Tube Related Technologies and Products

There are mainly two different types of seamless steel tubes, which are cold drawn seamless tubes and hot finished seamless tubes. These two types are quite different products, and this article introduces the differences.

I. Introduction

A. Definition of seamless tubes

Seamless tubes are cylindrical pipes that are manufactured without any welding or seams. They are widely used in various industries due to their exceptional strength and durability.

B. Importance of understanding the differences between hot finished and cold drawn seamless tubes

It is crucial for industries that rely on seamless tubes to understand the differences between hot finished and cold drawn seamless tubes. The choice between the two types can have a significant impact on project performance and efficiency.

II. Cold Drawn Seamless Tubes

A. Definition and manufacturing process

Cold drawn seamless tubes are created by forcing a solid billet through a die to form the desired shape and size. This process ensures a seamless and uniform finish.

B. Advantages

1. Superior dimensional accuracy and surface finish

Cold drawn seamless tubes exhibit higher dimensional accuracy and a smoother surface finish compared to hot finished tubes. This makes them ideal for applications that demand precise measurements and a polished appearance.

2. Enhanced strength and hardness

The cold drawing process enhances the strength and hardness of the tubes, making them highly resistant to deformation and wear. This makes them suitable for applications that require exceptional tensile strength and durability.

3. Excellent machinability and weldability

Cold drawn seamless tubes possess excellent machinability and weldability, allowing for easy fabrication and assembly. This versatility makes them suitable for a wide range of applications.

C. Applications

1. Automotive industry

Cold drawn seamless tubes are commonly used in the automotive industry for various components, such as engine parts, exhaust systems, and fuel lines. The superior strength and dimensional accuracy of these tubes ensure optimal performance and safety.

2. Hydraulic Industry

Cold drawn seamless tube is the ideal material to produce honed tube, which is used as hydraulic cylinder tube, to producing hydraulic cylinder barrel, which is a crucial part of the hydraulic cylinders.

3. Oil and gas sector

The oil and gas industry relies on cold drawn seamless tubes for critical applications, including pipelines, drilling equipment, and refineries. The exceptional strength and reliability of these tubes are essential for ensuring the safety and efficiency of operations.

3. Marine engineering

Cold drawn seamless tubes are widely used in marine engineering for applications such as shipbuilding, offshore structures, and underwater pipelines. The dimensional accuracy and surface finish of these tubes are crucial for withstanding harsh marine environments.

III. Hot Finished Seamless Tubes

A. Definition and manufacturing process

Hot finished seamless tubes are created by subjecting a solid billet to high pressure and heat, shaping it into the desired form. This process allows for greater flexibility in size and shape.

B. Advantages

1. Versatility in size and shape

Hot finished tubes can be produced in a wide range of sizes and shapes, making them highly versatile for various applications. This flexibility allows for customization and adaptation to specific project requirements.

2. Suitable for high-temperature and high-pressure applications

Hot finished tubes have the ability to withstand extreme temperatures and pressures, making them suitable for applications in industries such as power generation, chemical processing, and aerospace.

3. Good strength and durability

Hot finished tubes exhibit good strength and durability, making them suitable for applications that require reliable performance under heavy loads and harsh conditions.

C. Limitations

1. Lower dimensional accuracy and surface finish

Hot finished tubes may have lower dimensional accuracy and a rougher surface finish compared to extruded tubes. This may not be suitable for applications that require precise measurements or a polished appearance.

2. Limited machinability and weldability

Hot finished tubes may have limited machinability and weldability compared to extruded tubes. This may pose challenges in fabrication and assembly processes.

D. Applications

1. Power generation

Hot finished seamless tubes are commonly used in power generation plants for applications such as boilers, turbines, and heat exchangers. The ability to withstand high temperatures and pressures is crucial for efficient power generation

2. Petrochemical industry

The petrochemical industry relies on Hot finished seamless tubes for various applications, including reactors, heat exchangers, and distillation columns. The strength and durability of these tubes are essential for withstanding corrosive environments.

3. Mining and construction

Hot finished seamless tubes are used in mining and construction for applications such as drilling equipment, excavators, and structural components. The versatility in size and shape allows for customization to meet specific project requirements.

