What is the difference between a seamless pipe and an EFW Pipe?

In the world of industrial applications, pipes play a crucial role in facilitating the smooth flow of liquids and gases. Two common types of pipes that often cause confusion among professionals are seamless pipes and EFW (Electric Fusion Welded) pipes.

In this blog post, we will delve into the differences between these two pipe variants, shedding light on their unique characteristics and benefits.

Understanding EFW Pipes:

Electric Fusion Welded (EFW) Pipes, also known as Fabricated Pipes, are manufactured using the electric fusion welding process. This process involves longitudinally welding two edges of a steel strip to form a pipe.

The production of EFW Pipes starts with the selection of high-quality steel strips. These strips undergo rigorous quality checks to ensure they meet the required specifications. After inspection, the edges of the steel strip are prepared for welding by bevelling or trimming to achieve precise alignment during the welding process.

Next, the prepared edges are welded together using an electric fusion welding technique. This welding process involves the application of heat and pressure to fuse the edges, resulting in a continuous weld along the length of the pipe. The electric fusion welding process offers flexibility in terms of the pipe diameter and allows the production of medium to large-diameter pipes.

On the other hand, Seamless Pipes:

Seamless Pipes, as the name suggests, are manufactured using a seamless extrusion process that involves piercing a solid billet to create a hollow cylindrical shape. This meticulous manufacturing process results in pipes without any seams or joints along their length, imparting their exceptional strength and uniformity.

The seamless extrusion process begins with the selection of high-quality raw materials, typically steel billets. These billets undergo a series of rigorous quality checks to ensure their suitability for seamless pipe production. Once approved, the billets are heated to the desired temperature and then pierced using a mandrel mill or a piercing machine. This piercing process forms a hollow cylindrical shape, known as a hollow shell, with a smooth internal surface.

After the piercing, the hollow shell is further elongated and reduced in diameter through a process called elongation. This process is carried out using a multi-stand plug mill or a continuous rolling mill. The elongation ensures the desired dimensions, thickness, and uniformity of the seamless pipe. Finally, the seamless pipe undergoes various finishing processes such as straightening, inspection, and testing to meet the stringent quality requirements.

EFW Pipes Vs Seamless Pipes

EFW (Electric Fusion Welded) pipes and seamless pipes are two common types of pipes used in various industries. While both have their advantages and applications, EFW pipes offer several superior characteristics over seamless pipes in certain situations.

Here is the difference between EFW pipes & Seamless Pipes Let’s check which one is superior:

Manufacturing Process:

Seamless Pipe: A seamless pipe is manufactured without any welded joints or seams. It is produced by piercing a solid cylindrical billet or ingot to form a hollow tube, which is then further processed through various stages such as elongation and rolling.

EFW Pipe: An EFW pipe is created through the process of electric fusion welding. It involves welding the edges of two separate plates or coils longitudinally, using electric current to generate the heat required for fusion. This welding process forms a continuous joint along the length of the pipe.

Strength and Durability:

EFW pipes are known for their excellent strength and durability. The welding process used in their production creates a strong bond between the pipe materials, resulting in a robust and reliable product. EFW pipes can withstand high pressure and extreme temperature conditions, making them suitable for demanding applications such as oil and gas pipelines.

Size Range:

EFW pipes are available in a wider range of sizes compared to seamless pipes. The welding process allows for greater flexibility in producing pipes with larger diameters and wall thicknesses. This makes EFW pipes a practical choice for projects that require large-sized pipes, such as infrastructure development and construction.

Customization:

EFW pipes offer better customization options than seamless pipes. Welding allows for modifications in pipe dimensions, lengths, and configurations according to specific project requirements. This flexibility in customization can significantly reduce waste and improve efficiency in pipe installation, resulting in cost savings and streamlined operations.

Availability:

EFW pipes are more readily available compared to seamless pipes, especially for non-standard or large-sized requirements. The welding process allows for faster production and shorter lead times, ensuring a timely supply of pipes for projects with tight deadlines. This accessibility can be crucial in industries where uninterrupted operations are essential.

Impact on the Environment:

EFW pipes can be considered more environmentally friendly than seamless pipes. The manufacturing of seamless pipes involves intensive processing, including the piercing and extrusion of solid billets, which consumes significant energy and resources. In contrast, EFW pipes utilize welded plates or coils, resulting in a lower carbon footprint and reduced material wastage.

