When it comes to industrial, commercial, or even some DIY projects, understanding metric stainless steel tubing sizes is crucial. Stainless - steel tubing is widely used in various sectors, from food and beverage to aerospace, due to its corrosion resistance, durability, and versatility. In this guide, we'll explore the common metric sizes available, why size matters, and how Eagle can provide you with the right - sized tubing for your specific needs.
Why Metric Sizes Matter
Metric sizing is the standard in many countries around the world, ensuring consistency in manufacturing and compatibility across different components. Using the correct metric stainless - steel tubing size is essential for:
- Proper Fit: Whether you're installing a plumbing system, a heat exchanger, or a structural framework, the right size ensures a seamless fit, minimizing leaks and potential failures.
- Performance: Incorrect sizing can lead to issues such as restricted flow in fluid - carrying applications or reduced structural integrity in load - bearing structures.
Common Metric Stainless - Steel Tubing Sizes
Outer Diameter (OD) Sizes
-
Small - Diameter Tubing:
- 6 mm: Commonly used in medical devices, small - bore instrumentation, and some precision - engineered products. For example, in the production of hypodermic needles or small - diameter sensors, 6 mm stainless - steel tubing provides the right balance of strength and flexibility.
- 8 mm: This size is often seen in pneumatic systems, where it can efficiently carry compressed air. It's also used in some small - scale plumbing applications for water or gas lines in compact spaces.
-
Medium - Diameter Tubing:
- 12 mm: A popular choice for general - purpose plumbing in commercial kitchens, as well as in some automotive fuel injection systems. The 12 mm size offers a good compromise between flow capacity and ease of installation.
- 16 mm: Widely used in HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air - Conditioning) systems for refrigerant lines. Its size allows for efficient heat transfer and proper refrigerant flow.
-
Large - Diameter Tubing:
- 25 mm: Commonly used in industrial water supply lines, especially in factories or large - scale buildings. It can handle significant volumes of water at moderate pressures.
- 50 mm: This size is often used in larger - scale industrial applications, such as in chemical processing plants for transporting various fluids, or in some structural applications where a larger diameter is required for strength.
Wall Thickness Sizes
Wall thickness is another critical aspect of stainless - steel tubing. It's denoted by designations like "SCH" (Schedule).
- SCH 5S: A thin - walled option suitable for applications where weight is a concern, such as in some aerospace components or where the tubing is not subjected to high pressures.
- SCH 10S: Commonly used in general - purpose applications where a bit more strength is required compared to SCH 5S, like in some light - duty plumbing or low - pressure air lines.
- SCH 40: A standard - wall thickness that offers a good balance between strength and cost. It's widely used in a variety of industrial and commercial applications, from water pipes to structural supports.
- SCH 80: Thicker - walled tubing, ideal for high - pressure applications such as in oil and gas pipelines or in systems where the tubing needs to withstand harsh conditions.
How Eagle Can Help
Eagle is a trusted name in the stainless - steel tubing industry, offering a wide range of metric - sized products.
Extensive Product Range
Eagle provides an extensive catalog of metric stainless steel tubing, covering a broad spectrum of outer diameters and wall thicknesses. Whether you need a small 6 mm OD tube with a specific wall thickness for a medical device or a large 50 mm OD tube for an industrial project, Eagle has you covered.
Customization Options
Understanding that not all projects fit standard sizes, Eagle offers customization services. If you have a unique requirement for a specific outer diameter, wall thickness, or length, their team of experts can work with you to provide a tailored solution. This is especially useful for specialized industries like aerospace or high - end manufacturing.
Quality Assurance
Eagle's stainless - steel tubing is manufactured to the highest quality standards. Each batch undergoes rigorous testing to ensure it meets or exceeds industry - recognized specifications. This includes tests for corrosion resistance, tensile strength, and dimensional accuracy, giving you peace of mind that you're getting a reliable product.
Technical Support
Eagle's knowledgeable team is available to assist you in choosing the right metric stainless - steel tubing size for your project. They can provide technical advice based on your application requirements, helping you make an informed decision. Whether you're a novice DIYer or an experienced engineer, their support can be invaluable.
Case Study: Eagle's Tubing in a Food Processing Plant
A food processing plant was in need of stainless - steel tubing for their new production line. They required 16 mm OD tubing with a SCH 40 wall thickness to transport food - grade liquids. Eagle provided them with high - quality tubing that met all their requirements.
- Performance: The tubing from Eagle ensured a smooth and efficient flow of liquids, with no leaks or contamination issues.
- Cost - Effectiveness: Despite the high - quality standards, Eagle's pricing was competitive, helping the plant save on their overall project costs.
Tips for Selecting the Right Metric Stainless - Steel Tubing Size
- Know Your Application: Clearly define the purpose of the tubing. Whether it's for fluid transfer, structural support, or a specific industrial process, understanding the requirements will help you choose the right size.
- Consider Pressure and Temperature: If the tubing will be subjected to high pressures or extreme temperatures, you'll need to select a size and wall thickness that can handle these conditions.
- Check Compatibility: Ensure the tubing size is compatible with other components in your system, such as fittings, valves, and connectors.
FAQs
Q: Can I use metric stainless - steel tubing in a non - metric system?
A: With the right adapters, it's possible to use metric tubing in a non - metric system. However, it's always best to try and maintain a consistent sizing system for ease of installation and future maintenance.
Q: How do I measure the wall thickness of stainless - steel tubing?
A: You can use a caliper to measure the wall thickness. Make sure to measure at multiple points around the circumference to ensure accuracy.
Q: Does Eagle offer tubing in non - standard lengths?
A: Yes, Eagle offers customization in terms of length. You can request specific lengths to minimize waste and meet your project's exact requirements.
Conclusion
Selecting the right metric stainless - steel tubing size is a critical step in any project. Eagle's comprehensive range of products, customization options, quality assurance, and technical support make them an ideal partner for all your stainless - steel tubing needs. Whether you're working on a small - scale DIY project or a large - scale industrial endeavor, Eagle has the right - sized tubing to ensure your project's success.
Explore Eagle's Metric Stainless - Steel Tubing Range
Visit Eagle's website to browse their extensive catalog and find the perfect tubing for your next project.