4. Hydraulic cylinder industry

As hot finishing process can make super large diameter seamless tubes, so for the super large hydraulic cylinder tube sizes, people will mostly use hot finished seamless tubes to manufacturer.

IV. Key Differences between Hot finished and Cold Drawn Seamless Tubes

A. Manufacturing process

Cold drawn seamless tubes are produced by forcing a solid billet through a die, while hot finished tubes are created through high-pressure shaping of a solid billet.

B. Dimensional accuracy and surface finish

Cold drawn seamless tubes exhibit higher dimensional accuracy and a smoother surface finish compared to hot finished seamless tubes.

C. Mechanical properties

Cold drawn seamless tubes have enhanced strength and hardness compared to hot finished seamless tubes.

D. Machinability and weldability

Cold drawn seamless tubes possess better machinability and weldability compared to hot finished seamless tubes.

E. Cost and production time

Cold drawn seamless tubes may have higher production costs and longer production times compared to hot finished tubes.

V. Factors to Consider when Choosing between Hot finished and Cold drawn Seamless Tubes

A. Application requirements

Consider the specific requirements of the application, including dimensional accuracy, surface finish, mechanical properties, and temperature/pressure resistance.

B. Budget constraints

Evaluate the cost-effectiveness of both types of tubes and consider the available budget for the project.

C. Lead time and availability

Consider the lead time required for production and the availability of the desired type of tube.

D. Quality and performance expectations

Assess the quality and performance expectations of the project and choose the type of tube that best meets those requirements.

VI. Conclusion

A. Recap of the differences between extruded and forged seamless tubes

Cold drawn seamless tubes are manufactured through a drawing process, resulting in superior dimensional accuracy, surface finish, strength, and machinability. Hot finished seamless tubes are created through high-pressure shaping, providing versatility in size and shape, suitability for high-temperature and high-pressure applications, and good strength and durability.

B. Importance of selecting the appropriate type based on specific needs

Choosing the appropriate type of seamless tube based on specific needs is crucial for achieving optimal performance and efficiency in various industries.

C. Final thoughts on the significance of understanding these distinctions in various industries

Understanding the differences between Cold drawn and hot finished seamless tubes is essential for industries that rely on these tubes for their applications. By considering factors such as manufacturing process, dimensional accuracy, mechanical properties, machinability, and cost, industries can make informed decisions and select the most suitable type of tube for their projects.

Honed tube is an essential material in various industries, including hydraulic and pneumatic systems, automotive, and construction, it is known as hydraulic cylinder tube also. This type of tube is used to provide a smooth, polished surface for the passage of fluids or gases, reducing friction and wear on moving parts. However, not all honed tubes are created equal, and choosing a reputable manufacturer is crucial to ensure high-quality products. In this article, we will discuss some tips for selecting a reliable honed tube manufacturer and the quality control measures they should implement.

1. Reputation and Experience

When choosing a honed tube manufacturer, it’s essential to consider their reputation and experience in the industry. Look for a company that has been in business for several years and has a proven track record of providing high-quality products. Check their website and read customer reviews to get an idea of their reputation and level of customer satisfaction.

2. Quality Standards

A reputable honed tube manufacturer should adhere to strict quality standards to ensure that their products meet or exceed industry requirements. Look for a company that has certifications such as ISO 9001, which demonstrates their commitment to quality management systems. Additionally, check if they follow international standards such as ASTM, DIN, or JIS, which specify the technical requirements for honed tubes.

3. Manufacturing Process

The manufacturing process plays a crucial role in the quality of honed tubes. A reputable manufacturer should have a well-defined process that includes the use of high-quality raw materials, advanced machinery, and skilled technicians. Ask the manufacturer about their manufacturing process and the equipment they use to produce honed tubes. Also, inquire about the testing and inspection procedures they follow to ensure the quality of their products.

4. Customization Options

Different applications require different specifications for honed tubing. A reputable manufacturer should offer customization options to meet the specific needs of their customers. Look for a company that can produce honed tubes in various sizes, materials, and finishes. Additionally, they should be able to provide custom solutions for unique applications.

