Which pipe to choose HFS, CFS or ERW?

Pipe and tube can be divided into 3 categories according to manufacturing. These are

a.       Hot finish seamless

b.      Cold finish seamless

c.       Electric resistance welding

a. Hot finish seamless: Hot finish seamless pipe or tube is manufactured with hot working process. This type of tube is cost effective, does not maintain tight tolerance and surface finish is not very good. HFS tube is manufactured on outer diameter and thickness. Machining allowance is high in this pipe/tube.

Application: This type of pipe/tube is applicable where tolerance is not to be critically maintained and surface finish is a secondary importance. For cost effective solution, this is an obvious choice.

 

b. Cold finish seamless: As name suggest, this type of pipe and tube are manufactured by cold working process. Therefore, better surface finish and tight tolerance is maintained. CFS products are stronger than HFS products. Machining allowance is reduced in cold finish seamless pipe or tube.

 

Application: This type of tube and pipe is used where tolerance is to be tightly maintained and surface area is to be finished. Therefore, for quality issue this type of tube and pipe can be selected.

c. Electric resistance welding: The sheet metal is rolled and then welded to make this type of pipe and tube. Though quality may differ from manufacture to manufacture but this type of pipes & tubes can be good alternative of seamless pipes where applicable. We found it strong and durable. Particularly, EN standard ERW tube and pipe gives better performance.

Application: Can be applied where seam joint is not a vital issue, required to maintain tight tolerance and pipe or tube needs to be strong.