Aluminum

Bronze

Mild Steel

Stainless Steel

Features of Round Tube

Round tubes are known for their versatility, strength, durability, and affordability, making them the ideal choice for industrial metal applications (but can be used almost anywhere).

Metal tubes are particularly useful in situations with extreme temperatures and pressures because they are typically composed of the best quality materials, are solid and rigid, and their strength is distributed evenly in all directions.

Metal tubing is used in many industries, such as construction and automotive manufacturing (for suspension, fuel injection and vehicle control systems). Other applications for steel tubing include:

• Medical devices
• Architecture
• Plumbing
• Industrial equipment

What is the Difference Between a Pipe and a Tube?

Tubing is used in structural applications, so tubes are measured by their outside diameter and wall thickness. Tubes are found in applications such as medical devices which demand precise outside diameters. This measurement indicates how much it can hold as a stability factor. Some other examples of tube applications include automotive parts, railings, and patio furniture.

Pipes are only provided with an inside (nominal) diameter and a “schedule” (wall thickness). Conversely, tube measurements are given as an outside diameter and set ranges of wall thickness. Learn more about the difference between pipes and tubes.

Round Tube Finishes

Metal tubing comes in a variety of different types and finishes, including:

Electric Resistance Welding (ERW) – ERW metal tubing is created by welding the seam of the tube using electric resistance. This process involves heating the metal with an electric current to melt and fuse the seam together. The result is a strong, seamless-looking tube.

Cold Drawn Seamless (CDS) – CDS tubing is made by drawing a solid billet over a piercing rod to create a hollow shell. This process does not involve welding, resulting in a tube with uniform properties around the circumference. The cold drawing process enhances the tube’s physical properties, increasing its strength and durability.

Drawn-Over-Mandrel (DOM) – DOM tubing is an improved form of ERW tubing. After the ERW process, the tube is drawn over a mandrel (a shaping tool) and through a die to control its outside diameter. This extra step improves the tube’s dimensional accuracy and surface finish.

Hydraulic – Hydraulic tubing is explicitly designed for hydraulic systems, with features tailored to high-pressure environments. These tubes are often made from steel and are precision-sized to accurately fit hydraulic fittings and valves.

Hot Finished – Hot finished tubing is made by heating a steel billet and piercing it to create a hollow tube. The tube is then finished in a hot state, allowing easier shaping and sizing. This process leaves the tubing with a scale-covered finish that can be removed through further processing if desired.

Learn more about the differences between these types and finishes.

Types of Round Tube

Round tubes are available in the following metal types:

Alloy Steel – Alloy steel tubing is known for its strength, durability, and weldability. It comes in various alloys, with carbon steel being common for structural applications and stainless steel favoured for its corrosion resistance. Steel tubing is used extensively in construction for structural support, automotive manufacturing for frames and components, and general manufacturing for machinery and equipment.

Aluminum – Aluminum tubing is lightweight, corrosion-resistant, and has good thermal and electrical conductivity. It is easier to cut and form than steel tubing, making it suitable for various fabrication processes. Due to its weight and resistance properties, aluminum tubing is widely used in aerospace and automotive industries, bicycle frames, and applications where weight reduction is crucial without sacrificing strength. It’s also used in construction, particularly in window frames, and recreational equipment.

Bronze – Bronze round tubing boasts excellent machinability and a notable resistance to saltwater corrosion, making it unique among other metal tubing options. Bronze tubing is extensively used in marine applications, where its resistance to saltwater corrosion is invaluable. It is also used in industrial applications, such as bearings, bushings, and gears, due to its low metal-on-metal friction.

Mild Steel – Mild steel tubing is characterized by its excellent weldability, formability, and relatively high strength, making it a versatile material suitable for various applications. Mild steel round tubing is commonly used in structural applications, including frameworks, supports, and fencing. Due to its ease of welding and bending, it’s also favoured for automotive parts, machinery components, and construction projects. Its ability to be easily cut and welded makes it a preferred choice for DIY projects, from furniture to custom car builds.

Stainless Steel – Stainless steel tubing is distinguished by its high resistance to corrosion, attributed to the alloy’s chromium content, which forms a passive layer of chromium oxide on the surface. It is largely used in environments that are harsh or require strict hygiene standards, like the chemical and petrochemical industries, food processing and medical equipment, water treatment facilities, and architectural elements, especially in coastal areas where salt corrosion is a concern.

Find steel tubing for sale online and at any Metal Supermarkets location in full size or in a variety of popular sizes. If you need any enhancements, we offer metal-related processing services such as production cutting.