5. Quality Control Measures

A reputable honed tube manufacturer should implement a robust quality control system to ensure that their products meet the required standards. Look for a company that performs various tests and inspections throughout the manufacturing process, from raw materials to finished products. Some of the quality control measures that a manufacturer should implement include:

– Chemical composition analysis
– Hardness testing
– Surface roughness testing
– Dimensional inspection
– Ultrasonic testing
– Pressure testing

Conclusion

Choosing a reputable honed tube manufacturer is crucial to ensure that you get high-quality products that meet your specific needs. Consider the reputation, experience, quality standards, manufacturing process, customization options, and quality control measures of the manufacturer before making a decision. By following these tips, you can find a reliable manufacturer that can provide you with the best honed tubes for your applications such as hydraulic cylinder barrel and so on.

Honed tube is the steel tube that with inner diameter have been honed or polished to achieve a smooth surface finish and tight dimensional tolerances. As honed tube is mostly used a hydraulic cylinder tube, so the high quality honed tube is critical to the quality of the hydraulic cylinders, but what honed tubes are with high quality?

High-quality honed tube has several characteristics, including:

1. High smoothness surface finish: High-quality honed tube should have a smooth and uniform surface finish, free from any roughness, scratches, or other defects that could affect their performance. The surface roughness should be better than Ra 0.4μm.
2. High precision accuracy of dimensions: The inside diameter, outside diameter, and wall thickness of honed tube must be precise and consistent to ensure proper fit and function.
3. Straightness: Honed tube should have excellent straightness to prevent any deformation or bending during use.
4. Hardness: The hardness of honed tube should be appropriate for their intended use. Tubes used for high-pressure applications, for example, require greater hardness to withstand the stress.
5. Material quality: The material used to make honed tubes should have high strength, durability, and resistance to corrosion and wear. Common materials include stainless steel, carbon steel, and alloy steel.
6. Surface hardness depth: The surface hardness depth of honed tube should be uniform and consistent.
7. Microstructure: High-quality honed tubes have a fine and uniform microstructure, with no defects such as porosity, cracks, or inclusions.

Overall, high-quality honed tube should have excellent surface finish, dimensional accuracy, material quality, straightness, hardness, surface hardness depth, and microstructure. Honed tube is the critical material for hydraulic cylinder manufacturing and repairing, it is widely used as hydraulic cylinder barrel. So to ensure the quality of hydraulic cylinder, it is very important to use high quality honed tubes.

Guangxi Hydraulics is a high quality honed tube manufacturer and supplier in China. We produce high quality honed tubes with both metric sizes and inch sizes. Details of our honed hydraulic cylinder tubes are as below.

• The size range is I.D 32 mm to ID 762mm (1.25 inch to 30 inch), see our detailed list of honed tube sizes.
• Materials: SAE 1020, SAE 1026, ST 52.3, E355, SAE 4140, SAE 4130, 42CrMo, 27SiMn and so on.
• Tolerance standard: ISO 286-2 H7, H8, H9, H10
• Honed tube straightness: 0.5 mm per meter
• Length: random mill length, optional fixed lengths (cut to length), max length 15 meters.
• Inner surface roughness: Max Ra 0.4μm
• Heat treatment: Stress relived annealing
• Packing: each tube is oiled outer and internal, each tube end capped with plastic cap, packed in bundles with steel strips. Option packing with wooden cases.

To get high quality honed tubes, it is very important to find a reliable high quality honed tube manufacturer. People can search the honed tube suppliers, honed tube manufacturers in google. The top countries that can supply high quality honed tubes are USA and China.

Hydraulic systems rely heavily on hydraulic cylinder tube to create linear motion and force. Hydraulic cylinder tube usually is honed tube which is round steel tube with inner diameter honed or skived & roller burnished. Therefore, choosing the right material for these tubes is vital for optimal system performance. This article focuses on the two most popular materials for hydraulic cylinder tubes: carbon steel and alloy steel.

Carbon steel is a versatile material that is commonly used for hydraulic cylinder tubes due to its good mechanical properties. ST52.3, E355, SAE 1020 and SAE 1026 are the most commonly used grades for these tubes. Carbon steel is affordable and easy to machine, making it a popular choice.

Alloy steel, on the other hand, contains additional elements such as chromium, nickel, and molybdenum, which improve its mechanical properties. 4140 and 4130 are the most commonly used grades for hydraulic cylinder tubes. Alloy steel offers high strength, corrosion resistance, and wear resistance, making it suitable for harsh environments and high wear and tear applications.

