Developments in welding techniques have closed the gap in quality between seamed and seamless tubes. Seamed products can now have comparable strength and durability while also offering great cost savings. However, seamless tubes still offer one major benefit in that the tube can be created in a wide range of sizes and wall thicknesses. The thickness range is smaller with ERW steel tubes.
Big steps have been made to improve the capabilities of manufacturers to make seamed tube with a wider range of wall thicknesses. People have been pursuing this kind of development over the last two decades, focusing particularly on how steel can be rolled to create smaller sized tubes. The developments have been impressive and led to the creation or advanced milling, rolling and bending techniques.
The most important thing to keep in mind when working with ERW tubes is that the forming technique will have a big impact on the quality of the finished products. Using the right equipment, including the rollers, welder and other tooling is essential, regardless of the thickness of the wall and the dimensions of the tubing. When working with thicker walls and smaller radii it is even more important to choose the right tools.
During the development of forming techniques to expand the thickness range of ERW tubing it was noted that it was possible to reduce the diameter of the tube without affecting the wall by using an additional roller. Three rollers instead of two improved the range and still allowed the same high quality products to be created.
It is now common to see manufacturers using three rollers to produce quality tubes in a wider range of sizes and wall thicknesses. The development helped to further close the gap between seamed and seamless tubing.
At Union Steel Tubes we are committed to stocking and supplying the very best ERW steel tube. We obtain products direct from the mill and inspect them closely to ensure they meet our quality standards. Once they pass our checks we cut them to size to suit the specifications of our clients and arrange for them to be delivered or collected. With us clients can expect accurately sized products with a fantastic finish for a great price.
