Definitions
ERW (Electric Resistance Welded) pipes are made by rolling steel strip into a tube and welding the seam. Seamless pipes are made by piercing and rolling a solid billet, so there is no longitudinal weld seam.
ERW vs seamless pipe
| Point | ERW pipe | Seamless pipe |
|---|---|---|
| Manufacture | Strip formed and seam welded | Solid billet pierced and rolled |
| Weld seam | Yes | None |
| Cost | Lower | Higher |
| Size range | Small to large diameters, thin to medium wall | Wide range including heavy wall |
| Typical use | Water and gas lines, structures, mechanical tubing | Boilers, high-pressure and high-temperature lines, refinery and process piping |
| Surface and tolerance | Good, consistent | Depends on finishing process |
How to choose
- Follow the design code or client specification first.
- Pick seamless for high pressure or temperature, boiler and critical process service.
- Pick ERW for general, structural and low to medium pressure use where cost matters.
Explore ERW pipes, MS seamless pipes, boiler pipes and alloy steel pipes.
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