Piping & Steel Buying Guides
Short, practical explanations of the questions that come up most often on pipe, fitting, flange and fastener enquiries — written for buyers, project engineers and fabricators.
Pipe basics
How to read a pipe schedule chart
Understand NPS and DN designations, why outside diameter stays fixed while schedule changes the wall thickness, and how to read a dimensions table before raising an enquiry.
Read guideCalculations
How to calculate pipe weight per metre
The standard steel pipe weight formula, the density values used for carbon and stainless steel, and a worked metric example you can check against a dimensions table.
Read guideFlanges
How to select the right flange
A practical walk-through of flange types, pressure classes, facing options and bolt patterns under ASME B16.5, and the details a supplier needs to quote accurately.
Read guideFittings
Buttweld vs forged fittings
The difference between ASME B16.9 buttweld fittings and ASME B16.11 socket weld and threaded forged fittings, and how size, pressure and inspection requirements drive the choice.
Read guideFasteners
Understanding fastener grades and markings
How metric property classes and imperial grades are designated, what head markings indicate, and the details to include when ordering bolts, nuts and washers.
Read guideBuying
How to raise a piping enquiry
A checklist of the information a steel and piping supplier needs — sizes, grades, standards, quantities, documentation and delivery — so your quotation comes back complete the first time.
Read guide