| There are probably as many different steel and pipe | | | | Galvanized pipe is also mainly used in construction, |
| products on offer in the market as there are | | | | while corrugated steel pipes will be used more often |
| different uses for them – and with steel used in | | | | for drainage, sewer and transportation. Seamless |
| almost anything from construction to packaging, | | | | pipe, made from high-quality steel, is used for steam |
| it’s hard to keep track of all the different types. | | | | boilers and pipelines. |
| While steel manufacturers have different specs for | | | | Steel products can be divided into two groups – |
| steel and pipe on offer, there are some broad | | | | flat and long products. Flat steel is used in the |
| categorizations to help users make informed | | | | manufacture of cars, electrical products, sheeting, |
| decisions. | | | | coils and pipes. Long products, on the other hand, are |
| Firstly, all steel and pipe are alloys in which iron is | | | | mainly used in construction. |
| mixed with carbon and other elements. Steels are | | | | Steel and pipe buyers will also come across the |
| therefore described as mild, medium- or high-carbon | | | | terms hot rolled and cold rolled steel. This refers to |
| steels, depending on the percentage carbon they | | | | the heat treatment given during the production |
| contain. The higher the carbon content, the harder | | | | process, and has an impact on the qualities of the |
| the steel will be. | | | | product. Cold rolled products are normally harder and |
| Metals such as nickel and chromium can also be | | | | more brittle, while hot rolled steel and pipe will be |
| added to produce alloy steels, for example stainless | | | | softer. |
| steel, which is used in high-end, quality steel products. | | | | In addition to the different qualities of steel and pipe |
| Galvanized steel is coated with zinc to prevent | | | | products, they are also available in a wide variety of |
| corrosion, for example for the use of roof sheeting. | | | | different sizes and thicknesses. |