Mechanical tubing has become an integral part of many industries due to its versatility, strength, and durability. It comes in various shapes, sizes, and materials to cater to different applications and specific industry requirements, including automotive, construction, aerospace, energy, industrial machinery, and agriculture.
In this article, we will explore the applications of mechanical tubing in these industries and how American Piping Product (APP)’s services enhance tubing to meet specific market needs.
Mechanical Tubing Across the Industries
Mechanical tubing is designed for numerous applications and is manufactured to various specifications. Its versatility allows it to be customized for particular applications in many industrial high-stress applications, ensuring optimal performance and efficiency across industries.
Here are some examples of how mechanical tubing is utilized in diverse sectors:
- Automotive- Used for steering columns, drive shafts, and suspension components.
- Construction– Commonly used for scaffolding, structural supports, and shoring equipment.
- Aerospace– Mechanical tubing is applied to hydraulic and pneumatic systems, landing gear, and structural components.
- Energy– In renewables, it’s used in wind turbine and solar system structures In oil and gas, it’s used for drilling components and oilfield equipment.
- Industrial Machinery– The tube is part of conveyor systems, material handling equipment, and machine frames.
- Agriculture Industry– Used for tractor & heavy machinery components, ground clearing equipment, and irrigation systems.
Enhancing Mechanical Tubing for Every Application
With the versatility of mechanical tubing across different industries, you need a supply partner that has the right inventory onhand and understands the complexity of your specific needs.
American Piping Products offers a variety of value-added services to the tubing suited for your specific needs and applications, and provide supply chain management services, such as inventory management, logistics, and just-in-time (JIT) delivery to ensure you have access to the products you need, right when you need them.
We’ve compiled a list of common services APP can offer based on your application to help you quickly identify ways to enhance your product.
Automotive Industry
Mechanical tubing plays a critical role in the automotive industry. Suppliers’ most common value-added services for the automotive market include cutting, plating, and machining.
- Cutting, which can be done using saws or lasers, is essential to ensure the tube is the correct length for the application.
- Plating is used to enhance mechanical tubing performance by improving the tube’s corrosion resistance. This is important in applications where the tube is exposed to harsh environments.
- Machining is used to create precision components that meet the exact specifications of your needs.
Construction Industry
For construction, mechanical tubes are enhanced to increase resistance to corrosion and weathering and to provide more versatility and ease of fabrication.
- Powder coating can improve the corrosion resistance and durability of the tube, which is essential in applications where the tube is exposed to extreme environmental changes.
- Drilling is another value-added service commonly offered for mechanical tubing in the construction industry. Drilling requires high accuracy to ensure the holes have the correct diameter and depth and are drilled at the appropriate locations for the application.
- Galvanizing provides protection for mechanical tubes against corrosion that could deteriorate the tube and weaken its structural integrity. The semi-smooth zinc finish provides a layer of protection not seen in other types of protective materials.
Aerospace Industry
The aerospace industry demands high-performance materials to manufacture aircraft components. One of the benefits of using mechanical tubing in the aerospace industry includes its strength-to-weight ratio, which can reduce the aircraft’s overall weight and improve fuel efficiency. Tube manufacturers offer heat treatment and testing services to meet these demanding requirements.
- Heat treatment improves the mechanical properties of tubing, such as strength and hardness, by altering its microstructure. This process helps ensure tubing can withstand the extreme conditions experienced in aerospace applications.
- Testing is essential to guarantee the quality and performance of mechanical tubing. Tube manufacturers conduct rigorous tests, such as tensile, impact, and fatigue tests, to ensure that tubing meets the strict requirements of the aerospace industry. These tests confirm the tubing’s ability to handle high pressures, temperatures, and stresses encountered during flight.
Agriculture Industry
Mechanical tubing’s corrosion resistance, versatility, and ease of fabrication make it an ideal choice. To enhance these qualities, manufacturers offer:
- Turning services provide precise dimensions and smooth finishes on the tubing, ensuring optimal performance and longevity in agricultural applications.
- Boring and Honing services improve the tubing’s dimensional accuracy and surface finish, increasing its efficiency and durability in agricultural equipment.
No matter your challenges, we have a solution.
American Piping Products is a trusted supplier of mechanical tubing solutions for various industries. We have built one of the most diverse inventories to fulfill different needs with various ASTM specifications, including A106, A519, and A513.
Our high-quality steel tubing, coupled with our value-added services, provides you with customized solutions that meet your unique needs. By partnering with APP, you gain access to services that enhance the performance, durability, and cost-effectiveness of mechanical tubing, making it a preferred choice for various applications.
Start a conversation with APP’s mechanical tubing experts for all your tubing needs.