Difference between Stainless Steel Pipe and Instrumentation Tubing
In some instances the terms may be used interchangeably, however there is one key difference between tube and pipe, particularly in how the material is ordered and tolerance. Instrumentation Tubing is used in structural applications so the outside diameter becomes the important dimension. Tubes are often put into applications such as medical devices that require precise outside diameters. The outside diameter is important since it will indicate how much it can hold as a stability factor. Whereas pipes are normally used to transport gasses or liquids making it important to know the capacity. Knowing how much can flow through the pipe is key. The circular shape of the pipe make it efficient when handling pressure from the liquid flowing through. Characteristics There are a few key characteristics that separate tube from pipe: Shape Pipe is always round. Tubes can be square, rectangular, and round. Measurement Tube is typically ordered outside diameter and wall thicknes