Stainless steel cylinder tubes are at the heart of high-performance hydraulic and pneumatic systems. As a Swiss manufacturer, Interalloy offers technically and qualitatively outstanding precision tubes for demanding industries – from industrial hydraulics to food processing. Thanks to our many years of expertise in materials, state-of-the-art manufacturing, and customer-specific processing, we can provide you with exactly the right cylinder tube for your application.
Applications of cylinder tubes in hydraulics and pneumatics
Cylinder tubes are used wherever linear movements need to be generated or controlled under pressure. They form the supporting sleeve of hydraulic or pneumatic cylinders and must therefore withstand high loads, dynamic forces, and demanding environmental conditions.
Typical applications can be found in:
- Construction and agricultural machinery, such as excavator arms, telescopic cylinders, or tilting mechanisms
- Industrial equipment, such as presses, injection molding machines, and automation units
- Offshore and marine applications, where salty air and moisture require high corrosion resistance
- The food, chemical, and pharmaceutical industries, where stainless steel cylinder tubes with smooth inner surfaces and hygienic material properties are required
- Conveyor and lifting systems where precise motion control and high reliability are crucial
Stainless steel cylinder tubes offer particularly versatile advantages: they are corrosion-resistant, easy to clean, and can withstand aggressive media or changing temperatures—a decisive criterion in sensitive production environments.
Materials and manufacturing methods: Seamless and welded cylinder tubes
Cylinder tubes differ not only in their dimensions, but also in the material used and the manufacturing process selected. Both factors significantly determine the mechanical load capacity, the inner surface, and the suitability for specific areas of application – from heavy-duty industry to food processing. The following provides an overview of the two common designs: seamless and welded cylinder tubes.
Seamless cylinder tubes for maximum pressure loads
Seamless cylinder tubes – manufactured in accordance with EN 10305-1 or DIN 2391 – are characterized by a particularly homogeneous material structure. They are produced by hot forming and then cold drawn, eliminating the need for a weld seam and maximizing both strength and surface quality. These tubes are ideal for applications with high pressure peaks and dynamic load changes.
Typical features:
- High compressive strength, ideal for heavy-duty and high-pressure applications
- Inner diameter tolerances according to ISO H8, for backlash-free piston travel
- Internal roughness Ra ≤ 0.3 µm, achieved by honing or SRB machining
- Stable straightness, suitable for high-precision linear movements
- Long service life, even under continuous load and temperature fluctuations
The combination of mechanical robustness and a finely machined inner surface makes seamless cylinder tubes the first choice for complex hydraulic systems with the highest demands on performance and service life.
Welded cylinder tubes – precise and cost-efficient
Welded cylinder tubes in accordance with EN 10305-2 (DOM – Drawn Over Mandrel) offer an economical alternative while maintaining high technical quality. The weld seam is smoothed and homogenized by subsequent cold drawing, giving the tubes surface characteristics comparable to those of seamless designs – especially when additional SRB processing is carried out.
Typical features:
- Tolerances in the H9 range, sufficient for many standard applications
- Internal roughness Ra ≤ 0.8 µm, optionally even finer with SRB
- Uniform material cross-section, despite the original weld seam
- Suitable for medium pressure ranges and stationary hydraulic cylinders
- Cost-effective solution for large quantities or standard dimensions
With their balance of precision, cost-effectiveness, and flexibility, welded cylinder tubes are ideal for many industrial applications where medium loads and precise guidance are paramount.
Stainless steel cylinder tubes: corrosion resistance for aggressive media
In many industries, standard steels are not sufficient – especially where moisture, chemicals, or widely fluctuating temperatures are part of everyday life. This is exactly where stainless steel cylinder tubes come into their own: they not only offer high-quality mechanical performance, but also superior corrosion resistance and hygiene advantages.
Stainless steel cylinder tubes are the preferred solution for applications in:
- The food and beverage industry – thanks to their hygienic properties and resistance to cleaning agents
- Chemical and pharmaceutical plants – resistant to aggressive media such as acids, alkalis, or solvents
- Offshore and marine plants – protected against salty environments and extreme climatic conditions
- Medical technology and environmental technology – where maximum cleanliness and material integrity are required
Stainless steel materials at a glance:
1.4404 (AISI 316L) stainless steel:
- Very good resistance to chlorides
- Low carbon content ⇒ good weldability
- Ideal for chemical, food, and medical technology
1.4571 (AISI 316Ti) stainless steel:
- Titanium stabilized ⇒ more resistant to temperature and acids
- Particularly suitable for applications with thermal load cycles
- High long-term resistance in aggressive environments
1.4301 (AISI 304) stainless steel:
- Universal stainless steel with good corrosion protection
- Suitable for less critical environments (e.g., indoor areas)
Compared to conventional carbon steels, stainless steel cylinder tubes offer a significantly longer service life, minimize maintenance requirements, and increase the reliability of sensitive systems.
Quality features & manufacturing tolerances of our cylinder tubes
For hydraulic and pneumatic systems, the quality of the cylinder tubes is crucial—both for the efficiency of the movement and for the service life of the installed components. At Interalloy, we ensure that every tube meets the highest requirements in terms of dimensional accuracy, surface quality, and material purity.
Important quality features at a glance:
Internal roughness:
- Standard for SRB-machined tubes: Ra ≤ 0.3 µm (seamless) or Ra ≤ 0.8 µm (welded)
- On request, up to Ra ≤ 0.2 µm for particularly tight and low-friction cylinder systems
- Lower friction = less wear and longer seal service life
Tolerances & fit accuracy:
- Inner diameter tolerances according to ISO 286-2: H8 (seamless) or H9 (welded)
- Roundness, straightness, and conicity are verified with documented test reports upon customer request
- Typical straightness: ≤ 1 mm/m – for backlash-free and low-noise piston travel
Dimensions & availability:
- Inner diameter from 8 mm to 450 mm, special dimensions possible
- Manufacturing lengths up to 13 m, standard: 6–8 m
- Fixed length cuts accurate to the millimeter according to customer specifications
Tests & documentation:
- Material certificates according to EN 10204 3.1 for full traceability
- On request: ultrasonic, eddy current, pressure, or leak tests
- Documented QA procedures along the entire supply chain
Through consistent quality control and precise machining, we ensure consistently high performance – even under extreme conditions. This ensures that every cylinder tube meets the exact specifications of your application.
Buying cylinder tubes: Service, machining, and delivery forms
When you buy cylinder tubes from Interalloy, you get much more than a standard product. We supply fixed lengths, machined finished parts or, on request, ready-to-install assemblies – precisely tailored to your application.
Thanks to SRB or honing, we achieve an internal surface roughness of Ra ≤ 0.3 µm, which minimizes wear and increases the service life of your sealing systems. In addition, we machine tube ends using CNC-controlled machines, manufacture welded constructions, and grind outer contours to fit if required.
With over 1,500 stainless steel pipes in stock, modern machinery, and short delivery times from our location in Hörbranz (AT), we are your reliable partner for customized solutions – even in small series.
