See all Blog Posts Difference Between Pipe and Tube Category: Pipe, Tube Posted: September 11, 2014 What is the Difference Between Pipe and Tube? One of the most frequent questions we get from customers is “What’s the difference between pipe and tube”? Although pipes and tubes may look similar, they are in fact quite different in nomenclature and sizing. Remember that pipes and tubes are rarely interchangeable. The difference between pipe and tube include: Shape Measurement Telescoping Abilities Rigidity Applications Metal Types Size Strength Shape Pipes are always round in shape. Tubes can be square, rectangular or round, as shown in the image to the right. Measurement Pipes are only provided with an inside (nominal) diameter and a “schedule” (which means wall thickness). There’s an easy way to remember this: since pipe is used to transfer fluids or gas, the size of the opening through which the fluids or gas can pass through is probably more important to you than the outer dimensions of the pipe. Tube measurements, on the other hand, are provided as an outside diameter and set ranges of wall thickness. Telescoping Abilities Tube can be telescoped. Remember to account for the flash weld inside the tube. Pipe, on the other hand, does not have a flash weld. DOM (Drawn over Mandrel) Tube is the best material for telescoping because the inside flash weld has been removed. Rigidity Although copper and brass tubes can be shaped relatively easily, tubes are are typically rigid. Pipes, on the other hand, are invariably rigid and cannot be shaped without special equipment. Applications Only pipes are pressure rated and intended to be used for the transference of fluids or gas. Tubes, on the other hand, are used in structural applications. Metal Types Tube is available in hot rolled steel and cold rolled steel. Pipe is typically black steel (hot rolled). Both items can be galvanized. Size Pipe is typically available in larger sizes than tube. Strength Tube is stronger than pipe. Don’t have time to read the blog? You can check out our video below to find out the difference between a pipe and tube: Metal Supermarkets Metal Supermarkets is the world’s largest small-quantity metal supplier with over 100 brick-and-mortar stores across the US, Canada, and United Kingdom. We are metal experts and have been providing quality customer service and products since 1985. At Metal Supermarkets, we supply a wide range of metals for a variety of applications. Our stock includes: mild steel, stainless steel, aluminum, tool steel, alloy steel, brass, bronze and copper. We stock a wide range of shapes including: bars, tubes, sheets, plates and more. And we can cut metal to your exact specifications. Visit one of our 100+ locations across North America today. Share: Facebook Twitter LinkedIn E-Mail Tags: metal pipe, metal tube, pipe, tube Related blog articles Different Types of Metal Finishing: Processes & Techniques Windsor Welcomes Metal Supermarkets The World’s Largest Supplier of Small Quantity Metals What is the Difference Between 7050 vs 7075 Aluminum?
