Union Steel Tubes is a first rate provider of tubing. There are many different ERW tube sizes available for you to choose. In fact, we have over 200 different options on offer. This ensures you should be able to find something that suits your specific requirements. In addition, our merchandise is available for some of the best prices you have ever seen.
You must measure tubes properly
In order to create the right ERW tubes, we must measure them correctly. We are going to explain how you do this.
You measure tube by the outside diameter (OD). This is specified in inches or a fraction of an inch. Pipe is a little different, as you measure it by nominal pipe size (NPS). Even though it is related to the OD, it is substantially different. To give an example, a 1-1/2″ pipe size possesses an OD of 1.9 rather than 1.5.
For sizes ranging from 1/8-inch up to 12-inch, the NPS correlates to the nominal inside diameter (ID). Although, it somewhat differs from the true inside diameter. Earlier pipe manufacturers created the walls in the more compact sizes far too thick. In their efforts to rectify this design mistake, they ended up taking excess from the inside. This was to avoid altering the sizes of the companion fittings.
As for sizes exceeding 12-inch, NPS is in tune with the actual OD. For all nominal pipe sizes, the OD stays relatively constant. The wall thickness variations shall only influence the ID.
What is wall thickness?
Speaking of wall thickness, this is another important term that requires discussion if you are looking at ERW tube sizes. To put it simply, it is a measure of how thick the wall is on the tube you are using. You measure a tube’s wall thickness in inches in most cases.
However, some producers show wall thickness by a standard gauge from 7 to 22, which corresponds to a series of thicknesses. The former is the heaviest while the latter is the lightest. Not every gauge is going to allow for a thickness between 0.101 to 0.111. The standard value, which isn’t halfway between, is what you would use to calculate section properties.
Different sizes and shapes
We aim to offer our clients the highest level of choice possible. That is why, in addition to an array of ERW tube sizes, we also have differing shapes.
For starters there is the regular round tubing of course. It is available in a range of diameters and wall thicknesses.
Another example would be oval tubing. This one can be slightly confusing because there is more than one type. Elliptical for example has a continuous curve around the entire circumference. Then there is flat sided. With these tubes, the curves are at each end of your tube. The sides however are in straight, flat lines. We provide the latter in an array of sizes.
Plus, we also provide square and rectangle tubing. Many users favour these shapes because of the uniformity. They can be consistent in the mechanical characteristics present, and wall thickness. The tubes also have high yield and tensile strengths. Yet again you can choose them in a wide range of sizes.
We keep a large range of tubing in stock at Union Steel Tubes ready to go. As for the others, we have them at our mill. On our products page you will find a PDF file detailing which specific sizes we have and where we keep them.
Come to us to explore ERW tube sizes
The team here at Union Steel Tubes wants nothing more than for its customers to receive the greatest items. To ensure this, we carefully test every tube before we send them off. In addition, the delivery service we operate is fast and efficient.
If there are certain ERW tube sizes you need to get your hands on, feel free to contact us anytime.
