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STAINLESS STEEL TUBE
Stainless Steel Tube
Stainless Steel Tube - 1

Stainless Steel Tube

W.Nr. 1.4401

Seamless and welded austenitic stainless steel tube for fluid transfer and structural applications

Premium 304/316 stainless steel tubes offer superior corrosion resistance, excellent pressure ratings, and outstanding reliability for heat exchange, fluid transport, and structural applications. Available seamless or welded in diverse diameters and wall thicknesses.

Quick Specifications

Material Designation
ASTM A 269 / ASTM A 213 / UNS S30400 (304) or S31600 (316)
Werkstoff Number
1.4301 (304) or 1.4401 (316)
Form
Seamless or Welded Tube
Tensile Strength
515 - 620 MPa (annealed)
Yield Strength
205 - 310 MPa
Elongation
30% minimum

Standards & Certifications

ASTM A 269 (Seamless and Welded Austenitic Stainless Steel Tubing)ASTM A 213 (Seamless Ferritic and Austenitic Alloy Steel Boiler)ASME SA 269 (Seamless and Welded)EN 10216-5 (Seamless Steel Tubes)DIN 17455 (Seamless Steel Tubes)ISO 1127 (Seamless Tubes)
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Product Description

Stainless steel tubes combine the corrosion resistance of austenitic stainless steel with the structural capability required for pressurized fluid transmission and heat exchanger applications. Available in both seamless and welded construction, the tubes are manufactured to strict dimensional tolerances and pressure ratings. The austenitic crystal structure ensures excellent toughness across temperature ranges from cryogenic to moderately elevated service, while the chromium-nickel composition provides unmatched resistance to atmospheric corrosion, seawater environments, and mildly aggressive chemical media.

Seamless tubes are produced by piercing and rolling heated ingots to eliminate welds and potential failure initiation points, making them ideal for critical applications requiring maximum reliability and pressure-cycling endurance. Welded tubes are produced through high-frequency induction or seam welding with final stress relief and surface treatment to ensure full joint integrity. Both construction methods deliver consistent mechanical properties and dimensional accuracy enabling precise system design.

Our stainless steel tubes are available in multiple outer diameters ranging from small instrument tubing to large diameter pipes suitable for major fluid transport applications. Wall thickness options accommodate diverse pressure ratings and fluid velocity requirements. The tubes are supplied in both straight lengths and coil form depending on application requirements, enabling flexible inventory management and installation flexibility.

With exceptional corrosion resistance, outstanding reliability across diverse operating conditions, and proven service history in countless industrial, commercial, and consumer applications, stainless steel tubes represent the premier choice for engineers specifying fluid handling systems where dependability and extended service life are paramount.

Specifications

Material DesignationASTM A 269 / ASTM A 213 / UNS S30400 (304) or S31600 (316)
Werkstoff Number1.4301 (304) or 1.4401 (316)
FormSeamless or Welded Tube
Tensile Strength515 - 620 MPa (annealed)
Yield Strength205 - 310 MPa
Elongation30% minimum
Density8.0 g/cm³
Pressure RatingUp to 276 bar (depending on diameter/thickness)
Melting Point1399 - 1418°C
Thermal Conductivity at 100°C16.3 W/m·K
Modulus of Elasticity193 GPa
Maximum Service Temperature425°C (continuous)

Chemical Composition

ElementContent (%)
Carbon (C)≤ 0.08
Chromium (Cr)18.0 - 20.0
Nickel (Ni)8.0 - 12.0
Molybdenum (Mo)≤ 0.75 (316 grade)
Manganese (Mn)≤ 2.0
Silicon (Si)≤ 1.0
Phosphorus (P)≤ 0.045
Sulfur (S)≤ 0.030
Iron (Fe)Balance

Mechanical Properties

PropertyValue
Tensile Strength (Annealed)515 - 620 MPa
Yield Strength (Annealed)205 MPa minimum
Elongation30% minimum
Reduction of Area50% minimum
Hardness (Annealed)217 HV maximum
Impact Strength (Charpy V)≥ 100 J at 20°C
Fatigue Strength (1000 cycles)≥ 155 MPa
Creep Strength at 600°C/1000hrs≥ 100 MPa

Key Features & Advantages

Superior corrosion resistance in atmospheric, freshwater, and mildly saline environments
Seamless construction available for critical pressure and pulse-cycling applications
Excellent weldability enabling efficient field installation and system modifications
Outstanding mechanical properties across broad temperature ranges
High pressure ratings enabling compact system design and cost-effective solutions
Hygienic interior surface suitable for beverage, pharmaceutical, and food applications
Non-magnetic properties in annealed condition for precision instrumentation
Cost-effective material enabling long-term value compared to inferior alternatives

Applications

Heat Exchanger Systems

Fabrication of shell-and-tube heat exchanger internals, air-cooled condenser components, and thermal processing equipment where superior corrosion resistance and reliable pressure containment are essential.

Instrumentation and Control Systems

Manufacturing of process fluid connectors, measurement instrumentation tubing, and pneumatic/hydraulic lines where precise dimensional accuracy and non-magnetic properties are critical requirements.

Food and Beverage Processing

Production of product transport lines, CIP (clean-in-place) system piping, and process equipment tubing where hygienic properties, corrosion resistance, and ease of sterilization meet industry standards.

Pharmaceutical and Laboratory Equipment

Fabrication of process piping, reactor cooling systems, and analytical instrument connections where absolute material purity and biocompatibility are non-negotiable requirements.

Plumbing and Building Systems

Manufacturing of hot and cold water distribution tubing, oxygen delivery systems, and radiant heating/cooling systems in commercial and residential applications.

Industrial Cooling and Thermal Systems

Production of coolant circulation tubes, cooling tower water lines, and thermal processing equipment where reliable pressure containment and extended service life reduce maintenance costs.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between seamless and welded stainless steel tube?
Seamless tubes are pierced from solid ingots, eliminating weld seams and providing superior reliability for high-pressure, pulse-cycling, or critical applications. Welded tubes are more economical and suitable for most moderate-pressure applications. For pulse-cycling or vibration-prone systems, seamless is recommended.
Can stainless steel tubes be welded in the field during installation?
Yes, stainless steel tubes weld readily using GTAW, GMAW, or SMAW processes. However, proper filler material (ER308 or ER316), heat control, and post-weld cleaning are essential to maintain corrosion resistance. Post-weld annealing is recommended for maximum corrosion protection.
What is the maximum safe operating temperature for stainless steel tubes?
304 stainless steel maintains good properties up to approximately 425°C for continuous service. At higher temperatures, strength decreases and oxidation increases. For service above 500°C, higher-grade alloys like 309, 310, or nickel-based superalloys are recommended.
Are stainless steel tubes suitable for seawater applications?
304 stainless steel provides adequate resistance to most seawater applications. However, 316 stainless steel (with molybdenum) provides superior resistance to chloride pitting corrosion and is recommended for direct seawater exposure or high-salinity environments.
How should stainless steel tubes be cleaned and maintained?
Regular flushing with clean water removes deposits and contaminants. For stubborn deposits, mild mechanical cleaning with soft brushes or low-velocity water jets is acceptable. Avoid harsh abrasives and chloride-containing cleaners. Periodic passivation with citric acid restores the protective oxide layer.

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