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Utilizing 26 high-precision cold rolling mills and 6 cold drawing machines, we ensure dimensional accuracy and superior mechanical properties.
Thin Wall Austenitic Stainless Tubing
High Precision | Ultra-Lightweight | Grade 304, 316L, 321 | Mirror Surface Finish
Precision OD/WT Control | ASTM A269/A213 | UHP ReadyRelated Products
Introduction
Thin Wall Austenitic Stainless Tubing represents a specialized segment of precision engineering, characterized by an exceptionally high ratio of outer diameter (OD) to wall thickness (WT). Defined generally as tubing where the wall thickness is less than 3% to 5% of the outer diameter, these products are essential in applications where weight reduction, increased internal volume, and rapid thermal response are critical. Utilizing standard austenitic grades such as TP304, TP316L, and TP321, thin-wall tubing leverages the inherent ductility and superior corrosion resistance of the face-centered cubic (FCC) crystal structure while pushing the limits of metallurgical forming. In the modern landscape of high-tech manufacturing, thin-wall tubing is the invisible backbone of everything from aerospace fluid lines to sensitive medical diagnostics.
The manufacturing of thin-wall austenitic tubes requires significantly more sophisticated control than standard heavy-wall piping. The process typically involves multiple passes of ultra-precision cold-drawing or cold-rolling (pilgering). Because the material is so thin, any minute surface defect or internal inclusion can lead to catastrophic failure during the drawing process or subsequent high-pressure service. This necessitates the use of premium-quality, high-purity raw billets—often smelted via Vacuum Induction Melting (VIM) or Argon Oxygen Decarburization (AOD). Between each drawing pass, the tubes undergo bright annealing in a controlled hydrogen atmosphere. This process not only softens the material by relieving internal stresses but also prevents oxidation, ensuring that both the internal and external surfaces maintain a reflective, "mirror-like" finish that is critical for minimizing frictional resistance and preventing chemical entrapment.
One of the primary technical challenges in thin-wall tubing is maintaining dimensional stability and eccentricity. Our production technology ensures wall thickness tolerances as tight as ±0.02mm, which is vital for automated orbital welding and the use of precision compression fittings. In aerospace and automotive racing sectors, the weight savings provided by thin-wall TP316L tubing can significantly improve fuel efficiency and performance without compromising the structural safety of fuel or hydraulic circuits. Furthermore, the thin wall allows for superior heat transfer rates, making these tubes the ideal choice for compact, high-efficiency heat exchangers and cryogenic cooling systems. Despite their delicate appearance, these tubes exhibit remarkable pressure-bearing capabilities due to the high work-hardening exponent of austenitic stainless steel, provided that the end-connections are properly engineered to distribute mechanical loads.
Moreover, the surface integrity of thin-wall tubing is paramount. We utilize ultrasonic cleaning and electrochemical polishing to ensure that the internal bore is free from any residual lubricants or metallic dust. This level of purity is non-negotiable in the semiconductor and pharmaceutical industries, where thin-wall tubes are used for ultra-high purity (UHP) gas delivery and sterile fluid transport. Compliance with international standards such as ASTM A269 and A270 ensures that our tubing meets the strict requirements for surface roughness (Ra) and mechanical ductility. By choosing thin-wall austenitic seamless tubing, engineers are opting for a high-performance material that balances lightness with extreme durability, ensuring that complex fluid systems operate with maximum efficiency and a reduced environmental footprint.
Specifications
| Material Grades | TP304/L, TP316/L, TP321 |
| Standards | ASTM A269, A213, A270 |
| OD Range | 3.18mm - 101.6mm |
| WT Range | 0.15mm - 1.5mm |
| Tolerance | OD ±0.05mm / WT ±10% |
Precision Control
Specialized in high OD/WT ratios with strict eccentricity control to ensure uniform pressure distribution.
Ultra-Thin Wall High Ductility
Surface Treatment
- Bright Annealed (BA)
- Electropolished (EP)
- Ra ≤ 0.4μm (Internal)
Quality Testing
| NDT | Eddy Current / Ultrasonic |
| Purity | Ultrasonic Solvent Cleaning |
| Safety | 100% Pneumatic Test |
High-Precision Applications
Aerospace & Racing Lightweight fuel and hydraulic lines
Medical Devices Diagnostic equipment and surgical tools
UHP Gas Systems Semiconductor clean-gas delivery
Strategic Advantages
Weight Savings
Optimized thickness for significant overall system weight reduction.
Heat Transfer
Faster thermal response due to reduced wall thermal mass.
Surface Purity
Mirror-smooth ID prevents particle entrapment and scaling.
Formability
Exceptional ductility for complex tight-radius coiling.
About Jiangsu Jend Tube Co.,Ltd.
