Industrial Metal Tubing

Select material based on mechanical strength, corrosion resistance, and conductivity: steel (including stainless) for high strength and heat resistance, aluminum for light weight and good corrosion resistance, copper for conductivity and corrosion resistance, and brass for machinability and moderate corrosion resistance

Verify outer diameter (OD), inner diameter (ID) or wall thickness, length, and any required dimensional tolerance or roundness spec; ensure sizes match fittings or fixtures and that wall thickness meets pressure, load, and bending requirements

Choose seamless tubing for higher pressure, cyclic load, or applications requiring superior fatigue resistance; welded tubing is typically more cost-effective and suitable for many structural and low-to-moderate pressure uses when proper welding quality is maintained

Common finishes include mill (as-cut), polished, anodized (for aluminum), plated (zinc or nickel) and passivated (stainless steel); pick a finish based on corrosion protection, aesthetics, friction, or compatibility with downstream processes like welding or painting

Inspect tubing for dents, corrosion, cracks, and dimensional accuracy before use; store off the ground, protected from moisture and contaminants, clean surfaces before joining, and follow manufacturer guidelines for cutting, bending, and welding to avoid weakening the tube

Cost depends on material type, wall thickness, diameter, length, manufacturing process (seamless vs welded), surface finish, and quantity ordered; specialty alloys and tighter tolerances increase price while standard sizes and larger volumes lower unit cost

You can use fittings compatible with the tubing material and size, but verify fitting type (compression, flare, welded, threaded), OD/ID match, pressure rating, and material compatibility to prevent leaks, galvanic corrosion, or mechanical failure