The 5 Types of Carbon Steel Round Tube

Carbon steel round tubing is used in a surprising number of industries. Industries use steel round tubing for mechanical and structural purposes.

Everything from an architect to a furniture maker will likely use some form of steel tubing.

Wondering about the steel tube types and how they’re different? What applications do they have?

Read on to learn more about the five types of steel tubes.

Carbon Steel Round Tubes

You already know that carbon steel tubes are used for various purposes and industries. It also comes in a variety of tubing sizes and finishes.

The carbon steel tubing also comes in:

• Assortment of outside diameters
• Wall thicknesses
• Tube lengths

When purchasing carbon steel round tubes, you’ll order by the outside diameter and the wall thickness of the tube. Then you’ll need to identify which manufacturing process the tube goes through.

1. Hydraulic

If you have requirements for hydraulic lines, the hydraulic tubing addresses where flaring or bending in the tubing is necessary.

There are two ways to create hydraulic tubing. First, the manufacturer can take rolled, flat metal and weld it into the round shape and diameter needed. It can also be started by rolling and piecing bar stock, so the result is a seamless piece of tubing.

2. Hot-Finished

Hot-finished steel tubing is less costly to manufacture than some of the other varieties. It can come out with less precise dimensions and surface quality than the alternatives.

To manufacture hot finished steel tubing, a solid piece of hot metal is pierced as it rotates. This creates a seamless tube. Once created, the wall thickness and diameter are adjusted as needed.

3. Cold-Drawn Seamless

A cold-drawn seamless tube is likely more costly and precise to manufacture than hot-finished tubing. The precision tube is created when piercing hot metal billets are rolled for length and desired wall thickness.

The process of making the cold-drawn seamless tubing allows for tight tolerances. It also means this type of tubing can have thicker walls, making it a more robust tube with better aesthetic features.

Cold-drawn tubing offers better quality and increased mechanical properties over other options.

4. Electric Resistance Welding

Hot-rolled steel creates a cold-forming metal coil. It’s then taken and formed into cylindrical and round shapes.

There are several options for welding the joint in electric resistance welding in the manufacturing process. However, the weld always occurs when the tubing is heated at the joint via electrical resistance.

5. Drawn-Over-Mandrel

Drawn-over mandrel tubing gets created using a slightly different manufacturing process. This process requires cutting the metal coil to the desired length.

Then the tube is cold-rolled into the tube shape and welded with electric resistance while under pressure. The process used to create this type of tubing helps to increase the strength, hardness, and machinability of the tubing.

Get the Steel Tube Types You Need

The five steel tube types come in various lengths, tube widths, and wall thicknesses. Because they have such broad uses, the tubing can be manufactured to meet the job’s specs.

To learn more about steel tubing and to get a quote, contact us today.

Understanding the Different Types of Structural Steel Tubes

Research has shown that the steel tube market has reached $93.3 in 2022. These results show just how important steel is for the construction industry to complete these projects.

Steel is something that has only increased in demand within the last year. Especially as construction work is picking up, requiring large amounts of steel and steel tubes.

But what are the different types of structural steel tubes that you have to choose from? There are many different kinds of tubes, but they aren’t all going to have the same purpose.

Keep reading to find out more about structural steel tubes and other structural steel shapes.

Structural Steel Tubes Uses

Structural steel tubes are used for a great many uses in construction. They are used by hobbyists as well as construction companies building buildings.

They are often used for structural support to give buildings more stability. They come in various sizes to help support a variety of structures that need to withstand pressure.

They are often used for dock piles and road bore casting as well. Anywhere where you need extra support, different grades of steel tubes can be useful for creating that structure.

These are generally construction materials that you will never end up seeing. As they are internal structures that provide support without being visible within the structure.

You will often use these steel tube options in buildings, bridges, and framing. Most construction jobs cannot be done without steel tubes.

Different Types of Structural Steel Tubes

As with any other kind of construction materials, steel tubes come in a wide variety. You have different steel tube options and grades of steel tubes to choose from.

Because of this, you should understand more about this kind of steel product. So that you know exactly what kind of steel tube to choose that you need.

Some tubes are similar, but most have certain projects that they work best with. Keep reading to find out more about the kinds of steel tubes you could use.

Spiral Steel

Spiral steel is very economical and a popular choice amongst construction workers. It is very durable and is considered to be a long-lasting option for providing structural support.

Spiral steel is often used for road casting, trenches, and piling. Though there are other projects that this kind of steel tubing could be used for.

Seamless Steel

Seamless steel is a structural steel shape that is a common option for internal support. It is durable and popular for projects like dock piling, caissons, and bollards.

As well as pipe piling to help create deep foundations for a variety of structures. 

ERW Steel

ERW steel tubes are also known as high-quality line pipe that is a popular option. Construction professionals often use this option for utility and oil companies specifically.

ERW pipe can be used for columns, docks, or for tunnel construction. It provides a great option that will be long-lasting and very durable.

DSAW Carbon Steel

DSAW carbon steel tubes are structural steel tubes that are available in a variety of different grades. They are usually welded on both OD and ID.

These types of steel tubes are often used for projects like road casing, culverts, and road borings. Though they can be used for many other things depending on the grade that you get.

Culvert 

Culvert pipe is one of the different types of structural steel tubes that aren’t known for being high quality. Rather, it is used for diverting water around and under driveways.

Though it is also used to help divert water around temporary bridges, drainage systems, sewer systems, and water systems. Because of this, culvert pipe is common in farming and irrigation as well.

So this type of tube is structural but serves a very different purpose than most steel tubes. It won’t work for projects where you need structure and support within a project.

