The manufacturing industry has been in a bit of a decline lately in the United States. During the last five years, it’s had a 4.7% decline annually. But current predictions state that it’s expected to see a growth spurt from 2020-2025.
Do you run a manufacturing business? Perhaps you have a small company that has a great need for different types of tubing? Maybe you’re about to branch out on a new career and want to learn more about building and manufacturing?
Either way, it’s good to have a handle on what tubing you might be installing in the future. Keep reading to learn about five different types of tubing and their uses.
1. Boiler Tubes
Boiler tubes are built to withstand extreme heat and pressure. They’re easy to install as well as operate. Some applications for boiler tubes include commercial fire, petrochemical, and water boiler services; you can see here for more info.
They can help out with short-time lead issues and major projects as well as unplanned outages.
Manufacturing industry boiler tubes are used for lower furnaces and waterfall panels, as well as superheater sections, and generator banks, among other things.
2. PVC
PVC or Polyvinyl Chloride has many uses. It’s versatile and economical, and used for a wide variety of applications for construction, building, and manufacturing.
Some of the places it’s used are the auto industry, electronics, and the healthcare industry. PVC is used for your windshield wiper system, cable, and wire installation, and even for blood bags.
3. Copper Tubing
Copper tubing is mostly for refrigerant lines for HVAC systems and heating systems. There are four types of copper pipes. Those types are; K, L, M, and DWV. K is the thickest type of copper tubing, as well as being the most durable.
L isn’t quite as thick as K, but it’s still pretty durable and it’s used underground like K-copper. M is thinner, lighter, less rigid, and easier to work with. Plus, it’s cheaper than K and L-copper.
DWV-copper means drain, waste, and vent. It’s the only one that’s not used for water systems, and it’s the thinnest of the four.
But copper tubing is being taken over by PEX tubing, which we’ll look at in the next section.
4. PEX
PEX is called “the new plastic.” PEX or cross-inked polyethylene is replacing copper and galvanized steel. It’s used in new and old construction projects for plumbing lines. It’s colorful, and you’ll typically see it in red or blue.
5. Galvanized Pipe
As mentioned, galvanized tubing is being taken over by PEX, but it’s still used for some water lines. It’s made of steel with a coat of zinc.
The 5 Different Types of Tubing
Now you’ve got a grip on five different types of tubing for the manufacturing industry. Whichever of these you choose, you’re armed and ready to install great systems and build solid construction sites.
Check out our Home and Garden section for more useful tips.
