Maximizing Abrasive Performance When Cutting and Grinding Tube

By Rick Hopkins, senior product manager – metal fabrication, Weiler Abrasives

The terms pipe and tube are often used interchangeably, but there are differences in their construction, how they are sized and where they are used. Because pipe is primarily used for transportation and delivery of gas and fluid, internal diameter is most critical. Pipe is sized by internal diameter (ID) and schedule, which refers to wall thickness. Regardless of the size, pipe is always round.

Tube, on the other hand, is available in different shapes — for example, square, rectangular and round — and can be formed, extruded or shaped relatively easily. Because of this, tube is sized based on dimension or outside diameter (OD), as well as wall thickness gauge. Tube is used in decorative and structural applications like railings, bumpers, handrails and roll cages.

As with any cutting and grinding application, working with tube presents its own set of challenges, so it’s essential to implement some best practices to gain the best performance. The wall thickness, profile, and material are all important factors to consider when selecting the right abrasive for the job — and for optimizing its performance.

Tube is typically sourced and fabricated using smaller diameters, making cutting with abrasive wheels more efficient and cost-effective than pipe. Abrasives are also commonly used for a variety of grinding, blending and finishing applications.