Fence Pipe

Fence pipe is very self-explanatory as it is used for building fences. This type of structural steel tubes is incredibly durable and strong, making it perfect for fencing.

It is often used for building fences, enclosing parks, enclosing parking lots, and more. It isn’t usually used for buildings or construction, it provides fence support.

If you are building a fence or any kind of enclosure, it is important to use fence pipe. Because this kind of pipe is designed to be out in the elements, withstanding wear and tear.

Steel Tube Options at Bushwick Metals

If you need to buy structural steel tubes, Bushwick Metals is a great place to do this. As this steel distributor offers all kinds of steel tubes to choose from.

If you need this structural material for a project, you may need different kinds of tubes. Bushwick Metals offers the varieties that you may need, such as:

• Double Extra Strong Pipe
• Fence Pipe and Tube
• Galvanized Awning Tube and Pipe
• Light Wall Pipe
• Round Mechanic Tubing
• Square and Rectangular Mechanical Tubing
• Standard Pipe
• Structural Steel Rectangular Tubing
• Structural Steel Square Tubing

These are all options that you may need for your construction project. Whether you are building a building, a bridge, or a fence.

Types of Steel Tubes You May Need

If you are working on a construction project of any kind, you probably need structural steel tubes. There are many different types of structural steel tubes you could use.

Do you need structural steel pipes for your next big project? Contact us today at Bushwick Metals for steel tube options.

Hot Dipped Galvanized Steel Pipe At Bushwick Metals/Intsel Steel East

If you work in an industry that installs or utilizes piping, you know how important reliability is. It means improved safety as well as increased production. It can be the difference between successful transport of liquids or gases and disaster.

With so many different components on the market, it can be difficult to determine which is the best piping for any given project. Fortunately, there are a few products that stand out above the rest. Hot dip galvanized pipe is one of them.

There are many advantages to zinc-galvanized piping. The information below will go over them as well as the preparation and coating processes. It will help you determine if galvanized pipe is the right product for your business needs.

What Is Galvanization?

While steel is a very durable metal with a high tensile strength, without protection, it will rust. Galvanization is the process of adding a protective layer of material–usually zinc–to steel or iron. This strengthens the metal and protects it from rust and corrosion.

The most common method for galvanizing metal is hot dipping. As the name suggests, it involves dropping the metal into a molten zinc solution to coat it.

First, the steel surface is cleaned to ensure it is free of any contamination. It is often degreased by dipping it in hydrochloric acid. This also helps remove rust, welding slag, paint, or any other unwanted materials. Next, technicians dip the steel in zinc that is heated to well over 800 degrees Fahrenheit. Zinc alloy layers form on the steel and then cool to form a solid coat. Finally, metal workers inspect the finished product. They look for uniformity of coating and inspect the thickness of the layers. Sometimes they perform basic physical or chemical tests to determine the quality of the coating.

Advantages of Hot Dip Galvanized Steel Pipe

There are several benefits to zinc galvanization. Here are the main ones to consider.

Durability

Galvanized steel will last many decades–depending on the conditions in which it is used–much longer than many other piping products. For heavy industrial uses, you can expect it to last 15 or 20 years. You could get more like 30, 40, or even 100 years from the piping for residential uses. Zinc is very strong and has a very low rate of corrosion. It helps Galvanization protect the underlying steel in three distinct ways.

Physical Barrier

The most obvious way zinc protects the metal piping is by creating a robust physical barrier. Zinc is a strong metal itself and is resistant to cracking or chipping. Other sealants are not as strong. When damaged, they can expose the steel to water or moisture in the air, which can cause corrosion. Hot dip galvanized pipe is completely coated to create a singular layer and can provide up to seven times the strength of organic coatings.

Corrosion

Another way galvanization provides protection is from corrosion. The most prominent and rapid way corrosion happens in metals is when two come into contact with one another in the presence of an electrolyte, like saltwater.

One metal acts as an anode and the other as a cathode. The anode corrodes more rapidly, while the cathode corrodes slower than it otherwise would. When galvanized, the zinc coating, in contact with the base steel, acts as the anode. This slows the corrosion rate of the cathode metal (the steel). It is easy to see how this is preferable to organic or plastic coatings. This “sacrificial protection” means that, given the presence of an electrolyte, the zinc will corrode much faster than the underlying steel. Also, it is much easier to repair and replace the damaged zinc coating than the entire pipe itself should outer corrosion occur.

Sideways Creep

Finally, zinc protects against a type of corrosion known as “sideways creep.” This involves rust deposits accumulating and spreading underneath the paint coating. This causes it to peel and flake. Zinc is resistant to this dynamic. So, any corrosion remains localized and is easier to address.

Cost

Longer-lasting piping translates to economic benefits down the road. You save not only on the product itself but offsetting labor costs associated with replacing corroding pipe. It also means you don’t have to shut down operations to do repairs or replacements. Galvanized steel pipe is also much more affordable to produce than other long-lasting metals, like stainless steel. This is in part because these alternatives require a lot of labor and many steps to produce.

Efficient Preparation and Inspection

Galvanization also requires very little preparation of the steel pipe’s surface. While the metal should be free of dust or debris, no other steps are necessary (other than minor decreasing ones mentioned above) to ensure the zinc coating adheres to the surface.

The galvanization process–including preparation, dipping, and drying–is very quick. Also, it is not harmed by humidity, so that you can do it in almost any climate or weather condition. Galvanized steel pipe is much easier to inspect than other coated pipes. The shiny sheen the process leaves behind makes it simple to identify imperfections or deficits in the evenness of the coating.

