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Steel pipes are one of the most versatile products available and are used in a wide range of industries and applications. In Australia, steel pipes are common in mining and construction thanks to their ability to handle high pressures and difficult laying conditions. In this blog, we look at the different types of steel pipes, what their uses are and where you can get yours.
Steel pipes are the most commonly used type of pipe in Australia. They are mostly made from recycled steel, which is melted down and formed into tubes. Steel pipes are used to transport water, gas or oil under pressure. The most common types of steel pipes are:
Carbon steel is the most widely used type of steel pipe in Australia. It’s malleable and bendable, which makes it a good choice for pipeline applications. Carbon steel is also less expensive than stainless steel, which can make it more cost-effective for some projects.
Carbon steel pipes are available in many different grades, but the most common grades used for pipelines include:
Low carbon steel – This grade has a low carbon content, making it easy to mould and shape into different forms. It also has good weldability, making it ideal for connecting multiple sections of pipe during installation.
Medium carbon steel – This grade has higher strength but is more difficult to mould and weld than low-carbon steel. This kind of carbon steel is commonly used to create machinery parts such as gears and shafts.
High-carbon steel – This has higher tensile strength but is more sensitive to impurities than medium-carbon or low-carbon steel. It’s used in tools like saws where a lot of friction occurs.
Alloy steel pipes are also popular in Australia. They have a high strength-to-weight ratio, which makes them ideal for mechanical applications. Alloy steel is made by combining elements such as nickel, copper and aluminium with iron, which helps to improve their ductility and corrosion resistance, among other properties. As well as being strong and durable, they have other environmental benefits too, like being rust and tarnish-resistant.
Although less common, plain carbon steel is ideal for structural forms and seamless tubing. It is ductile, formable and weldable and is used in a number of areas including building construction (columns, beams), mechanical engineering (crankshafts) and transportation (truck frames).
Steel pipes have many uses in the building and construction sector, including:
At Top End Steel Supplies, we take great pride in providing the highest quality steel pipes to our customers, so you can be sure that your piping system will last for years to come. We want you to be able to find exactly what you need, when you need it, so speak to our team about a custom order if you’ve got a unique project planned.
We offer delivery across Darwin and the Northern Territory, with products dropped right to your doorstep via our crane truck.
For more information on our steel pipe range, as well as our machining steel, structural steel and tubular steel, contact us today at Top End Steel Supplies today on 08 8931 0055.