Metal tubing is made of metallic elements or alloys and designed for specific industrial applications. Materials of construction include aluminum, brass, bronze, copper, titanium, gold, silver, platinum, steel, and stainless steel. Metal tubing made of proprietary materials such as Hastelloy^® (Haynes International, Inc.) is also available.  In terms of function, there are two basic types of metal tubes: electrical and mechanical. Electrical tubing is used to hold and contain electrical wires. Mechanical tubing has stronger cross-sections and is designed for structural applications. For both types of metal tubes, dimensional specifications include inside diameter (ID), outside diameter (OD), and wall thickness. Inches (in), millimeters (mm), and centimeters (cm) are common units of measure. Some metal tubes have round or oval-shaped cross-sections. Others are square or rectangular. 

Selecting metal tubing requires an analysis of performance specifications such pressure rating, maximum vacuum, minimum bend radius, and temperature range. Rated pressure is the short-term burst pressure at 75° F.  Maximum rated vacuum is usually given in inches or millimeters of mercury referenced below one standard atmosphere (atm). Minimum bend radius is based on the acceptable cross-section deformation for metal tubing. Temperature range is if the full-required range of ambient operating temperatures. In terms of applications, choices for metal tubing include: aerospace and aircraft, automotive, chemical, coolant, cryogenic, food and beverage processing, high purity, high temperature, high viscosity, hydraulic fluid, salt water, medical, pharmaceutical, peristaltic pumping, refrigeration, sanitary, and slurry. There are two types of metal tubes for pneumatic applications: compressed air and vacuum. 

Metal tubing is made of metallic elements or alloys and designed for specific industrial applications. Materials of construction include aluminum, brass, bronze, copper, titanium, gold, silver, platinum, steel, and stainless steel. Metal tubing made of proprietary materials such as Hastelloy^® (Haynes International, Inc.) is also available.  In terms of function, there are two basic types of metal tubes: electrical and mechanical. Electrical tubing is used to hold and contain electrical wires. Mechanical tubing has stronger cross-sections and is designed for structural applications. For both types of metal tubes, dimensional specifications include inside diameter (ID), outside diameter (OD), and wall thickness. Inches (in), millimeters (mm), and centimeters (cm) are common units of measure. Some metal tubes have round or oval-shaped cross-sections. Others are square or rectangular. 

Selecting metal tubing requires an analysis of performance specifications such pressure rating, maximum vacuum, minimum bend radius, and temperature range. Rated pressure is the short-term burst pressure at 75° F.  Maximum rated vacuum is usually given in inches or millimeters of mercury referenced below one standard atmosphere (atm). Minimum bend radius is based on the acceptable cross-section deformation for metal tubing. Temperature range is if the full-required range of ambient operating temperatures. In terms of applications, choices for metal tubing include: aerospace and aircraft, automotive, chemical, coolant, cryogenic, food and beverage processing, high purity, high temperature, high viscosity, hydraulic fluid, salt water, medical, pharmaceutical, peristaltic pumping, refrigeration, sanitary, and slurry. There are two types of metal tubes for pneumatic applications: compressed air and vacuum. 

Metal tubing differs in terms of features. Anti-static tubing is designed to prevent the buildup of static electricity. Coiled tubing or spiral tubing is flexible with long, continuous runs. Corrugated tubing provides pleats for increased flexibility and compression capacity. Explosion-proof, finned, multi-element, and multi-layered metal tubing is also commonly available. Reinforced tubing uses fibers or banding. Spark resistant metal tubes are designed to maintain integrity in the presence of electrical discharge or sparking. Metal tubing that can be sterilized is designed for use with an autoclave, dry heat, gamma irradiation, or chemical disinfectant. Seamless, welded, and welded and drawn (WD) metal tubes are used in many different applications.