Find Hot Dip Galvanized Pipe Near You

Now that you have an idea of the advantages of hot dip galvanized steel, you can determine if it’s right for your construction needs. Be sure to find a reputable distributor that has a lot of experience in the galvanization process to ensure you’re getting a quality product.

For almost 200 years, Bushwick Metals has been the Northeast’s leading wholesale steel distributor. We carry a vast inventory of premium carbon steel products, including hot dip galvanized pipe. Reach out to us today for a free quote or to speak with someone from our sales team about your piping needs.

Steel Pipe Showdown: A53 Vs A500

Pipes are an integral part of the construction industry. Not only do pipes carry water, gas, and oil to where they need to be in your industrial plant, but piping is also what carries away wastes. But the question is, between A53 and A500 steel pipe, which one should you choose?

Read on to learn the various elements of A53 Vs A500 and find out how they measure up.

A53 vs. A500 Steel Pipes: What Are they?

Both ASTM A53 and ASTM A500 specification steel pipes serve similar functions. Yet, there are significant differences that you must understand before making final purchase decisions. Don’t be surprised to find that some contractors may not understand these differences!

The ASTM A53 standard defines steel pipes intended for use in high-pressure gas or water transportation systems. It is one of the most important standards for industry standards related to steel. The A53 specification covers seamless and welded steel pipes, line pipes for oil and gas pipelines, and partially-processed tubing. It’s also ideal for electric resistance-welded subassemblies or pipeline joints.

The ASTM A500 specification covers black carbon steel mechanical tubing. It’s primarily used in industrial plant construction. It also includes a galvanized coating applied before shipment from factory stock.

Even though these pipes are made of steel, there are many differences between them. A53 pipes are thicker and stronger than A500 steel pipes. They can be used for high-pressure applications, while A500 steel pipes are applicable where pressure doesn’t exceed one hundred pounds per square inch. When choosing which pipe to use, consider the maximum expected pressure and the environmental conditions that the pipe may encounter.

What’s the Difference in Quality and Strength?

A differentiating factor between A53 and A500 pipes is their yield strength. This refers to how much each metal can stretch before it breaks under pressure.

ASTM A510’s minimum yield strength is 60,000 PSI, while ASTM A53 has 45,000 PSI. You’ll note that both materials have similar tensile properties at around 100,000 PSI.

A53 steel pipes are more flexible than A510, but it’s important to remember that A53 has lower yield strength.

Is There a Difference in Designation?

Another characteristic of ASTM A500 and A53 is their designation. It refers to how they were manufactured before being stamped with the standard for anyone building pipelines.

The A500 uses an open-hearth furnace, while the A53 leaves out this step in its manufacturing process. This makes the production of A53 faster and less expensive compared to the A500 carbon steel normalized pipe. There isn’t much of a difference between A53 vs A500 uses when it comes to their end-use applications. They’re both used in pipes, pressure vessels, tanks, and boilers.

Characteristics and Applications of A500 Steel Pipes

ASTM A 500 Grade A is designed for mechanical strength rather than weldability. It’s more likely to break under stress instead of bending or buckling at high temperatures.

A500 steel pipes are used for structural purposes such as heavy-duty equipment and piping in the petrochemical and oil refinery industries. Yet, A53 is more commonly found than A500. The A510 offers a better balance between strength and weldability compared to ASTM A 500 Grade B.

Characteristics and Applications of A53 Steel Pipes  

ASTM A 53 carbon steel pipe grade C/ASTM A 530 Grade C has higher yield strength than its counterpart. You can bend or twist this material much more before it breaks. It’s perfect for your scaffolding needs!

A53 steel pipe grade C is used for mechanical purposes. Yet, its strength properties make it a perfect fit for heavy-duty equipment and piping in the oil industry.

Chemical composition

The chemical composition of steel pipes affects the mechanical properties of the pipe, such as tensile and yield strength. The chemical composition of A500 steel pipe is equal to 0.28% C, 0.07% Mn, 0.07% Si, and 0.6-0.8% Ni.

The chemical composition of A53 steel pipe is typically equal to 0.22% C, 0.09% Mn, 0.09% Si, and 0.6-0.8% Ni. The A500 tolerances are more potent than the A53 pipe tolerances. They’re used in applications that need to be solid and durable against corrosion-related problems like seawater or sulphuric acid.

The chemical composition of the A500 steel pipe also allows it to be used in more applications than the A53 steel pipe. It has higher tensile strength, yielding strength, and corrosion resistance than the A53 steel pipe does. For these reasons, A500 steel pipes are usually more expensive than A53 steel pipes.

Weight

The weight of a pipe is an essential factor to consider when choosing your steel pipe. Weight determines how much that pipe costs per foot or meter. Steel pipe prices are determined by the cost of the steel and the length.

The difference in weight can impact the cost of the pipe and how it is used. For example, if you need a section of underwater pipe, you may need one made from higher-density steel that’s welded together.

On the other, you may need one that’s light and flexible enough to bend and be transported to a different location easily. The weight of a pipe will also determine how much it costs to ship.

Strength

A53 pipes are thinner than A500 steel pipes. This can be an advantage because they are easier to cut, weld, and fit.

A53 pipes are made with a higher percentage of manganese, which makes them softer than A500 steel pipes. It also makes them more flexible and better at withstanding pressure. This can be a disadvantage because they can collapse under pressure.

A500 steel pipes are much stronger than A53 steel pipes. The high percentage of nickel in A500 steel pipes gives them much greater strength. The downside is that they are more difficult to weld and cut than A53 steel pipes.

