If you are in a business where you need to use seamless tubes and pipes, you would know the
manufacturing process of these tubes. However, many of you either do not have a clear idea about the manufacturing process or do not belong to the business where you need to use these tubes. Whatever the case is, we are here to guide you in understanding how the seamless piping solution suppliers manufacture these tubes and pipes.
However, before jumping into the manufacturing methods, let us first understand what seamless tubing and piping solutions are and why they are essential for your business.
As you can guess from the name, seamless piping solutions are seamless. It means that tube manufacturers do not have to weld any part of the pipe to make it cylindrical. We will discuss the process in a few minutes. You can use these pipes and tubes in chemical, petroleum, automobile, shipbuilding, oil, gas, industries, etc. Depending on your need, pipe producers can modify the tubes so that you get different shapes and sizes.
Now, let us find out how manufacturers produce these tubes and pipes.
The manufacturing process of seamless tubing solutions:
Previously, most of you would have settled for welded tubes instead of seamless tubes and pipes for your business. While there is no harm in using welded tubes, you must ensure that you evolve with the evolving technology to get the most out of it.
The seamless pipe producers understood quickly that the market for these tubes was promising. Hence, they started implementing advanced technology to produce seamless tubes and pipes.
With time, you will see the emergence of different manufacturing units with state-of-the-art facilities that use the most modern technology to produce the best seamless pipes and tubes. While these companies use the latest technology, they make sure that these pipes are cost-effective for you.
So, what is the process that these manufacturers follow?
Preparation:
The first step is preparation. Seamless tube manufacturers will check the stainless-steel billets from which they produce these tubes and pipes. They check the raw material so that you get the best product in the end. Once the billets are rolled, there is no way to go back. So, the companies must check the quality of the billets. During this step, you will see that the manufacturers trim the edges.
Rolling:
Once pipe suppliers complete their inspection, they move to the next step. Based on your requirements, the manufacturers pass the billets through a roller. The roller helps in achieving the desired shape of the pipes.
Heating and piercing:
The seamless tube suppliers in India will use a heated furnace to heat the rolled billets. It is when the solid steel billets become the seamless tubing solution you are looking for. Next, pipe producers use a piercer or mandrel to pierce and create a mother hollow.
Also, during this time, pipe suppliers will pull and stretch the billets in a controlled environment to the extent that the inner diameter of the billets will increase. When investing in seamless pipes and tubes, you must avoid adulteration. The heating process ensures that there are no impurities in the tubes and pipes.
Also Read: Differences between seamless and welded pipes
Straightening:
As you will be using seamless tubes to provide support while transporting fluid, you must ensure that the seamless tube manufacturers straighten the tubes correctly. While these tubes are hot, pipe providers pass the rolled steel billets through a straightener. In case the cylindrical pipe has any dents, this is the time when manufacturers fix these issues.
The cold drawing method:
Now comes the fun part. Suppose you have a specific requirement that does not match the available pipes and tubes that the tube suppliers are producing. So, how will the supplier match the product to your needs? Through cold drawing.
Cold drawing is the method that allows the manufacturer to modify and customize the tubes and pipes as per your need. The suppliers start cold drawing only after the hot rolling pipe manufacturing process. And they do this process explicitly to meet personalized requirements.
Last touch:
Now that the seamless tube suppliers in India are ready to deliver your tubes and pipes, it is time for some final additions. It includes marking the tubes. If you think that companies want to brand their products, you are partially correct. The markings are not only for branding but also to educate you on the size of the pipes, the grade of the tubes, the material, and even the inspection stamp. Once the stamping process is done, the manufacturers pack the seamless tubes so that they can ship the piping solution safely to you.
There are many industries in which you would require seamless pipes and tubes. However, when you are planning to buy these types of pipes, you better contact multiple seamless tube suppliers.
You can compare the prices each supplier quotes, and you can decide. Nevertheless, it would help if you also remembered that meager prices might mean the supplier is not using quality raw materials. So be careful and research appropriately before purchasing.
