Sourcing Knowledge Center
Sourcing Knowledge Center
Browse Industries
Hot Category News
Sourcing Tips
Sourcing Knowledge Center
Browse Industries
Hot Category News
Sourcing Tips

This is not a pipe… or is it?

Global SourcesUpdated on 2023/12/01

Hot Topics

Global Sources Exhibitions

Learn more about the differences of pipes and tubes.

Image by Hans from Pixabay

You take a look at an online posting of a pipe but wondering why the label says “tube”, or "This is not a pipe" as Michel Focault’s famous book title says on its cover that seems to clearly show a pipe. In the hardware industry, it is common for manufacturers to list a pipe as a tube and vice versa. There are buyers as well that see pipes as tubes and tubes as pipes. Given these, are they just the same? Truth is, there are differences between the two.

As for physical features, although a number may look the same in shape such as hollow cylinder, dimensions for pipes and tubes are measured in Nominal Pipe Size (NPS), and millimeters or inches, respectively. There are different terms for thickness and diameter as well, as illustrated and compared in a HardHat Engineer article.

With regards to tolerance, tubes have higher tolerance versus pipes, and cost more to make, according to the Engineering Toolbox.

Image by annawaldl from Pixabay

Among the main differences is also application, as highlighted in an Eagle Stainless article. Tubing is said to be used more as structure support and for applications where outer diameter is vital such as in medical equipment, while pipes are more common for liquid and gas transport where inner diameter is important.

Whether a buyer is looking for pipes or tubes, there are plenty of those on GlobalSources.com, complete with the necessary product specifications.

Below are easy-to-source pipes and tubes from Global Sources Verified Suppliers.

P9 alloy steel

Company: Shaanxi Jiade Import & Export Co., Ltd

The ASTM-A335-OD:18-168mm,WT:2-15-7246 model from Shaanxi Jiade is made of P9 alloy steel. It can have plain, beveled, thread, chamfer, grooved or screw ends. Buyers can choose from bared, black painted, galvanized, oiled and corrosion-resistant finishes. Price is $470 to $650 per metric ton.

Inquire now

Buy sample

Aluminum tube

Company: Danny Yukai Precision IND Co. Ltd

The AL-01 model from Danny Yukai is an aluminum tube and connector that is CNC machined. For an MOQ of 10 pieces, each is priced at $2.50 to $8.

Inquire now

Buy sample

ASTM-compliant

Company: Handan Zhengda Steel Pipe Co. Ltd

Handan Zhengda’s model ZDP063 hot-dip galvanized steel pipe meets ASTM standards. Size ranges from ½ to 16in and wall thickness is 0.6 to 20mm. Length is up to 12m. The ends can be plain or threaded with sockets or plastic caps. The pipe is quoted at $650 to $750 per metric ton. MOQ is 5 metric tons.

Inquire now

For ocean, air transportation

Company: Torich International Co. Ltd

Torich's SA269, Seamless Stainless Steel Pipe model is suitable for use in ocean and air transportation. It meets ASTM A269 standards. Length can be buyer-specified. Inner diameter is 6.4mm or wider. The product goes for $3,000 to $3,300 per US ton.

Inquire now

For piston pins

Company: Torich International Co. Ltd

Also from Torich is the ASTM A519, 20Cr Seamless Pipes model that is suitable for piston pins. Its outer diameter ranges from 6 to 450mm. Wall thickness can reach 50mm and length is up to 12,000mm. The product can be hot or cold rolled, or cold drawn. Price is $1,800 to $1,980 per US ton. MOQ is 5 US tons.

Inquire now

High-precision, seamless

Company: Xingyue Iron And Steel (Guangdong) Co. Ltd

Xingyue Iron And Steel offers the model XY1-02 high-precision seamless cold drawn steel pipe that is suitable for oil, chemicals, boilers, gas, mechanical equipment, water conservation, architecture and many other applications. Outer diameter is 1/8 to 24in. Wall thickness is 0.9 to 50mm. Price is $580 to $600 per US ton.

Inquire now

Braided tube

Company: Ningguo Xinglong Auto Parts Co. Ltd

Ningguo Xinglong's Φ16-Φ45 model is a PTFE braided tube for automobile stabilizer bushes. Its PTFE inner wall has a smooth low-friction surface that prolongs the lifespan of the stabilization pole and bush. The tube goes for $5 to $10 per meter. MOQ is 50m.

Inquire now

Buy sample

Sanitary stainless steel fittings

Company: Shanghai Maya Corp. Ltd

Shanghai Maya's SSF02 model are sanitary stainless steel fittings that measure 1 to 4in and have satin or mirror finishes. They meet 3A, DIN and SMS standards. Elbow, tee, cross, union, nipple, end cap, clamp and other types are available. Price is $1 each.

Inquire now

Customizable deep drawn part

Company: Cangzhou Hengjin Hardware Mfg Co. Ltd

The Sheet Metal Tooling-5617 model from Cangzhou Hengjin is a deep drawn part that can be made according to buyer's specifications. OEM services are offered by the supplier.

Inquire now

Buy sample

Source the latest products from verified suppliers on our global sourcing platform, or install our app. Subscribe to our magazines for more in-depth insights and product discovery.

More Sourcing News

Previous Article

Read Also

Free Alerts on newly added products!
Global Sourcing Sites:EnglishEspañolDeutschFrançaisPortuguêsBahasa indonesiaالعربية世界经理人
Terms of UsePrivacy PolicySecurity MeasuresIP PolicyCookie Policy

Copyright © 2026 Publishers Representatives Limited. All rights reserved.

  • Leave us Feedback

  • Download App

    Scan the QR code to download

    iOS & Android
    iOS & Android
    (Mainland China)