Have you ever wondered about the exact difference between a steel pipe and a tube?
At first glance, they may seem the same.
However, both terms are used, and the table below will help you understand the naming better and avoid confusion.
Comparison of steel pipe & tube
| Aspect | Steel Pipe | Steel Tube |
|---|---|---|
| Shapes | Round only | Round, oval, square, rectangular |
| Dimensions | Outer Diameter and Wall Thickness OD - 2 x WT (SCHEDULE) = Inner Diameter Nominal Pipe Size (NPS) is not the true diameter. This is only a estimated value. |
Outer Diameter and Wall Thickness These parameters (" or mm) shows the true dimensional values. |
| Wall Thickness | Designated with a "Schedule" (e.g., Sch. 40, Sch. STD., Sch. XS). Different pipes with different NPS (Nominal Pipe Size) and same schedule have different wall thicknesses (" or mm). |
Measured and presented in inches or mm. |
| Maximum Sizes | Even above the 80 inches. | A narrow size range, typically up to 5". Can be larger for construction applications. |
| Tolerances | Tolerances are set, but rather loose. | Steel tubes are produced to very strict tolerances. |
| Strength | Strength is not the major concern. | Tubular undergo several dimensional quality checks, such as straightness, roundness, wall thickness, surface, during the manufacturing process. Mechanical strength is a major concern for tubes. |
| Production | Pipes are generally made to stock with highly automated and efficient processes, i.e., pipe mills produce on a continuous basis and feed distributors stock around the world. | Manufacturing tubes is a more time-consuming and labor-intensive process. |
| Price | Relatively low price per ton. | Because of slow process and height tolerances price is higher. |
| Materials | Different types of materials are available | Carbon steel, stainless steel, low alloy, and nickel-alloys |
| Usage | Pipe is a vessel used to most often carry fluids and gas. | Tube is used for structural projects like car frames and construction. |
How to make metal pipes and tubes in SketchUp?
Drawing a pipe or tube in SketchUp is quick and easy when you use proper tool.
Check this extension 👉
SketchUp pipe
