ASTM A249 TP316L u tube heat exchanger ,TIG Welded Stainless Steel Tubing

All of the tubing we produce begins its life as a welded tube. From there, we can do additional processing to the tube to reduce or essentially eliminate any evidence of a weld seam, or to achieve other goals such as very tight and consistent tolerances. Our welded and drawn over mandrel tubing is nearly indistinguishable from seamless tubing, and is often used as a less expensive substitute for it. Our five types of tubing are:

As Welded

Outer Diameter Conditioned

Bead Hammered

Cold Drawn Outer Diameter

Welded & Drawn Over Mandrel

Each type of tube undergoes different production processes that impact the dimensions and tolerances of a tube's cross section. The size ranges and tolerances available for each tube type are described in detail on the sizes page. Important dimensional terms discussed below include the O.D. (or Outer Diameter), the I.D. (or Interior Diameter), and the Wall Thickness. The figure below shows the meaning of each term:

As Welded tubing

As Welded tubing is our least expensive product line, and is manufactured by running coils of annealed strip through a cold roll forming process. It is continuously welded using appropriate shielding gases for each alloy to prevent oxidation of the seam. With As Welded tubing, the seam is clearly visible on both the exterior and interior of the tube, but the size of the weld bead is held within strict tolerances.

Typical applications for As Welded tubing include tubular heating elements for both industrial and consumer targeted end products, beverage or fluid transportation systems, mechanical devices, automotive applications, and heat exchange devices.

Outer Diameter Conditioned tubing

OD Conditioned tubing is the first step-up from As Welded tubing. After its initial forming process, which is identical to the process used to create As Welded tubing, OD Conditioned tubing is then run through a process which rounds and blends the exterior weld seam so that it is flush with the exterior of the tube. As a result, it is difficult to see the weld seam on the exterior of an OD Conditioned tube with the naked eye. However, the interior of the tube is not affected and is therefore identical to that of an As Welded tube, and the weld seam remains visible.

OD Conditioned tubing is beneficial when compression fittings, flare fittings, or O-ring seals are used, as the smoother OD surface reduces potential leak paths.

Bead Rolled tubing

Bead Hammered tubing is initially formed with a process identical to that of As Welded tubing, except that an additional, special cold roll forming process with an interior mandrel support is added to smooth both the interior and exterior weld seam. As a result, the seam is nearly invisible on both the exterior and the interior, creating a tube that is an excellent, lower cost substitute for seamless tubing.

Applications for Bead Hammered tubing include anything where interior and exterior smoothness are important, such as certain liquid and gas handling applications, and fabricated applications where exterior fittings require a smooth surface.

Industries that we have created solutions for include:

Electric Heating

Automotive

Fluid Handling

Heat Exchangers

Petrochemicals
Oil & Gas

Medical Devices

Pet Care

Beverage

HVAC