Talk to the Best A53 vs A500 Steel Pipe Supplier Today

Are you in manufacturing, construction, or fabrication? Do you deal with gas and oil and want durable and quality A53 vs A500 steel pipes? At Bushwick Metals, we make the best and most innovative steel pipes that can meet all your needs. For years, we’ve worked with different industries to develop suitable steel pipes.

Whether you need steel pipes in bulk or need some credit financing for your next delivery, we’ve got you covered. Request for a quote or contact us today to get the best steel pipes.

Bulk Steel Tubing At Bushwick Metals

One of the most useful materials in the manufacturing and construction industries is stainless steel. It’s strong, long-lasting, corrosion-resistant, and versatile. Steel tubing is a common use for stainless steel.

But how do you get bulk steel tubing? The demand for stainless steel tubing is growing rapidly, but the industry is lagging. Picking the right supplier is crucial if you want to get your materials on time, and in the amount and style that you need.

Keep reading to find out how to do this right.

The Many Uses of Steel Tubing

Steel tubes are one of the most common materials in construction and manufacturing. You can find steel tubes in fence posts, plumbing, bike racks, traffic barriers, HVAC systems, refrigerators, medical equipment, airplanes, cars, and so much more.

Just about every industry uses steel tubing one way or another. It’s useful for transporting liquids and gases. The tubes can be tiny, inside of your home, or giant pipes in a factory, or even massive like a municipal water system.

Stainless steel tubing is perfect for these tasks because it resists damage and corrosion. It’s easy to keep sterile, and it lasts for decades. Steel tubing can carry water just as easily as a chemical like freon or a gas like nitrous.

However, steel tubing isn’t just for transportation. The hollow center of the tube also makes it structurally strong without being too heavy. This is why steel tubing works well in fence posts or for bike racks. Larger steel tubes work well in building construction for the same reasons.

Stainless steel tubing is easy to sanitize and isn’t porous, which makes it more useful than other types of tubing, like plastic or concrete. This versatile material is in high demand for a reason—steel tubing solves a lot of industrial and manufacturing problems.

What Types of Steel Tubing Are Available?

A typical metal company will specialize in just a few types of steel tubes, especially if they sell in bulk. However, there is a wide variety of steel tubes you might need for your projects.

There are three primary shapes: round, rectangular, and square. All three of these shapes can be either welded or seamless. Once you have the shape, there are finishing options to consider as well, such as galvanizing or adding threads on the end.

Bushwick Metals offers a dozen different types of bulk steel tubing, including multiple shapes made with multiple steel grade options. There are hot rolled and cold rolled tubing options, as well as extruded tubing.

The Bushwick Metals product range includes:

• Square Mechanical Tubing
• Rectangular Mechanical Tubing
• Structural Steel Square Tubing
• Structural Steel Rectangular Tubing
• Round Mechanic Tubing
• Standard Pipe
• Light Wall Pipe
• Fence Pipe and Tube
• Galvanized Awning Pipe and Tube

All of these options are available in the size and quantity you need when you need them. We have custom options and on-site treatments, as well as standard sizes and finishes.

What’s the Difference Between Pipe and Tube?

The primary difference between pipe and tube is that pipes carry something. Both tubes and pipes are hollow in the center, but a pipe can’t leak at all. It has to be entirely sealable.

Pipes are a specific type of tube. They’re usually round rather than square or rectangular, and they’re graded according to what they carry. Gas lines and water lines have different needs.

Tubes on the other hand, often serve as structural support and don’t need to carry anything. They can be rectangular or squared off to fit into a space better, and they don’t need to be as sealable.

Sometimes, a pipe or another kind of tube works well for the same job. Fence posts are a good example of this. The type of fence you’re building impacts the type of tube you’ll need to complete the project. If you are looking for pipes, we supply bulk steel pipes as well.

Why Should You Buy Steel Tubes in Bulk?

If you’re working on projects where you need a large quantity of steel tubing, it’s a no-brainer to order in bulk. However, if you tend to run smaller operations or buy your materials a bit at a time, you should consider buying in bulk instead.

Consistency is important for most construction and industrial jobs. If your tubing isn’t all the same size, you can run into expensive problems quickly. Buying all the steel tubes for one project at the same time can cut down on these problems.

Next-Day Delivery

Picking the right metal company to supply your bulk steel tubing is important. Getting the right materials on time and in the right quantity is important to keep your projects running smoothly.

Next-day delivery on bulk tubing orders might seem too good to be true, but Bushwick Metals guarantees it for:

• New York
• New Jersey
• Connecticut
• Delaware
• Pennsylvania
• Massachusetts
• Rhode Island
• Maryland
• Vermont
• New Hampshire
• Maine

We understand that you have deadlines to meet. With multiple locations and cutting-edge technology, we can get you the steel tubing you need quickly without sacrificing quality.

Before you order your steel tubing, we can help you figure out exactly how much you need. We have placement drawing and takeoff services available to help calculate the perfect amount of bulk steel for your project.

Get Bulk Steel Tubing From the Experts

Steel tubing may not be the first thing you notice, but it’s an important part of our lives. No matter what your steel needs are, we have the highest quality materials ready and waiting.

The next time you need bulk steel tubing, let Bushwick Metals take care of you. Request a quote today and we’ll get you the perfect steel materials for your project, on time and delivered safely.

Bulk Steel Pipe Supply At Bushwick Metals

Steel pipe is one of the most widely used materials in manufacturing, infrastructure and construction. A metal pipe is primarily used to transport liquid or gas, usually underground. The demand for these materials is increasing at a faster rate than the industry overall. So, why is demand increasing, and where can you get these materials? Let’s take a look.

What is Steel Pipe?

