What is the difference between stainless steel cast pipes and ordinary stainless steel pipes?

Differences in material structure
Stainless steel cast pipes are pipes made by casting process. The material is cast in liquid state and the required shape is obtained after cooling; while ordinary stainless steel pipes generally refer to stainless steel pipes produced by hot rolling, cold rolling, extrusion or welding. Due to different forming methods, the grain structure of cast pipes is usually coarse and there is a certain degree of internal segregation or pores, while the structure of ordinary pipes is denser and the performance is more balanced. Cast products are suitable for occasions with high requirements for processing shape or thicker wall, while ordinary stainless steel pipes are more suitable for pressure and fluid transportation environments.

Different processing technology
Stainless steel cast pipes usually adopt centrifugal casting, sand casting or precision casting, which are suitable for the production of products with larger diameters, complex shapes or fewer single pieces. It can be directly formed during the casting process, reducing subsequent processing steps. Ordinary stainless steel pipes are often formed into tube blanks by rolling or drawing, and then processed by annealing, straightening, cutting and other processes, which are suitable for continuous batch production. Ordinary stainless steel welded pipes also need to be welded and polished inside and outside to ensure product quality.

Different mechanical properties
Due to the large grain size and obvious component segregation during the casting process, the tensile strength, impact toughness and ductility of stainless steel cast pipes are relatively low, and they are suitable for static load conditions or structural support. Ordinary stainless steel pipes can obtain higher mechanical properties through heat treatment and processing, and are more stable in terms of compression, bending and impact resistance. Therefore, ordinary stainless steel pipes are more commonly used in applications that require long-term pressure or frequent force.

Different size and wall thickness range
Stainless steel cast pipes are suitable for making thick-walled, large-diameter or irregularly shaped pipe fittings. Due to its flexible molding method, large non-standard pipe fittings can be manufactured in a short time. Ordinary stainless steel pipes are more common in small and medium-caliber products, with high wall thickness accuracy and strict tolerance control, which are suitable for matching assembly and standardized construction. For situations requiring structural rigidity and special interface structures, cast pipes have more application advantages.

Differences in surface state
The surface of stainless steel cast pipes is usually rough after casting, and casting textures, oxide scales or sand holes are common. Although it can be improved by machining, polishing, etc., the overall appearance is still not as smooth and clean as ordinary stainless steel pipes. Ordinary stainless steel pipes are rolled and surface treated, with high surface quality, and can achieve a variety of treatment effects such as mirror, brushed or matte, which is more suitable for use scenarios with requirements on appearance, such as decoration, food-grade equipment, etc.

Comparison of cost and application scenarios
Stainless steel cast pipes are suitable for small-batch customization or special structural occasions. The initial mold investment is low, but the processing accuracy and consistency are limited, and the long-term production cost is high. Ordinary stainless steel pipes rely on mature production lines, which are suitable for mass production and have good unit cost control. Cast pipes are mostly used in customized projects such as engineering structural parts and corrosion-resistant components, while ordinary pipes are widely used in pipeline transportation, equipment manufacturing, building structures and other fields.

Machinability is different from subsequent processing
Stainless steel cast pipes are prone to cracking, sticking and other problems during processing due to the low density of the material, and the processing efficiency is relatively low. Ordinary stainless steel pipes have uniform structure and better processing performance, and are suitable for subsequent processing such as turning, welding, bending, and flaring. In addition, ordinary stainless steel pipes respond quickly to heat treatment, and the hardness or organizational structure can be further adjusted.

Corrosion resistance
Although both are made of stainless steel, the corrosion resistance of cast pipes in some environments may not be as good as that of ordinary stainless steel pipes of the same material due to element segregation, uneven cooling and impurity deposition during the casting process. Ordinary stainless steel pipes are uniformly rolled and heat treated, and the alloy elements are more evenly distributed, and they are more stable in strong acid, strong alkali and other media. Ordinary pipes are more often used in pipeline transportation systems with corrosion risks.

Different installation and interface connection methods
Stainless steel cast pipes are often integrally formed with cast flanges, joints or threaded parts, and special interface treatment is required during installation. Ordinary stainless steel pipes are more suitable for use with standard connectors such as welding, clamps, and crimping. They have various installation methods, wide applicability, and higher convenience in on-site construction.