The Difference Between Pipe and Tube

What is the difference between pipe and tube? If you are not familiar with the unique features of pipes and tubes, it can be difficult to discern how they are different. There are, in fact, several differences, which we outline below. At Ercolina, we want you to stay educated and understand these distinctions so you can make the right decision before you purchase a bending machine for your projects.

The terms “pipe” and “tube” are often used interchangeably, but there are several differences between them.

  • Pipe is always cylindrical or round, but tubes can come in different profiles like square, rectangular and cylindrical.
  • Pipe is measured using schedule and the inside diameter (I.D.) of material (2 inch sch. 40 pipe measures 2.375 inches O.D.) while tube is measured by outside diameter (O.D.) and wall thickness of material (2 inch tube measures 2.00 inches O.D.).
  • Tube is often used in applications that require precise outside diameters.
  • Because pipe is often used to carry fluids that must be contained, it has a pressure rating and schedule to indicate its strength.
  • The wall thickness of tubes increase in standard increments. Since pipe thickness depends on the schedule, there is no fixed increment.

Knowing your material’s true dimensions is key to selecting the proper machine and tooling for your application.
Tube sizes are based on O.D., and wall thickness is referred to in gauge sizes.
Pipe sizes are measured by I.D., with wall thickness referred to in terms of schedule.

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A person measuring a tube's diameter

A person measuring a tube's thickness

For example, a 1-1/4-in. schedule 40 pipe has a 1/1/4-in. I.D., and a 1.66-in. O.D.;
whereas a 1-1/4-in. tube .65 wall has a 1-1/4-in. O.D. and a 1.120-in. I.D.

Click on the following links for more tube and pipe information.

There are several differences between pipes and tubes, and understanding these distinctions is the key to determining which material is best suited for your project. Once you understand the difference between tube and pipe, you can make an informed decision on what bending machine is the most applicable and efficient for your business or industry. Be sure to contact us for all your pipe and tube bending needs. We have years of experience providing high-quality bending machines to industries such as the automotive industry, ship building, aviation, and aerospace. We stand by the quality of our machines, and we can help with all your tube and pipe bending requirements.

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