316 stainless steel tube manufacturers produce tubes in different shapes, forms and standards. However, the end used demands some specific dimensions. The dimensions have to be met. In precise calculations, sometimes the dimensions might not fit to one hundred percent accuracy. In cases like these, there are tolerance limits that are used. If a particular dimension is off above the maximum tolerance limit, then the product is rejected. Tolerances usually apply to thickness, width, length, flatness and camber.
Different materials and diameters have different tolerance limits as well. The 316 stainless steel tube tolerance limits can differ from a high alloy material tube tolerance. To govern the tolerance limits for different materials and products, the tolerance chart is used. The tolerance chart would indicate which materials, grades and compositions can have which tolerance limits.
Usually the cold drawn pipes and products have little deviation and fit within the tolerance limits. Some products like the seamless stainless steel tubing 316 have very strict tolerance limitations. This is because the seamless pipes are recommended for precision measurements and their dimensions cannot deviate abruptly. The tolerance limits are important because they influence the mechanical characteristics of the pipe. For example, if the wall thickness falls less than the tolerance limit of a pipe, it could lead to pressure containment loss. The stainless steel tube prices range from low cost to high cost depending on different factors including the tolerance ranges. The other factors include the material make, dimensions, grades and standards.