Steel pipe is a pipe of varying size and shape. It is used throughout manufacturing and construction to transport liquid or gas, typically oil, gas, and water. In household applications, refrigerators use metal pipes in their cooling systems. In the manufacturing sector, steel pipes of various sizes form handrails, bike racks and bollards.

Raw steel produced in foundries makes steel pipe. Raw steel may need additional elements to achieve the exact desirable composition. This molten metal is then poured into a mold to form an ingot or run through a continuous casting machine to produce blooms, billets and slabs. Slabs and billets, then make piping.

Pipe from Steel Skelp

Slabs are heated to 2,200 degrees F, and a scale forms on the surface of the slab. The scale is removed with a scale breaker and high-pressure cleaning. After the scale is removed and the slab is cleaned, the slab is rolled into narrow, thin strips of steel called skelp.

Skelp is then unwound from its spools, heated and then put through grooved rollers to bend the edges of the skelp upwards. The edges are inevitably bent to meet each other, forming a cylinder or pipe.

Seamless Pipe from Billets

Billets, long square pieces of continuous steel, are used to make seamless piping, which is better for some applications than piping that has a weld line. Billets are heated until they are white-hot, then rolled until they form a solid cylinder. A piercer then punctures a hollow center according to manufacturing specifications. The billet is then crafted, through milling operations, to conform to design specifications.

Steel Pipe Uses

Seamless and non-seamless steel pipe is found in many traditional building and construction applications. Often called steel tubes, steel pipe is used to provide additional structural integrity and strength through a process called piling.

Piling happens when tubes are driven into the substrate before a foundation is laid. Piling provides added stability for taller structures or when the substrate is unstable.

Metal piping is also used to make scaffolding poles to create access to reach areas for workers. Scaffolding poles are constructed by linking steel pipes in a cage-like pattern that workers can climb on to safely work off elevated platforms.

The Advantages of Bushwick Metals

Bushwick Metals is the highest quality purveyor of bulk steel pipe and steel supply along the east coast. Bushwick has many convenient locations in Connecticut, New York, New Jersey and Delaware. They even offer next day shipping to:

• New York
• New Jersey
• Connecticut
• Delaware
• Pennsylvania
• Massachusetts
• Rhode Island
• Maryland
• Vermont
• New Hampshire
• Maine

Bushwick stands by their promise of next-day delivery 100%. Bushwick uses modern cutting-edge industry technology, software and fabrication methods to effectively produce and deliver your bulk steel when you need it.

Bushwick not only supplies the best bulk steel pipe and other steel and metal products on the east coast, but they also take customer service satisfaction and custom order expediency seriously. You are Bushwick’s priority, and they want you to know it.

Bushwick addresses all customer questions and concerns by employing end-to-end supply chain solutions and expedient customer service turnaround times. Bushwick customer services include material and product estimates, custom steel orders, storage in their state of the art and efficient warehouses and logistical delivery and ordering systems to get materials out when you need them.

Bushwick also provides metal and bulk steel pipe in almost any quantity. They have fifty trucks making deliveries each day, and with those numbers, they can get you what you need when you need it.

Ordering bulk steel pipe is an effortless process. The Bushwick sales team works in conjunction with the logistics team to expedite orders for next-day delivery. Bushwick knows how important it is to get orders out in a timely process, and they take their dedication to order fulfillment seriously.

Additional Bushwick Services

Bushwick offers steel takeoffs and placement drawings as well. Takeoff uses industry software to calculate the amount of material needed for a project and its costs. This data is acquired by formulating scale drawings and project designs. This data is used to calculate the amount and type of steel pipe and other materials needed. Takeoff data is also used for placement drawings that predict and output a final material schedule for the quantity of material a project demands.

The experience, knowledge and skills that Bushwick has at their disposal make them the foremost source of information and advice for any project. They guide the size, type, and optional processing of any steel pipe needed for a project. Bushwick is more than happy to reach out to their manufacturing partners to custom fabricated steel pipe in single and bulk orders, and their warehouses offer material storage until the product is needed.

Types of Bulk Steel Pipe

Bushwick Metals has a massive supply of bulk metal pipes to meet all of your construction and development needs. They have:

• Square Mechanical Tubing
• Square and Rectangular Mechanical Tubing: available in A500-B, A500-C and A513
• Rectangular Mechanical Tubing
• Structural Steel Square Tubing
• Structural Steel Rectangular Tubing
• Round Mechanic Tubing
• Light Wall Pipe: welded, black, plain end
• Standard Pipe: uncoated, coated, and galvanized
• Double Extra Strong Pipe: Plain end
• Fence Pipe and Tube – Hot Dipped Galvanized
• Fence Pipe and Tube – SS Galvanized
• Galvanized Awning Tube and Pipe
• And more!

Start Your Bushwick Experience Today

Each of their steel pipes and tubing is available exactly when you need them. Bushwick uses modern manufacturing methodologies, logistical and delivery solutions to quickly and efficiently deliver any of their steel pipes. Go with a company you can trust. Contact Bushwick today at 855-446-8735 or email [email protected].

