The difference between galvanized steel pipe and seamless steel pipe

Steel pipes are divided into welded steel pipes and seamless steel pipes. As an important component of steel, steel pipes are divided into two categories: welded steel pipes (plates, strip billets) and seamless steel pipes (round billets) due to their different manufacturing processes and billet shapes. As for galvanized steel pipes and seamless steel pipes, it cannot be said that there is any difference in material. Their classification standards themselves are different. Galvanized pipes are a surface treatment process. As an important material in modern industry and construction, steel pipes have a wide range of types and applications. This article will explore in depth the differences, manufacturing processes, performance characteristics, and applications of seamless and galvanized steel pipes in different fields.

What is the difference between seamless steel pipe and galvanized steel pipe?

Seamless steel pipe is a steel pipe made by hot rolling or cold drawing process, which is made by directly punching holes from a whole round steel billet and then hot rolling, cold rolling or cold drawing. The main feature of seamless steel pipe is that there is no welding seam and its inner and outer wall surfaces are smooth. Galvanized steel pipe is made by soaking the surface of ordinary black steel pipe in molten zinc liquid after pickling and cleaning, so that a layer of zinc layer is attached to its surface. This treatment can prevent the steel pipe from being oxidized and corroded, and prolong its service life. Galvanized steel pipe is the result of surface galvanizing of ordinary steel pipe, which can be welded steel pipe or seamless steel pipe. Galvanized pipe is more corrosion-resistant, and seamless steel pipe can withstand higher pressure. Galvanized steel pipe is not easy to rust due to the protection of zinc. Galvanized steel pipe is lighter than seamless steel pipe. If it is used for balcony, it is recommended to use galvanized bare pipe. Seamless steel pipe has thick wall and heavy weight, and the cost of seamless steel pipe is higher than that of galvanized steel pipe, and galvanized steel pipe is very durable and has a much longer service life than seamless steel pipe. If the quality is excellent, it should not be a problem to use it for more than 20 years. Of course, welding and painting must also be done well so as not to affect the service life of the galvanized steel pipe.

Can seamless steel pipes be galvanized?

Seamless steel pipes refer to round steel that is perforated throughout, with no welds on the surface, and are widely used. Ordinary galvanized pipes generally use welded pipes. Can seamless steel pipes be galvanized?

The answer is yes. Galvanizing is to apply a layer of zinc on the surface of the steel pipe to protect the steel pipe to the zinc layer, making it less likely to rust. Seamless steel pipes are also a type of steel pipe that can be galvanized. The performance of galvanized seamless steel pipes is better than that of ordinary steel pipes.

Differences in performance characteristics between seamless steel pipes and galvanized steel pipes:

The performance characteristics of seamless steel pipes are mainly reflected in high pressure bearing capacity, excellent mechanical properties and good corrosion resistance. Since seamless steel pipes have no welds, the overall structure is tighter and can withstand higher pressures, making them suitable for high-pressure environments. In addition, after heat treatment, the strength and toughness of seamless steel pipes are greatly improved, making them suitable for applications that require high stress and high loads. Although the corrosion resistance of seamless steel pipes is not as good as that of galvanized steel pipes, they also have certain corrosion resistance, especially after special treatment, this feature is more obvious.

In contrast, the performance characteristics of galvanized steel pipes include good corrosion resistance, light weight and low cost. The galvanized layer effectively protects the steel pipe base material and prevents it from rusting, thereby greatly increasing the service life of the steel pipe. Since galvanized steel pipes are lighter than seamless steel pipes, they are suitable for building structures with high weight requirements, such as balcony guardrails. Furthermore, since the manufacturing process of galvanized steel pipes is relatively simple and the base material can use cheaper welded steel pipes, its production cost is lower than that of seamless steel pipes.

There are some differences in the application of seamless steel pipes and galvanized steel pipes:

1. Seamless steel pipes are usually used for pipelines in harsh environments such as high pressure, high temperature, and corrosion, such as oil, natural gas, and chemical industries. Galvanized steel pipes are mainly used in the construction industry, such as water supply systems, gas systems, and drainage systems.

2. Seamless steel pipes have high strength and pressure resistance, and are suitable for working environments under high temperature and high pressure conditions; while galvanized steel pipes are mainly surface treated to prevent corrosion and are suitable for use in the atmosphere or general environment.

3. Due to the difficulty of manufacturing, the price of seamless steel pipes is relatively high; while the production cost of galvanized steel pipes is relatively low.

Galvanized steel pipes are mainly used in construction and municipal engineering. Specific applications include:

1. Fences and guardrails: used to make various types of fences and guardrails, widely used in municipal engineering, roads, factories, campuses and other places.

2. Balcony guardrails: Due to their lightness and corrosion resistance, galvanized steel pipes are often used to make balcony guardrails to ensure beauty and safety.

3. Building scaffolding: In construction, galvanized steel pipes are used as scaffolding materials, which not only ensures safety but also prolongs service life.

Conclusion

As two major categories of products in the steel pipe field, seamless steel pipes and galvanized steel pipes each have unique advantages and applicable scopes. Seamless steel pipes are widely used in fluid transportation and mechanical parts manufacturing in the industrial field due to their high pressure bearing capacity and excellent mechanical properties. Galvanized steel pipes are widely used in construction and municipal engineering due to their good corrosion resistance and low cost. When making specific choices, the most suitable type of steel pipe should be selected based on actual needs, taking into account factors such as environment, pressure bearing, cost and weight, to ensure the safety, economy and durability of the project.