Solid gauge stainless welded tubing delivers dependable service where uniform wall thickness and corrosion resistance are critical. Our range covers multiple thickness profiles, and for applications that demand added strength, Reinforced Wall Welded Stainless Tubing provides heightened structural integrity under fluctuating loads. In conduit and protective installations, Bulky Wall Stainless Welded Conduit thrives in abrasive and heavy-impact environments. For pressure-boundary systems, Dense Wall Stainless Steel Welded Pipe and Robust Gauge Welded Stainless Tube each target rigorous wall-thickness specifications, ensuring reliable performance in chemical lines, high-purity gas circuits, and structural frameworks. Every tube is manufactured to ASTM and ASME standards, with full traceability from melt to final inspection.
Solid Gauge Stainless Welded Tubing is produced from precision cold-rolled strip that is continuously formed and longitudinally welded without filler metal, typically using GTAW or laser welding. The term “solid gauge” reflects the unwavering wall thickness maintained along the entire length, eliminating thin spots that would compromise burst ratings. This characteristic makes it ideal for instrumentation tubing, food-grade transfer lines, hydraulic controls, and heat exchanger shells. Available in grades 304, 304L, 316, and 316L, the material withstands chlorides, oxidizing acids, and cryogenic conditions. Post-weld annealing or bright annealing restores a fully recrystallized microstructure, while inline eddy current testing and subsequent hydrostatic or pneumatic tests guarantee leak-free performance. The weld bead can be cold-worked and polished to meet 3-A sanitary standards or specified surface finish requirements down to Ra 0.4 µm.
| Parameter | Standard Range | Remarks |
|---|---|---|
| Outside Diameter (OD) | 12.7 mm – 203.2 mm (1/2″ – 8″) | Intermediate and oversize diameters available |
| Wall Thickness (Solid Gauge) | 0.89 mm – 6.35 mm (0.035″ – 0.250″) | Thickness tolerance ±10% or as per ASTM A249/A269 |
| Length | 20 ft random / exact cut lengths | Plain end, beveled, or grooved ends on request |
| OD Tolerance | ±0.13 mm (0.005″) for ≤38.1 mm OD | Closer tolerances for sanitary and precision tubing |
| Straightness | 1/600 of length | Enhanced straightness for automated processing |
| Surface Finish | As-welded, 180 grit, 320 grit, BA, polished | Ra ≤ 0.8 µm typically; finer on request |
| Grade | Tensile Strength (MPa min) | Yield Strength (MPa min) | Elongation (% min) | Hardness (HRB max) | Typical Service Environment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 304 | 515 | 205 | 35 | 90 | General corrosive, food, architectural |
| 304L | 485 | 170 | 35 | 90 | As-welded conditions, reduced intergranular corrosion |
| 316 | 515 | 205 | 35 | 90 | Chloride-rich, marine, chemical processing |
| 316L | 485 | 170 | 35 | 90 | Heavy welded assemblies, pharmaceutical |
Common applications span food and beverage process piping, sanitary tubing for dairy and brewing, hydraulic and pneumatic control lines, desalination evaporator channels, structural handrail components, and heat exchanger bundles. The solid gauge design allows engineers to rely on precise inside diameters for consistent flow characteristics, reducing turbulence and scaling. Our inventory is maintained at multiple distribution hubs, and we offer next-day shipment for standard sizes, with mill-direct lead times for larger project volumes and custom wall schedules.
Each production lot is accompanied by an EN 10204 3.1 material certificate detailing chemical composition, mechanical results, and hydrotest pressures. Random samples are further subjected to flattening, reverse flattening, and flange tests per ASTM A249 to confirm weld integrity. For critical service, 100% PMI (positive material identification) and radiographic weld inspection can be arranged, delivering absolute confidence in the product’s conformity to specification.
