Difference between tube and pipe - 1

It is generally thought that plastic tube and plastic pipe are the same thing. These words are often used interchangeably, because tubes and pipes are both long hollow cylinders. But they are actually quite different. Here we explain the difference between tube and pipe.

What is a plastic tube?

Plastic tube is a long hollow cylinder that is defined by its outside diameter (OD). The size of the bore, which is the hollow area in the middle of the tube, isn’t critical to the end use, whereas the OD is the most important measurement.

Within this definition, plastic tube is not suitable for transporting liquids and gases or for applications involving pressure. For such applications plastic pipe is more suitable. Tubing is more commonly used for general purpose applications such as modelling, crafts, packaging, flags, conduit, display applications, and the construction of simple frames and structures.

What is a plastic pipe?

Plastic pipe is a long hollow cylinder that is defined by its internal diameter (ID). The size of the bore, which is the hollow area in the middle of the tube, is usually critical to the intended use of the pipe. So the ID is the more important measurement in the mind of the buyer.

Plastic pipe is commonly used for transporting liquids or other substances including gases. Therefore factors that need to be considered are compatibility with chemicals, heat tolerances and the measurement of pressure within the pipe system.

(To be continued...)