As the hydraulic cylinder tube is used as hydraulic cylinder barrel without any further I.D processing, when selecting the material for hydraulic cylinder tubes, it is essential to consider the specific requirements of the hydraulic system to ensure that the material chosen can withstand the operating conditions. Ultimately, choosing the right material for hydraulic cylinder tubes is crucial in ensuring optimal system performance.

Here below is a knowledge sharing blogger site about the hydraulic systems, especially about the cylinders.

https://hydraulics-industry.blogspot.com

Here below is the article list of this blogger site. And its articles are keeping increasing.

 

Hydraulic cylinder tube is known as honed tube also, it is usually made of cold drawn seamless tubes or DOM tubes. There are many different steel grades can be used as the material of hydraulic cylinder tubes, and here below are the most popular materials.

• Carbon steel ST52, ST52.3,
• Carbon steel E355
• Carbon steel SAE 1020, Chinese 20#, C20
• Steel SAE 4140: also known as 42CrMo
• Steel 27SiMn
• Stainless steel 304
• Stainless steel 316

SKYLINE is a professional manufacturer & supplier of honed tube for hydraulic cylinders, our factory manufactures all these materials of honed cylinder tubes.

ST52 honed cylinder tubes

ST52 honed cylinder tubes are honed tubes made of material steel grade ST52, and with standard of DIN 2391. St52 is equal to St52.3. Usually, these materials of honed tubes are described as: cold drawn seamless honed tubes as per DIN2391 /ST52-BKS. BKS standards for the heat treatment for the honed tubing, which is stress relieved heat treatment. Here below is the specification of the steel ST52.

What is E355 Honed tubes?

E355 honed tubes are honed tubes made of material steel grade E355, and with standard of EN 10305-1. Actually, steel E355 is equal to ST52 / St52.3. Usually, these materials of honed tubes are described as: cold drawn seamless honed tubes as per EN10305-1 /E355 +SR. +SR standards for the heat treatment for the honed tubing, which is stress relieved heat treatment. Here below is the specification of the steel E355.

What is SAE 1020 honed cylinder tubes?

SAE 1020 cylinder tubes are honed tubes made of material steel grade SAE 1020, this steel grade is equal to Chinese steel grade 20#. Cabon steel grade SAE 1020 is a low hardness and low tensile strength alloy. Honed pipes of material SAE1020 is cheaper than ST52 honed pipes and can be used for various applications.

Grade	Chemistry	%	Yield	Tensile	Elongation	Typical Hardness
			Min. Mpa	Min. Mpa	% in 2″ section	Min
1020	Carbon	0.150 – 0.200	375	485	15	B-75
	Mn	0.300 – 0.600
	P	0.035 Max
	S	0.035 Max

What is SAE 4140 honed tubes?

SAE 4140 honed tubes are cold drawn seamless honed tubes made of steel grade SAE4140. 4140 honed tubes usually are used for applications under high pressure & heavy duty. As the tensile strength and yield strength of SAE 4140 is very high. Steel 4140 is equal to German steel grade of 42CrMo.

Below is the chemical composition of 4140 material.

SAE 4140 /42CrMo	C%	Si%	Mn%	P%	S%	Cr%	Mo%
Min	0.36	0.1	0.65			0.75	0.15
Max	0.44	0.4	1.1	0.04	0.04	1.2	0.35

Here below is the mechanical properties of SAE 4140.

4140 / 42CrMo	Yield strength	Tensile Strength	Elongation	Hardness HB
Min	800 Mpa /115K psi	900 Mpa /130K psi	20%	270 HB

Steel 4140 / 42CrMo is also an idea material for manufacturing Chrome Plated Bar. Benefit for its high yield strength and tensile strength, 4140 chrome plated bar is usually used for applications where high strength is required.

What is 27SiMn honed tubes?

27SiMn steel also can be used to produce honed tubing, though not as popular as ST52.3 /E355, this material of honed tubing is idea for some special applications.

27SiMn steel material chemical composition: C: 0.24-0.32%, Si: 1.10-1.40%, Mn: 1.10-1.40%.

27SiMn steel material mechanical properties: tensile strength min. 980 MPa; yield strength: min. 835 MPa; elongation after fracture: 12%; reduction of area: 40%; impact energy: 39J.

27SiMn honed tubes are also used for high strength applications.