Comparison Dimension | Seamless Tube | Welded Tube |
Manufacturing Process | Made from a solid tube billet, perforated and rolled; has no weld seam. | Formed from a coiled steel strip and joined by a longitudinal weld seam. |
Key Advantage | Complete and uniform structure, resulting in extremely high pressure capacity and reliability. | More precise wall thickness tolerance, high production efficiency, and lower cost. |
Main Weakness | More complex production process results in a higher cost and slightly larger wall thickness tolerance. | The weld seam area is a potential weak point; pressure capacity and corrosion resistance are lower than seamless tubes of the same specification. |
Suitable Applications | High-pressure, high-temperature, critical process fluid transfer, such as in boilers, heat exchangers, and hydraulic systems. | Low-to-medium pressure fluid transfer, structural support, and decorative uses, such as in water supply/drainage, handrails, and exhaust pipes. |
Standard System | Equivalent Grade Designation |
ASTM / AISI (Common Name) | TP304L |
UNS (Unified Numbering System) | S30403 |
EN (European Standard Number) | 1.4307 |
JIS (Japanese Industrial Standards) | SUS 304L |
SMLSCO Seamless Tube utilizes rigorous cold working techniques to ensure its superior performance. Production begins with a high-quality perforated tube billet, which then undergoes multiple cold rolling or cold drawing steps. This process reduces the tube's outer diameter and wall thickness while also refining the internal grain structure and improving surface finish. After forming, all tubes undergo solution annealing, pickling, passivation, and straightening to ensure they meet the required mechanical properties and corrosion resistance.
TP304L Seamless Tube is a standard stainless steel grade used in nearly all general industrial applications. It is widely used in piping systems that transport liquids and gases, such as in chemical plants, food processing plants, and various manufacturing facilities. It is also commonly used for structural components, equipment frames, handrails, and automotive and transportation equipment parts requiring corrosion resistance and formability. It is a versatile, cost-effective, and reliable industrial material.
SMLSCO is committed to addressing the pain point of delivery delays in the tube industry. We maintain over 100 tons of seamless tube in stock year-round, ensuring quick response times for common sizes. As a professional supplier with 19 years of experience, we utilize seamless processes to ensure superior product reliability and offer competitive pricing. Our professional team will quickly respond to all your inquiries within 15 hours and provide you with full support from selection to delivery.