Most buyers opt for seamless tubes because the tubes offer customization. The tubes are hollow, through which liquids and semi-liquids can pass easily. Since the tubes can be customized, it is much easier to transfer gas, oil, water, steam, and liquids with microparticles, minerals, etc. Therefore, these tubes are ideal for industries in which many customized pipes are required, such as aviation, automotive, oil & gas, etc.
The seamless tube manufacturers use two different methods to produce these tubes. While seamless pipes are used in most industries with specific size guidelines, seamless tubes are used where companies need to install modified pipes.
Use of seamless tubes in the automobile industry:
Seamless tubes are the most widely used in the automotive industry. Almost half the amount of carbon alloy and stainless steel tubes used in the automotive industry is made of seamless tubes, from the intake tubes to front tubes, mufflers, converters, hose tubes, center tubes, etc. They are made using seamless tubes. There are different grades of tubes that the buyer specifies to the manufacturer.
Seamless tube manufacturers follow specific guidelines to fabricate tubes of different grades. There are two methods using which the suppliers produce seamless tubes. The process starts with choosing solid steel billets that are the base of seamless pipes and tubes. Next, the steel billets are heated in a hearth furnace. Once the billets heat up to the extent that they can be penetrated, the manufacturers use a round piercer to create a hollow within the billet.
It is necessary to straighten the pipe so that the surface is smooth. Also, after the manufacturers pierce the pipes, they polish the pipes to ensure that the outer and inner wall dimensions are accurate as per the requirement of the clients.
Next, the manufacturers move to produce customizable seamless tubes. The pipes are heated once again and pulled and stretched to the extent that they can be bent. During this process, the tubes are given specific shapes, such as hexagons, octagons, ovals, squares, etc. It is done so that the customized tubes match the exact shapes required in the automotive industry.
Why choose seamless tubes over welded tubes?
For years, automotive and other industries have used welded pipes and tubes. However, these industries are rapidly shifting towards seamless pipes and tubes. The primary reason for this change in the buyer’s behavior is that seamless pipes are much stronger than welded pipes and tubes.
Welded pipes are made from bent sheet metals to give them a cylindrical shape. The bent metal sheets are then welded together to seal the shape. There are no issues with using welded pipes. However, as mentioned before, welded pipes cannot provide the strength that seamless pipes can. The reason is simple. Seamless tubes are made from a solid piece of steel or carbon. Since there is no welded part in the pipes, these can withstand more pressure without the risk of developing any gaps or cracks.
Often the cracks in the welded pipes lead to severe damage. Hence, installing seamless pipes makes it a safe option for the automotive industry.
Different parts that use seamless pipes and tubes in automobiles:
The automotive industry uses equipment-type production. Hence, automobile manufacturers use fasteners as one of the essential parts. If it is a car, the amount of fasteners in the car can go up to 37 kilograms. The seamless pipes and tubes are used as cantilevers in the car’s chassis. Also, automobile manufacturers use seamless tubes for assembling the front axle, bearing sleeves, shaft sleeves, brake pipes, etc.
Even pipes and tubes used in car air conditioning systems are also made using seamless pipes and tubes. Apart from cars, motorbike manufacturers also choose seamless pipes and tubes from building the core structure of the motorbikes to building front and rear suspension tubes, steering head tubes, chassis, transmission tubes, etc.
Seamless tubes are customizable as per shape and look polished and shiny. While the smoothness of the surface of the tubes allows liquids to flow freely, the shine of the tubes makes them look classy. In addition, the shiny tubes enhance the overall appearance of motorcycles.
Bottom line of the discussion:
There are different seamless tube manufacturers in the market. But it is wise for the buyers to get in touch with a manufacturer with experience in this field. An established seamless pipes and tubes manufacturer will know what type of pipes and tubes a buyer would require depending on the vehicle they want to manufacture.