Welded Vs Seamless Tubes: The Pros and Cons of Each

When comparing a welded vs seamless tube, the biggest differences lie in their construction, and in what they are each used for. Which one you use will depend on your overall project and goals. So with that in mind, let’s explore some of the most common uses of both welded and seamless steel tubes!Common Welded Steel Tube ProjectsOne of the most common ways welded tubes are used within the construction industry. Because of the unique construction qualities that make them especially resistant to buckling, they can be used as structural support elements in things like bridges or skyscrapers. They are also often used in plumbing systems and ventilation ducts, as well as in pipes for transferring fluids such as oil, water, gas, or other liquids from one place to another. Many times, welded tubes are also commonly used in the automotive industry, for parts like exhaust systems. Welded steel is able to withstand vibration for long periods without deforming or breaking down over time, making it ideal for use in cars. They can also be used in the shock absorber, muffler, axle tubing, and more.Another unique benefit that welded steel tubes offer is their extreme resistance to corrosion. This makes welded steel tubes ideal for any project which involves an acidic environment. Corrosive piping can be devastating for a production, so using the right materials to begin with can save you a big headache down the road.Common Seamless Tube ProjectsSeamless tube projects are becoming increasingly popular in a wide range of applications, including the automotive, marine, aircraft, and medical industries. Within the geological industries, they are also commonly used for drilling, due to the precision they offer. They are also oftentimes used as boiler pipes because they withstand high temperatures well and resist oxidation.Automotive applications for seamless tubes can include rotor shafts, fuel lines, and seat belt tensioners. Automotive manufacturers prefer seamless tubes because of their superior performance in extreme environments, such as very cold, or where a detailed design is essential. Aircraft also utilize seamless tubing for various components due to its lightweight, yet strong nature. Common uses include the fuselage, structural components, and stringers. Seamless steel tubing is ideal for aircraft because it can resist elements like humidity and salt water, which planes regularly encounter while flying. In addition, it stands up well to pressure and extreme temperatures, offering a reliable structural material for years to come. They can also support extremely high loads of weight, which is of course, essential for any plane.Medical devices also regularly utilize seamless tubing for prosthetics and other medical devices. Seamless tubing works especially well, even inside a harsh environment such as inside the human body or in a laboratory setting, where there may be regular exposure to corrosive fluids or chemicals. Common uses include endoscopic devices, medical scissors, and dissectors. Thanks to the detailed design options that seamless steel tubing offers, medical professionals and patients can be sure their devices are crafted with quality and accuracy.

As of 2021, the metal pipe and tube manufacturing industry is worth a whopping $12.4 billion across the US. You may not think of it as one of the larger industries, but steel tubing is a staple in pretty much all buildings constructed across the nation. This makes sense when you consider that it’s used in many applications such as plumbing and electricity.

When constructing a new building, you will need to choose between welded vs seamless tube options. Read on to learn the difference and to get some insight into the pros and cons of each.

What Are Welded Tubes?

Welded tubing is the most common and durable type of steel tube manufacturing method. Tubes are created by rolling stainless steel into tube shapes before being welded along their full length. The seam will then often be refined by using cold rolling methods, but sometimes it will be left as is.

Because welded pipes can have multiple seams, it’s also possible to get piping in many different shapes. You can have square and rectangular pipes made if they will fit better in your space that way. They can also be extremely large in diameter because they can have more than one seam.

Welded tubes often have larger diameters and thinner walls than their seamless counterparts. This allows for larger items to pass through them. They can also be drawn like seamless tubing for a better seam and finish, giving them a tighter tolerance. This makes them resistant to heat and water.

The Pros and Cons of Welded Pipes

There are many benefits to the use of welded tubing. They include:

• They’re manufactured very quickly
• Rapid development of new manufacturing technologies
• They have a much lower cost (in a comparison between seamless vs welded pipe options)
• High precision in diameter and thickness
• Tolerances are tighter
• You can get them in long lengths
• They have consistent concentricity
• Aesthetic brightness (when the tube is visible)

There are also several downsides:

• Smaller-diameter pipes are have much longer production times
• The welding process is difficult for small diameter pipes
• Welded pipes have a seam that some people consider unsightly
• They have slight impurities around the seam
• They’re more likely to corrode than alternatives (especially around the seams)
• Higher levels of stress in certain areas

How Are Seamless Pipes Any Different?

Seamless tubing is similar to its welded counterparts, but it doesn’t have a seam or bead down the center of its surface. There are multiple ways to make a seamless tube, all more intricate than the welded piping process.

Rotary piercing is among the most common methods. A solid biller of metal rolled in a cylindrical shape (the ‘mother tube’) is given a small indentation on one side. It then is fed through a roller system that shapes the outside diameter of the stainless tubing. This is done with an inner die called the ‘piercer roll,’ which is aligned with the indentation (that forms the interior tube diameter).

This simple process is extremely precise and therefore does not work well for small-diameter tubing. Drawing, another seamless tube production method, is superior for small-diameter pipes. A mother tube is crimped and pulled through a narrowing die. This stretches the tube to be longer and narrower.

Seamless Tubes: The Benefits and Downsides

There are a variety of advantages to seamless pipes:

• High resistance to corrosion (from chemicals, gas, oil, and water)
• High pressure rating (things can move through it with tighter concentrations and higher temperatures)
• Extremely durable as a result of these points
• Aesthetically pleasing due to being symmetrical and uniform
• Great for smaller applications that require precision
• More pure steel than other alternatives

There are also several disadvantages, such as:

• Significantly longer manufacturing times
• Much more difficult to manufacture
• Higher cost due to increased labor
• Difficult to have custom-made (due to higher wait times and cost)
• Cannot be easily used for tubes with larger diameters

Welded vs Seamless Tube: Which Option Is Right for Your Applications?

The main factor in which type of tubing you choose should be the size of the pipes you need. Welded tubes are ideal for thin-walled/large diameter tubes. If you need thicker tubes or smaller diameters, seamless welding is likely the way to go.

Welded tubes are generally used in architectural and construction applications. These industries require very accurate dimensions, so the precision of the welded tubing process is beneficial. Since welded tubes have a fast manufacturing process, it’s easy to customize the end result. You can therefore specify the exact length of your tubing as well as the shape and diameter size. You don’t need to choose from pre-set specifications.

