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While seamless pipes work well in some scenarios, welded pipes are sometimes a better solution. These pipes are made by shaping flat metal sheets into circular shapes. You then weld them together to join them up.

What are the benefits of using welded pipes?

1. Surface Quality

Seamless pipes go through an extrusion process during manufacture. This process takes a piece of steel and then heats, thins and shapes it.

While extrusion creates a complete pipe, you do sacrifice some surface quality here. The surface of the pipe won't always be smooth and even; it might look and feel quite rough.

Welded pipes are much smoother and have a more consistent finish. You use whole sheets and a cold-forming process here which gives a better-quality finish.

2. Consistent Walls

The walls on seamless pipes sometimes have slight thickness differences. You rely on the extrusion process to thin the metal here, and your results won't always be consistent.

Welded pipes are made from a flat metal sheet. The thickness of this sheet doesn't change during the manufacturing process. So, a pipe will have a uniform wall thickness.

You can also check the inside walls of these pipes for flaws and problems before manufacture. This isn't possible with seamless pipes.

3. More Size Options

Seamless pipes come in limited sizes. For example, you might struggle to get pipes that have the right size and length for out-of-the-ordinary specifications.

If you need to order unusual sizes or lengths, then welded pipes are usually a better bet. You have more flexibility here.

4. Faster Production Lead Times

It takes some time to extrude seamless pipes. Extrusion is quite a complex process.

For example, you have to prepare the steel base and then heat it. You have to stretch and shape the metal to the right pipe size both externally and internally.

Welded pipe manufacturing is an easier and quicker process. You simply place sheets in a roller or bending machine and then weld them together.

So, you'll get your order more quickly. These pipes are also available in a wider range of materials than seamless alternatives.

5. Lower Costs

The work involved in creating seamless pipes comes with a cost. This is a more complex, time-consuming and labour-intensive process compared to welded pipes.

Welded pipes are easier and quicker to make. This reduces their manufacturing costs, so you'll pay less for them.

To find out more, contact welded pipe manufacturers.