| Property | Austenitic (316L) | Duplex (2205) |
| Tensile Strength | ≥515 MPa (75 ksi) | ≥655 MPa (95 ksi) |
| Yield Strength | ≥205 MPa (30 ksi) | ≥450 MPa (65 ksi) |
| Elongation | ≥40% | ≥25% |
| Hardness (HBW) | ≤217 | ≤290 |
Surface Finish
Standard:
Optional:
Bright Annealed: Ra ≤0.8 μm (lustrous surface, minimal oxidation)
Polished: Ra ≤0.4 μm (hygienic finish for medical/food applications)
Electropolished: Ra ≤0.2 μm (ultra-smooth surface for critical fluid systems)
Testing & Certification
Application Scenarios
Aerospace & Aviation
Hydraulic Systems: Thin-wall 316L tubes for aircraft hydraulic lines, offering high pressure resistance (up to 300 bar) with minimal weight.
Engine Components: Heat-resistant 310S tubes for exhaust systems and combustion chambers.
Lightweight Structures: 304 tubes in aircraft interiors and fuel lines, combining corrosion resistance with low density.
Medical Devices
Surgical Instruments: Polished 316L tubes for endoscopes, catheters, and laparoscopic tools, meeting ISO 13485 hygiene standards.
Implantable Devices: Electropolished tubes for stents and orthopedic implants, ensuring biocompatibility.
Medical Equipment: Sanitary tubing for dialysis machines and pharmaceutical fluid handling.
Nuclear Power
Heat Exchangers: Duplex 2205 tubes in condenser systems, resisting chloride stress corrosion in seawater-cooled reactors.
Instrumentation Tubing: 316L tubes for nuclear gauge lines and control systems, meeting ASME Section III standards.
Waste Handling: Corrosion-resistant tubes for radioactive liquid transport and storage.
Chemical & Petrochemical
Process Piping: Alloy 20 tubes for sulfuric acid transport, 316L for chloride-based chemicals.
Refinery Equipment: Thin-wall heat exchanger tubes in crude oil distillation units, optimizing heat transfer efficiency.
Offshore Platforms: Duplex 2507 tubes for seawater injection systems, withstanding high salinity and pressure.
Food & Beverage
Brewing & Distillation: Polished 304 tubes for beer/wine processing, meeting 3-A Sanitary Standards.
Dairy Equipment: Electropolished 316L tubes in pasteurization systems, preventing bacterial contamination.
Packaging Machinery: Precision tubes for pneumatic controls and conveyor systems.
Electronics & Semiconductors
Ultra-Pure Fluid Lines: 316L/316LN tubes with electro-polished surfaces for deionized water and chemical delivery in chip manufacturing.
Vacuum Systems: Leak-tight 304 tubes for semiconductor deposition chambers, maintaining high vacuum integrity.
FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)
Q: What is the primary advantage of thin-wall tubes over standard pipes?
A: Thin-wall tubes offer a 30-50% weight reduction compared to standard pipes while maintaining structural integrity, making them ideal for applications where weight is critical (e.g., aerospace, medical devices). Their high strength-to-weight ratio also reduces material costs.
Q: Can thin-wall tubes be welded without compromising dimensional accuracy?
A: Yes, but precision welding techniques (e.g., TIG with low heat input) are recommended. Post-weld annealing may be required to restore ductility, especially for high-strength alloys like duplex stainless steels.
Q: What is the minimum wall thickness available for thin-wall tubes?
A: The minimum wall thickness is 0.5 mm, but this depends on the outer diameter. For example, a 6 mm OD tube can have a 0.5 mm wall (ratio 12:1), while larger ODs (e.g., 100 mm) can achieve thinner walls (e.g., 3 mm, ratio 33:1).
Q: How do you ensure thin-wall tubes resist collapse under external pressure?
A: Dimensional precision and material strength are critical. For high external pressure applications, we recommend duplex alloys (e.g., 2205) for their higher yield strength, or structural calculations to determine optimal wall thickness.
Q: Can thin-wall tubes be used in high-temperature applications?
A: Yes, depending on the alloy. Austenitic grades like 310S perform up to 1200°C, while nickel alloys like Inconel 625 are suitable for continuous use above 800°C. Always consult material temperature ratings for specific applications.
Q: What is the lead time for custom thin-wall tube orders?
A: Standard sizes (e.g., 304, 316L) are available within 2-4 weeks. Custom alloys, sizes, or special finishes (e.g., electropolishing) may require 6-8 weeks, including testing and certification.
