Tubing and pipe are both used to transport fluids and gases, but they have some important differences:
- Shape: Pipe is typically cylindrical and has a uniform diameter along its entire length, while tubing can have a variety of shapes and sizes, including square, rectangular, and oval. Tubing also tends to have thinner walls than pipe.
- Manufacturing process: Pipe is generally produced using a continuous extrusion process, while tubing can be produced using a variety of methods, including extrusion, drawing, or rolling.
- Use: Pipe is typically used for conveying fluids or gases under high pressure or in large quantities, while tubing is often used for more specialized applications where precision and control are important, such as in the pharmaceutical, chemical, or semiconductor industries.
- Strength: Pipe is generally stronger than tubing due to its thicker walls and uniform diameter. This makes it better suited for applications that require high pressure or heavy loads.
- Availability: Pipe is generally more widely available in a range of materials, sizes, and wall thicknesses than tubing, which may be more limited in its availability.
In summary, while tubing and pipe are both used to transport fluids and gases, they have different shapes, manufacturing processes, uses, strengths, and availability. The choice between tubing and pipe will depend on the specific application and requirements of the project.