Welded tubing is also perfect for general use applications because it is much more affordable. This is the case in many different industries that want to get specialized tubing manufactured quickly and cheaply.

On the flip side, contractors who are creating and installing industrial machinery may prefer seamless tubes because they’re stronger. Corrosion resistance is essential for those who are building tubes that oil or chemicals will move through. Some people also prefer to use seamless tubes in areas where the pipes will be visible. They want to avoid seeing the seam and prevent impurities. If uniformity and aesthetics are one of the goals, seamless tubes may be worth the additional cost.

Get Started With Metal Piping

Now you know the differences between a welded vs seamless tube and the pros and cons of each. That means it’s time to get started selecting the perfect tubing for your individual applications.

Browse and shop for tubing and piping with Bushwick metals. We offer a wide range of products including circular, square, and rectangular steel tubing. We’re committed to ensuring that you have the best possible materials to be as effective a contracting professional as possible, so we look forward to you reaching out.

How Strong Is Square Tubing And When Should You Use It?

Do you need steel tubing for your next project? Are you unsure how strong each type of steel tube is? Need to get a better idea of which type of tube to use? If you answered yes to these questions, you’re in luck because we’ve put together a guide intended to answer the question, “How strong is square tubing?”

As you read through this guide, you’ll learn about which kind of steel tubing is strongest. You’ll also find out about how strong square steel tubing is. You need to know that you have the right steel tube for what you need to do. You also want to be sure it can hold up to the stresses of the construction project or use you’re putting it in for.

We believe that is important, too, so read on to learn everything you need to know.

Strongest Steel Tubing

Steel square tubing isn’t the strongest type of tubing you can use. It is, however, more applicable than round or other shaped-tubing in certain uses.

Round steel tubing can withstand far higher weight-per-feet than square or rectangular tubing. This increased weight-bearing capacity is because a circle is a stronger shape than a square. Because there are no corners, there are fewer pressure points to give way when excess load is applied.

Round steel tubing is also preferred in many use-cases. This is particularly the case when the steel tubing is intended to move water or liquids. Round steel tubing works better for moving liquids as there are fewer points of resistance in its interior shape. Square steel tubing performs better in terms of strength when the tube needed is long. Over longer distances of tubing, a square shape will bend less than a round one.

Square steel tubing is also preferred if the tube must fit snugly to its surroundings. In such cases, square steel tubing can be stronger than round because it can be linked to another tube or framing piece. For rough purposes, we can compare square and round steel tubing to find out which is strongest. With an approximation in mind, round steel tubing is about ten times stronger.

What Is Square Tubing?

Square steel tubing is tubing that is manufactured using welding. This kind of tubing is of structural grade. It comes in either type A513 or A500 Grade B. The different kinds of steel tube are determined by the size and how thick the tube’s wall is. Regardless of the grade, steel tubing is used for a variety of purposes.

Typical uses of square steel tubing include construction and structural uses. It is also used for a wide variety of manufacturing and fabrication applications. You can find square steel tubes in vehicles, trailers, agricultural and transport equipment, and much more. The square shape of this steel tubing is ideal for many different reasons. It offers strength that channeled or angled tubing does not. It is also more rigid than channeled or angled tubing too.

Square steel tubing is also versatile. Manufacturers like to use it because it is easy to cut and weld into new applications.

How Strong Is Square Tubing?

To determine the answer to the question, how strong is square tubing, it’s important to consider how much weight it can hold. In steel tubing, the strength rating of the tube is measure by weight per foot.

This standard measurement is useful if you need to compare different manufacturers or products. The standard measure also lets you know if the steel tubing you are considering will meet your structural needs. Square steel tubing comes in a variety of different sizes. There are also two standard thicknesses of the steel itself.

Let’s look at a couple of standard sizes of square steel tubing to see how strong it is. A 2-inch x 2-inch piece of square steel tube with a wall thickness of 0.1875 inches can carry 4.32 lbs per foot of length. A 4-inch x 4-inch piece of square steel tube with a wall thickness of 0.25 inches can carry 5.41 lbs per foot of length.

As square steel tubing gets bigger, the wall thickness also increases. So, for example, at 8-inches x 8-inches, you can choose from a wall thickness of 0.25, 0.375, 0.5, and 0.625 inches. At 16-inches x 16-inches, which is one the largest square steel tubing sizes available, the wall thickness is either 0.3125, 0.375, or 0.5 inches.

As you might imagine, the tubing’s larger dimensions and thicker walls allow for greater load-bearing capacities. So, a 16-inch x 16-inch square tube with a wall of 0.5 inches can carry 103.3 lbs per foot. Square steel tubing is plenty strong enough for many construction and manufacturing uses. It is also strong enough for significant weight-bearing uses in vehicles and much more.

Use Square Tubing When Needed

While square steel tubing isn’t as strong as round steel tubing, it is still solid. It also has properties, such as its shape, that make it preferable to round steel tubing in many situations.

It’s worth asking the question, “How strong is square tubing?” because you must know if it will hold the weight your project needs. Work with professional architects or engineers to determine whether square steel tubing is the right material. They will also be able to help you with working out what size of square steel tubing you need. You’ll need to pay attention to how much weight you need your square steel tubing to carry across each foot of length. The more weight you need, the larger the size of tube you will require.

Fortunately, we’re in the business of supplying square steel tubing, as well as lots more, and we’ve been doing it for a long time. We know our tubes! We’ll work with you to ensure you have the right square steel tube where and when you need it.

Get in touch with us today to talk to an expert about your requirements.

Which Should You Choose? Mechanical Vs. Structural Tubing

When working on steel projects, it’s important to choose the right metal tubing. The world of metal tubing is vast. In the end, it can get confusing.