Welded Joints:

Seamless Pipe: Since seamless pipes are manufactured without any welding, they have no welded joints or seams along their length. This characteristic offers improved reliability and strength, reducing the risk of leaks or failures at the joints.

EFW Pipe: EFW pipes have welded joints along their length, as they are created by fusing two separate plates or coils. These welded joints may have slightly different properties compared to the base material, and they can be susceptible to potential defects or corrosion.

Wall Thickness:

Seamless Pipe: Seamless pipes are commonly available in heavier wall thicknesses, making them suitable for high-pressure applications where strength and durability are crucial. They can withstand higher internal pressures due to their uniform structure.

EFW Pipe: EFW pipes can be manufactured with a range of wall thicknesses. However, they are typically used for applications that do not require as high a pressure rating as seamless pipes.

Availability and Cost:

Cost-effectiveness: EFW pipes are generally more cost-effective than seamless pipes. The manufacturing process of EFW pipes involves welding, which is often more efficient and economical compared to the complex and time-consuming process of manufacturing seamless pipes. The lower production costs of EFW pipes can make them a preferred choice for budget-conscious projects.

Specifications of Stainless Steel EFW Fabricated Pipes

Specifications	ASTM A312/ASME SA358/A358
Dimensions:	ASTM, ASME, and API
Schedule:	SCH 10, SCH20, SCH30, SCH40, STD, SCH60, XS, SCH80, SCH120, SCH140, SCH160, XXS
Wall Thickness:	Schedule 5S - Schedule XXS
Size:	NB - 24 NB
Length:	Single Random, Double Random & Cut Length
Form:	Round, Square, Rectangular Etc
End:	Plain End, Beveled End, Threaded

Grades We offer Stainless Steel EFW Fabricated Pipes

SS 202 EFW (Fabricated) Pipes
SS 304 EFW (Fabricated) Pipes
SS 304L EFW (Fabricated) Pipes
SS 304H EFW (Fabricated) Pipes
SS 309M EFW (Fabricated) Pipes
SS 309H EFW (Fabricated) Pipes
SS 310S EFW (Fabricated) Pipes
SS 316 EFW (Fabricated) Pipes
SS 316L EFW (Fabricated) Pipes
SS 316Ti EFW (Fabricated) Pipes
SS 321/321H EFW (Fabricated) Pipes
SS 347/347H EFW (Fabricated) Pipes
SS 409 EFW (Fabricated) Pipes
SS 410 EFW (Fabricated) Pipes

Other Types of Stainless Steel EFW Fabricated Pipes

SS Cold Drawn EFW Pipe Exporters in India	SS Schedule 40/40S EFW Pipe Supplier in India
Schedule 80 Stainless Steel EFW Pipes	Thick-Walled SS EFW Pipe Stockists in India
Stainless Steel EFW Pipes	SS EFW Pipe Price List
Stainless Steel Large Diameters EFW Pipes	ASME SA 358 TP Fabricated Pipes
ASTM A358 TP Stainless Steel EFW Pipes	A 358 Stainless Steel EFW Pipe Gauge
SS Heavy Wall EFW Piping	SUS Field Pipe Fabricated
SS Shop Pipe Fabricated	High-Quality SS EFW Round Pipe
SS Electric Fusion Welding Pipes Vendors	SS Pipes Grinding or Plasma Cutting

Final Thoughts!

Seamless pipes and EFW pipes have distinct manufacturing processes and characteristics that cater to different industrial applications. At Vishal Tubes Industries, we excel as the premier supplier, stockist, and exporter of EFW pipes in India. Our exceptional EFW pipes are not only available for the domestic market but also exported to numerous countries worldwide. These include Qatar, Ukraine, the United Kingdom, the USA, France, Italy, Turkey, Germany, Indonesia, Singapore, Kazakhstan, Oman, Saudi Arabia, and Iraq.

Our expansive global reach enables us to serve a diverse range of industries and further strengthen our status as a reputable exporting company for EFW pipes. Whether you seek an EFW pipe stockist or an EFW Pipe exporter, our wide-ranging selection of stainless steel EFW (Fabricated) pipes adheres strictly to international quality standards. Our pipes offer unparalleled strength, durability, and versatility. With our unwavering commitment to excellence, timely delivery, and global presence, we are your trusted partner for all your EFW pipe requirements.

What is the difference between a seamless pipe and an EFW Pipe?