As China Thin Wall Austenitic Stainless Tubing Manufacturers and Wholesale Thin Wall Austenitic Stainless Tubing Factory, Established in 2011 and is a manufacturing enterprise with a complete manufacturing cycle from raw material selection to finished product delivery. The company currently has more than 100 employees, covers an area of 30015 square meters, and has a registered capital of 48 million yuan, annual production capacity of 3800 tons.
The company has passed ISO9001:2015 quality certification, domestic pressure vessel TS certification, and foreign pressure vessel PED certification. With rich experience and mature technology, we have been expanding our market internationally. At present, our products are exported to more than 50 countries and regions including Europe, America, Southeast Asia, and the Middle East.
The company adheres to different production norms and standards such as the American standard (ASTM), the European standard (EN), the German standard (DIN), the Japanese standard (JIS), the Russian standard (GOST), and the Chinese standard (GB).
Our company specializes in and customizes various specifications of Martensite TP410 (0Cr13, 1Cr13), Ferrite TP405 (1Cr13Al), TP430 (1Cr17), TP444 (0Cr18Mo2), TP439, TP409 (0Cr11Ti), It is also proficient in manufacturing Austenitic seamless stainless steel pipes of series such as TP304(L/H), TP316(L/H/Ti), TP310S, TP317, TP321(H) and TP347(H). Duplex such as S31803, S2205, S32750, S32304, and Nickel-based alloys Monel400, Monel600, Monel800, GH3030, 904L, Inconel 625, etc.
The company mainly produces seamless steel pipes with the following specifications: outer diameter: 3.18mm to 406.4mm, wall thickness: 0.3mm to 20mm, and the longest length is 25000mm. Additionally, it can customize seamless steel pipes with special materials and specifications according to customer requirements. The company attaches great importance to scientific innovation. The staff of the company vigorously develop technological research and development.
Jiangsu Jend Tube Co.,Ltd. will continuously accumulate professional knowledge and capabilities, striving to become a leader in the domestic market and even the world market. Strive to be the most reassuring pipe manufacturing enterprise for customers.
Precision Manufacturing and Process Optimization
We rely on precision equipment and optimized production technologies to achieve outstanding mechanical performance and consistent product quality.
Cold Rolling and Cold Drawing
Solution Heat Treatment
Natural gas solution treatment furnaces and BA solution treatment furnaces optimize the material's grain structure, enhancing corrosion resistance.
Precision Straightening and Polishing
10 straightening machines and 8 finishing polishing machines guarantee product surface smoothness and dimensional accuracy.
Automated Inspection and Quality Assurance
Real-time monitoring systems ensure the stable quality of every batch of products.
Usage & Handling Tips
Handling Care
Thin walls are susceptible to denting. Use nylon slings and padded racks for transport.
Orbital Welding
Use automated orbital welding for consistent fusion without burn-through.
Value-Added Services
Precision Coiling
Custom spiral and serpentine coiling for heat exchangers.
End Flaring
Professional flaring for aerospace-grade high-pressure fittings.
Clean-Room Pack
Nitrogen-purged and double-bagged for UHP service.
Logistics & Terms
30% T/T / L/C. Delivered in reinforced wooden tubes or crates with soft-foam internal lining to prevent wall damage.
Standards
ASTM A269
ASTM A270
ISO 9001
SGS Verified
Frequently Asked Questions
What is defined as "Thin Wall" tubing?
Generally, tubing with a wall thickness below 1.5mm or an OD-to-WT ratio greater than 20 is categorized as thin wall.
Can thin wall tubes handle high pressure?
Yes, surprisingly well due to the material's work-hardening, but working pressure must be calculated using Barlow's Formula for safety.
What is the tightest tolerance you can achieve?
Through precision cold drawing, we can achieve OD tolerances of ±0.03mm and wall thickness tolerances of ±5%.
Are these tubes suitable for medical use?
Yes, especially in 316L grade, they are used for surgical instruments and high-precision fluid diagnostic lines.
What is the benefit of a bright annealed finish?
It provides a mirror-like ID/OD surface that is scale-free, essential for ultra-high purity gas and liquid delivery.
How do you prevent bending kinks?
We recommend using internal mandrels during bending or selecting tubes with high ductility (A269 spec) to ensure smooth curves.
Is there a risk of burn-through during welding?
Yes, thin walls require orbital TIG welding with low heat input and precise shielding gas control to avoid damage.
What is the minimum wall thickness you produce?
We can produce seamless tubing with wall thicknesses as low as 0.15mm for specialized electronic applications.
Do you offer ultra-high purity (UHP) cleaning?
Yes, we offer ultrasonic degreasing and nitrogen-purged double bagging for cleanroom-ready delivery.
Can I get custom outer diameters?
Absolutely. Our cold-drawing facility can produce custom sizing to match your exact manifold or instrument port requirements.
Request Precision Thin-Wall Tubing
Contact our engineering team for tight-tolerance specs and lightweight solutions.
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