There are many kinds of tubing for many applications. Also, the terms and meanings related to tubing can seem unclear.

It’s important to understand the subtleties of metals when designing and working on projects. To that end, you’ve come to the right place to learn the difference between mechanical versus structural steel tubing.

Read on to learn when to choose mechanical vs structural tubing.

Mechanical vs Structural Tubing: What’s the Difference?

Typically, builders use mechanical tubing for light gauge structural applications. Fabricators produce mechanical tubes to meet specific criteria. These criteria may include use requirements or client specifications. Alternatively, they may consist of various tolerances or chemistries. This specificity allows for uniformity throughout the composition of the metal. This uniformity is much more present in tubing than standard pipes.

Fabricators can indeed create tubing to very exacting standards. More often than not, however, end-users use tubing with typical properties. These properties may focus on the yield strength for a particular size tube. They may also encompass a specific wall thickness.

Some applications, however, require severe forming. In this instance, an end-user may not specify a yield strength. Instead, they’ll choose a mechanical tube with specifications that are “fit for use.” Nevertheless, mechanical tubing is suited for a wide range of structural purposes. End-users also commonly deploy it for nonstructural uses.

On the other hand, end-users use structural tubing specifically for structural applications. This tubing has standard sizing parameters. The sizing standards of structural tubing dictate which metals are appropriate for use. Often, you’ll hear structural tubing referred to as hollow structural sections (HSS).

Tubing Applications

There are many applications for both mechanical and structural tubing. For example, an end-user might use mechanical tubing for solar racking.

You may also find mechanical tubing used for agriculture and dairy equipment. Meanwhile, a builder may use mechanical tubing for greenhouse structures and equipment. Builders may also use mechanical tubing to raise carports and metal buildings. Companies may also use them to build trailers.

Another place where you’ll see mechanical tubing frequently is in the construction of playgrounds or recreational equipment. In manufacturing settings, you’ll often see mechanical tubing used for conveyor rollers. Furthermore, you’ll frequently see mechanical tubing used to construct canopies. You may even see it used for structures such as the supporting framework of satellite dishes.

There also many applications for structural tubing. For instance, you may see it used for the erection of buildings. Alternatively, engineers may use structural tubing to erect bridges or towers. Manufacturers also use structural tubing for the construction of cranes.

Everywhere you go, you’ll see structural tubing used for the construction of metal poles. On the highway, you’ll frequently see structural tubing used for sign supports.

Also, manufacturers might use structural tubing in the automotive industry. Manufacturers also frequently use structural tubing for the construction of offshore production and drilling platforms.

Specifications of Mechanical vs Structural Tubing

Premium mechanical tubing has a few common specifications. For example, the top metal fabricators often create mechanical and structural tubing that meets the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) specifications. Typically, this kind of high-quality metal tubing will meet ASTM A500 and A513 specs. The steel tubing that top companies produce might meet either Type 1 or 2 specifications for the A513 class.

However, premium mechanical tubing is not limited to these specifications. Leading steel manufacturers can fabricate mechanical tubing to meet any specifications that you require. For example, galvanized mechanical tubing is a special line of mechanical tubing. It complies with A1057 and A787 coating specifications. The triple coating process of this mechanical tubing extends the life of the product.

Structural steel tubing has its own set of specifications. The specifications typically vary based on their design. They also vary between manufacturers. Common specifications for structural tubing include ASTM A500, Grades B, and C. A847 and A1065 are also common specifications for structural tubing. In recent years, ASTM A1085 has also become a popular choice among end-users.

When ordering both mechanical and structural tubing, end-users specify the outside dimension (OD). The outside dimension is the wall thickness or gauge of the tubing. This ordering method is a deviation from metal pipe products. When ordering metal pipes, end-users specify the inside dimension (ID) of the product.

Don’t Confuse Tubes With Pipes!

You may wonder, “What’s the difference between pipes and tubes?” Both pipes and tubes have the same basic construction. Right?

Well, not necessarily. Pipes and tubes might look similar. However, they have drastically different characteristics. End-users use pipes to accommodate larger applications. A pipe can range in size from half an inch to several feet in diameter. However, end-users order tubes in smaller diameters.

You might see a 10-inch diameter pipe used for many applications. However, you’ll rarely—if ever—see a 10-inch tube used for any construct. Still, users sometimes require odd tubing sizes. Also, there’s a big difference in wall thickness between pipes and tubes. Typically, manufacturers specify tube thickness by gauge.

Gauge is a system used to measure thinner thicknesses. For example, the common 20-gauge tube is only 0.035 inches thick. Meanwhile, manufacturers classify pipe thickness according to a pipe schedule. Common pipe schedules are SCH20, SCH40, and SCH80. SCH80 is an extra-strong pipe with thicknesses that range from 0.432 to 0.095 inches.

There’s a lot to consider when choosing the right mechanical or structural steel tubing. An expert fabricator, however, can help to make the process easier.

Source Your Materials From a Trusted Metal Supplier

Now you know more about the difference between mechanical vs structural tubing. What you need now is a fabricator who can help you select the perfect materials for your next project.

Bushwick Metals has engineered and produced high-quality industrial metal products for more than 100 years. We’re the leading steel distributor in the Northeast United States. Our vast wholesale structural-steel service center is an icon in the industry.

With Bushwick Metals, you can count on the benefit of value-added service. What’s more, we’re committed to fast, frequent next-day delivery.

Contact a Bushwick Metals material specialist today at 855-446-8735 or connect with us online. We’re ready and waiting to help you fulfill your industrial steel fabrication needs.