Precision Steel Tubes: Production Processes, Application Areas, and Selection Guides

 

Precision steel tubes are a high - quality steel tube material, renowned for high dimensional accuracy, high surface finish, and excellent mechanical properties. Their production processes encompass both hot - rolling and cold - rolling technologies, and they meet the requirements of multiple fields through a strict standard system. 

 

I. Production Processes

1. Hot - Rolling Process 

Hot - rolled precision steel tubes are formed through processes such as heating the continuous casting billet, piercing, sizing, and rolling. They are suitable for producing large - diameter and thick - walled steel tubes, featuring high production efficiency and low cost. 

2. Cold - Rolling Process 

The cold - rolling process includes steps such as pickling, cold - rolling, annealing, leveling, and finishing. The finished products have no oxide layer on the surface and higher dimensional accuracy, making them suitable for scenarios with strict requirements for finish and shape. 

 

II. Core Characteristics

1. Physical Properties 

Precision steel tubes have smooth inner and outer walls. They do not deform during cold bending, can withstand high pressure without leakage, and show no cracks in the flaring and flattening tests. 

2. Chemical Composition 

Common grades include 10#, 20#, 45#, and alloy steels (such as ml10cr15). The content of elements such as carbon, silicon, and manganese is adjusted according to requirements. For example, the carbon content of 10# steel is 0.07% - 0.13%, suitable for general structural parts; the carbon content of ml10cr15 reaches 0.95% - 1.03%, combining high strength and wear resistance. 

3. Weight Calculation 

The formula for calculating the weight per meter is: [(outer diameter - wall thickness)×wall thickness]×0.02466 = kg/m, which facilitates the rapid estimation of material usage. 

 

III. Application Areas

1. Automotive and Transportation 

They are used in manufacturing engine components (cylinders, crankshafts), high - pressure oil pipes, and body structural parts, improving fuel efficiency and safety. 

2. Mechanical Manufacturing 

As the core material for bearings, gears, and hydraulic cylinders, they ensure high precision and long service life of equipment. 

3. Energy Industry 

High - pressure pipelines and valve stems in the oil and gas field, as well as pipes for power boilers, rely on their high - temperature resistance and corrosion resistance characteristics. 

4. Aerospace 

They are applied to turbine components of jet engines and structural parts of spacecraft, meeting the requirements for strength and stability in extreme environments. 

5. Construction and Chemical Industry 

Bridge structures and pipelines for transporting corrosive media (such as Nicrofer 6023H steel tubes) all use precision steel tubes to ensure safety and durability. 

 

IV. Standards and Selection

1. Domestic and International Standards 

Domestically, standards such as GB/T 699 - 2008 (Carbon Structural Steel) and GB/T 3639 - 2008 (Cold - Rolled Precision Steel Tubes) are implemented; internationally, ISO 3160 (Stainless Steel Tubes) and other standards are commonly used. 

2. Selection Recommendations 

- High - temperature and high - pressure scenarios: Select alloy steels (such as 42CrMo) or heat - resistant steels to ensure pressure resistance and thermal stability. 

- High - precision requirements: Prioritize cold - rolled steel tubes to guarantee dimensional and surface quality. 

- Corrosive environments: Use stainless steel or steel tubes with special coatings (such as Nicrofer 6023H) to extend the service life. 

 

V. Development Trends

With the industrial upgrading, precision steel tubes are developing towards higher strength, better corrosion resistance, and lighter weight. In particular, their application prospects are broad in fields such as new - energy vehicles and high - end equipment manufacturing. 

 

Through scientific material selection and process optimization, precision steel tubes will continue to provide reliable material solutions for various industries.