Differences Between Sch10 and Sch40 Stainless Steel Pipes

1.What Is Schedule Number?

Schedule 10 and Schedule 40 are common pipe specifications. Schedule 10 has a thinner wall, while Schedule 40 is thicker and can withstand higher pressures and mechanical stresses.

2. Schedule 10 Stainless Steel Pipe

Schedule 10 (SCH 10) stainless steel pipe has a thinner wall and is primarily used in low-pressure applications. It typically has a nominal diameter between 1/8 inch and 4 inches. This pipe is common in drainage systems, water supply lines, irrigation networks, and other non-critical applications.

Key Features of SCH 10 Stainless Steel Pipe:
Thin Wall: Lighter and more flexible than thicker pipes.
Low Pressure Rating: Suitable for applications with minimal pressure requirements.
Smooth Interior: Reduces fluid resistance and pressure loss.
Cost-Effective: More affordable due to lower material usage.
Easy to Install: Lightweight design reduces installation costs.
Because SCH 10 pipes are thinner, they can be easily bent into different shapes without requiring additional fittings. However, they are not suitable for high-pressure applications due to their reduced strength.

3.Schedule 40 Stainless Steel Pipe

Schedule 40 (SCH 40) stainless steel pipe is thicker and stronger than SCH 10. It is commonly used in applications requiring higher pressure resistance and durability. This pipe is frequently found in industrial systems, chemical processing, and oil and gas transportation.
Key Features of SCH 40 Stainless Steel Pipe:
Thicker Wall: Provides higher durability and resistance to mechanical stress.
High Pressure Rating: Can withstand pressures up to 1,000 psi.
Superior Strength: Suitable for critical applications requiring structural integrity.
Corrosion Resistance: Ideal for harsh industrial environments.
Versatile Applications: Used in chemical plants, refineries, and power generation.
Due to its thicker walls, SCH 40 pipe is more rigid and durable, making it a preferred choice for applications where strength and longevity are crucial.

4.Differences Between Schedule 10 and Schedule 40 Stainless Steel Pipe

Feature	SCH 10 Stainless Steel Pipe	SCH 40 Stainless Steel Pipe
Wall Thickness	Thinner	Thicker
Pressure Rating	Lower	Higher
Durability	Moderate	Highly durable
Applications	Low-pressure water lines, drainage, irrigation	High-pressure systems, industrial pipelines, oil and gas
Cost	More affordable	More expensive
Installation	Easier to bend and install	Requires more effort due to thickness

Wall Thickness and Size Comparison

The main difference between Schedule 10 and Schedule 40 is the wall thickness. Below is a comparison of the wall thickness for common stainless steel pipe sizes at different Schedule levels (units in mm):

Nominal Pipe Size (NPS)	Outer Diameter (OD)	Sch 10 Wall Thickness	Sch 40 Wall Thickness
1/2"	21.3 mm	1.65 mm	2.77 mm
1"	33.4 mm	2.11 mm	3.38 mm
2"	60.3 mm	2.77 mm	3.91 mm
4"	114.3 mm	3.05 mm	6.02 mm
6"	168.3 mm	3.40 mm	7.11 mm

As shown in the table, as the pipe diameter increases, the wall thickness of Schedule 40 is much greater than that of Schedule 10. This makes Schedule 40 more suitable for high-pressure applications, while Schedule 10 is better for lightweight applications.

5.Pressure Rating Comparison

Due to the thicker wall of Schedule 40, its pressure rating is significantly higher. In applications requiring high-pressure transport, such as high-temperature, high-pressure industrial pipelines, and hydraulic systems, Schedule 40 provides better safety. On the other hand, Schedule 10 is typically used for low-pressure transport or non-pressure applications, such as HVAC systems, drainage pipes, and structural applications.

6.Weight and Installation Difficulty

Schedule 10 is lighter than Schedule 40, which is a significant advantage in installation. Lighter pipes are easier to handle, cut, and weld, reducing construction time and labor costs. Schedule 40, due to its thicker wall, is heavier and requires more mechanical strength during installation, along with higher heat input for welding.
For example, the weight comparison for NPS 4" stainless steel pipe is as follows:
Sch 10 weight: approximately 10.79 kg/m
Sch 40 weight: approximately 21.61 kg/m
It can be seen that Schedule 40 pipes are almost twice as heavy as Schedule 10, resulting in higher installation and transportation costs.

7.Cost Difference

Schedule 40 pipes require more material, so they cost more than Schedule 10 pipes. For applications that don't require high-pressure endurance, such as low-pressure water pipes, decorative pipes, and exhaust systems, Schedule 10 is a more cost-effective choice. However, for high-pressure fluid transport or pipes requiring higher durability, Schedule 40 is more advantageous. Despite its higher cost, Schedule 40 offers better long-term safety.

8. How to Choose the Right Schedule?

When choosing between Schedule 10 and Schedule 40, consider the following factors:
Working Pressure: If the pipe needs to withstand high pressure, choose Schedule 40. For low-pressure or non-pressure applications, Schedule 10 will suffice.
Pipe Weight: If a lightweight and easy-to-install pipe is required, Schedule 10 is a better choice.
Cost: Schedule 10 is more affordable and better suited for budget-conscious projects. Schedule 40, with its additional material, costs more but offers higher durability.
Application Environment: For corrosive environments or where high strength is required, Schedule 40 is recommended. If the pipe is used for general fluid transport or decorative purposes, Schedule 10 will be sufficient.

9. Conclusion

The main differences between Schedule 10 and Schedule 40 stainless steel pipes are in wall thickness, pressure rating, weight, and application scenarios. Schedule 10 is suitable for low-pressure transport and structural uses, while Schedule 40 is designed for high-pressure pipelines and industrial applications. When choosing the right pipe, consider the specific usage needs, pressure requirements, and cost considerations.We hope this article helps you better understand the differences between Schedule 10 and Schedule 40 stainless steel pipes, allowing you to make the best decision for your project.

For high-quality stainless steel pipes, Baowi Steel offers a wide range of Schedule 10 and Schedule 40 stainless steel pipes designed for various industrial and commercial applications. Contact us today for premium-grade piping solutions!