Stainless Steel Pipe Types and Classification

Where Should Stainless Steel Pipe Be Used?

Stainless steel pipe is an industrial material found in permanent structures such as hotels, hospitals, shopping malls, and even bus stops. Its range of applications is extremely broad. Combined with other construction products, it makes building high-quality, long-lasting structures remarkably straightforward.

Types of Stainless Steel Pipe

Stainless pipe and its fittings are used in almost every branch of industry, which is why they hold such an important place in manufacturing. From food to paint and from paint to petrochemicals, nearly every sector chooses stainless pipe for its durable pipelines, its resistance to corrosion and oxidation, and its high level of hygiene. Beyond industry, stainless pipe is found almost everywhere in daily life. With its bright surface and decorative appearance, stainless pipe is also widely used for decorative purposes. Stainless pipe can be classified by production method, by weld type, and by surface finish.

Stainless Steel Pipe by Production Method

One of the main classifications of stainless pipe is by production method, which divides it into two groups.

1. Seamless stainless steel pipe

2. Welded stainless steel pipe

Stainless Steel Pipe by Weld Type

Another classification used for stainless steel pipe is the type of weld. Since seamless pipe involves no welding, this classification applies only to welded pipe. Weld quality in stainless pipe is expressed by a Z value: the closer the Z value is to 1, the stronger the weld. A Z value of 1 indicates that the pipe has the same strength as seamless pipe of the same type.

1. TIG welding

2. HF welding

3. Laser welding

Stainless Steel Pipe by Surface Finish

A further distinction between types of stainless steel pipe is visible in their surface finish. Stainless pipe is generally divided into three surface types, with surface brightness as the criterion. These finishes are known as matte, satin, and polished.

1. Matte-finish stainless pipe

2. Satin-finish stainless pipe

3. Polished stainless pipe