When choosing the right materials for a particular job or project, it can sometimes be difficult to determine why a particular type of material is better than another. This is often the case when having to select or choose between welded steel pipe and seamless pipe.
To make matters more confusing, when you talk to different people, you will get different opinions. Some people prefer working with welded steel pipe while others prefer seamless.
To help to make a decision, it is important to consider the differences between the two. In many applications where both options would work, welded steel pipe is the clear choice for most project managers.
Cost Factor
With the manufacturing of welded steel pipe less costly than the same size of seamless steel pipe, pricing is an important consideration. On a large project or job choosing welded pipe over seamless can result in significant cost savings, allowing you to invest that money into upgrading other materials.
While the most obvious issue with a welded steel pipe is the weld seam, this is no longer a concern with regards to the strength or durability of the pipe. In all but very specific types of applications the welded and seamless pipes perform equally as effectively.
Consistent Measure
On any project, having a consistent wall thickness on a pipe is essential for fittings and other factors. Through the steel rolling process during the manufacturing of the welded pipe, very high levels of consistency are achieved.
With seamless pipes there is more variation, but it will still be within industry tolerances. While this may not be a factor in all applications and uses, it is critical in some types of fabrication and systems designs.
Availability for Large Orders
As welded steel pipe are the most common option, they are typically available in a wide variety of sizes from specialized pipe suppliers. They are also the most common pipe in inventory, making them readily available even for large orders.
This is an important consideration if you are under a deadline or when you will need a continual supply of pipe over long periods of time. Knowing the supply is always available is a critical consideration.
Both seamless and welded steel pipe are good options on any job. Welded pipe does provide cost saving, consistency and availability features that are not found in seamless, making it a good material to consider.
For all your welded steel pipe needs, visit us at Kelly Pipe. We have supplied the industry since 1898, and we are one of the largest pipe distributors in the USA. To learn more see us online at website.
