature environments. SS316L was initially developed for use in paper mills, SS316L welded tubes can now be found in food processing, oil, gas, petrochemicals and construction industries.
Stainless steel 316Ti (SS316Ti – material number: 1.4571)
SS316Ti (Ti = Titanium) is a stabilized variant of SS316 and is particularly suited to high temperature environments. (over 800°C). The main advantage of SS316Ti welded tubes is that it can be held at higher temperatures for longer periods without precipitation. Furthermore, it maintains the other characteristics of standard SS316.
Stainless steel 305 (SS305 -material number: 1.4401/1.4404)
SS305 has an elevated nickel content which provides it with a low rate of work hardening. Applications include electronic enclosures and deep drawn welded tubing.
Stainless steel 304 (SS304 -material number: 1.4304/1.4306)
SS304 has excellent welding characteristics. It can be readily formed into components for a variety of applications in transportation and industrial fields. SS304 should not be used continuously in the 425-860 °C range. Welded tubes made from this material can be found in food processing and heat exchangers.
Kamet’s welded tubes
Our welded stainless steel tubes are supplied in polished form as a standard service, for an additional cost annealed versions can also be ordered. All varieties of welded stainless steel tubing are produced according to ISO/EN standards.
We are specialized in the smaller diameters and our customers most often use our welded tubes as a protective sheath material for Pt100 sensors such as this:
Any of our four types of welded tubing can be supplied in one of the following diameters:
- OD 3.0 x ID ±2.5mm
- OD 4.0 x ID ±3.5mm
- OD 5.0 x ID ±4.4mm
- OD 5.9 x ID ±5.25mm
- OD 6.0 x ID ±5.0mm
- OD 6.0 x ID ±5.35mm
Kamet also stocks a deep drawn series of welded tubing. Deep drawing is a process in which the welded seam becomes much smoother and less noticeable. The diameters are the same as for the regular welded tubing, above.
All of our stainless steel welded tubing types can be supplied in other diameters upon request.
Kamet quality and service
Our stainless steel tubing is provided through certified suppliers that meet the highest quality standards. We also ensure full material traceability and ensure that current European standards are met.in accordance with ISO/EN.
We have a large range of tubing in stock and offer quick delivery with a tracking service. Do you have any further questions? Please let us know and our specialists will be happy to advise you.