Understanding Welded Pipe and Seamless Pipe (Part 1): Differences and Functions for Industrial Needs

April 01, 2026
Hello Pipe Enthusiasts!
  
Welcome back to #BPIPipeInsights!, an article series that always discusses interesting topics about the world of steel pipes. In industry and construction, choosing the right type of pipe is an important factor to ensure efficiency, durability, and project success. Two types of pipes that are often compared are welded pipe and seamless pipe. Let’s understand their differences and functions to help determine the right choice.
  
What Is a Welded Pipe?  
Welded pipe is a steel pipe produced from steel coils or plates that are rolled and then welded along the seam. This process allows production in various sizes and lengths at a more efficient cost compared to seamless pipe.
  
The welding technology used has long met international standards, with different methods depending on requirements:  
  • ERW (Electric Resistance Welded) -> Uses electric current to heat the edges of the steel coil until they fuse without filler metal. This process produces smooth and consistent seams with high efficiency for mass production.
  • LSAW (Longitudinal Submerged Arc Welded) -> Uses arc welding with filler metal, where the seam is made straight along the pipe. This process provides deep weld penetration and very strong seam quality, suitable for large diameters.
  • HSAW (Helical Submerged Arc Welded) -> Uses arc welding with filler metal, but the seam is spiral following the steel coil. This method allows the production of pipes with greater length and design flexibility.  
What Is Seamless Pipe?  
Seamless pipe is made from solid steel billets without seams. This process produces pipes with monolithic design characteristics, often chosen for specific applications that require shape and performance without seams. This type is generally used in industrial sectors that prioritize special design, although size availability is more limited and production costs are relatively higher compared to welded pipe.
  

Conclusion 
By understanding the brief differences in production processes and the functions of each type, we can see that both welded pipe and seamless pipe play important roles according to industrial needs.

Bakrie Pipe Industries (BPI) provides high-quality welded steel pipes with various national and international standards. If you have a need for welded steel pipes, do not hesitate to contact us.

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