China Stainless Steel

stainless steel
low fin tube

TeCarve’s Stainless Steel Low Fin Tube is specifically designed to enhance heat transfer efficiency by increasing the external surface area without enlarging the overall tube diameter.

These tubes are widely used in air-cooled heat exchangers, condensers, chillers, and evaporators across HVAC, power generation, petrochemical, and refrigeration industries. Made from high-grade stainless steel, they offer excellent corrosion resistance, mechanical durability, and thermal conductivity even under harsh operating conditions.

The integrally formed low fins ensure compact design, longer service life, and reduced fouling. Custom fin height, pitch, and base tube materials are available to match your precise technical requirements.

Specifications

Available Sizes by Standard

Markets: N. America — welded low-fin heat exchanger tube

Base OD (mm)WT (mm)Fin Height (mm)Fin Density (FPI)OD Tol.WT Tol.
12.70.70.424±0.10mmMin. Wall (-0%) / +0.14mm (+20%)
15.90.90.522±0.10mmMin. Wall (-0%) / +0.18mm (+20%)
19.051.20.620±0.10mmMin. Wall (-0%) / +0.24mm (+20%)
22.01.50.819±0.10mmMin. Wall (-0%) / +0.30mm (+20%)
25.41.81.019±0.15mmMin. Wall (-0%) / +0.36mm (+20%)
31.752.21.116±0.15mmMin. Wall (-0%) / +0.44mm (+20%)
38.12.51.316±0.15mmMin. Wall (-0%) / +0.50mm (+20%)

Fin height/density shown are common commercial low-fin constructions; custom fin geometry available on request. OD tolerance per ASTM A1016/A1016M-14 Table 3 — corrected 2026-08-06. Wall thickness tolerance figure not independently re-verified this pass (existing +20%/-0% of minimum wall convention retained, same open item flagged on the Heat Exchanger product).

  • Supply Length / Form: Fixed lengths 1–12 m; custom lengths and cut-to-length available
  • Available Grades: 304, 304L, 316, 316L, 321, duplex 2205, etc.
  • Fin Geometry: Fin height 0.3–1.3mm; fin density 16–26 FPI (fins per inch)
  • Tolerance Compliance: Per ASTM A249/A213, EN 10216-5, JIS G3463, or GB/T 24593 finned-tube tolerance tables

Markets: N. America — seamless low-fin heat exchanger tube

Base OD (mm)WT (mm)Fin Height (mm)Fin Density (FPI)OD Tol.WT Tol.
12.70.70.424±0.10mm±10%
15.90.90.522±0.10mm±10%
19.051.20.620±0.10mm±10%
25.41.81.019±0.15mm±10%
31.752.21.116±0.15mm±10%
38.12.51.316±0.15mm±10%

OD tolerance per ASTM A1016/A1016M-14 Table 3 (welded/cold-finished seamless) — corrected 2026-08-06. Wall thickness tolerance per ASTM A213/A213M-23 Section 13.2 (cold-formed, ±10%).

  • Supply Length / Form: Fixed lengths 1–12 m; custom lengths and cut-to-length available
  • Available Grades: 304, 304L, 316, 316L, 321, duplex 2205, etc.
  • Fin Geometry: Fin height 0.3–1.3mm; fin density 16–26 FPI (fins per inch)
  • Tolerance Compliance: Per ASTM A249/A213, EN 10216-5, JIS G3463, or GB/T 24593 finned-tube tolerance tables

Markets: Europe, Middle East — low-fin heat exchanger tube

Base OD (mm)WT (mm)Fin Height (mm)Fin Density (FPI)OD Tol.WT Tol.
12.00.80.424±0.15mm (±1.3%)±0.10mm (±12.5%)
16.01.00.522±0.15mm (±0.9%)±0.13mm (±12.5%)
20.01.50.719±0.20mm (±1.0%)±0.19mm (±12.5%)
25.02.01.019±0.19mm (±0.75%)±0.25mm (±12.5%)
32.02.51.216±0.24mm (±0.75%)±0.31mm (±12.5%)
  • Supply Length / Form: Fixed lengths 1–12 m; custom lengths and cut-to-length available
  • Available Grades: 304, 304L, 316, 316L, 321, duplex 2205, etc.
  • Fin Geometry: Fin height 0.3–1.3mm; fin density 16–26 FPI (fins per inch)
  • Tolerance Compliance: Per ASTM A249/A213, EN 10216-5, JIS G3463, or GB/T 24593 finned-tube tolerance tables

Markets: Japan, Southeast Asia — low-fin boiler/heat exchanger tube

Base OD (mm)WT (mm)Fin Height (mm)Fin Density (FPI)OD Tol.WT Tol.
12.70.90.424±0.30mm (±2.4%)±0.11mm (±12.5%)
19.051.20.620±0.30mm (±1.6%)±0.15mm (±12.5%)
25.41.81.019±0.30mm (±1.2%)±0.23mm (±12.5%)
31.82.21.116±0.30mm (±0.9%)±0.28mm (±12.5%)
  • Supply Length / Form: Fixed lengths 1–12 m; custom lengths and cut-to-length available
  • Available Grades: 304, 304L, 316, 316L, 321, duplex 2205, etc.
  • Fin Geometry: Fin height 0.3–1.3mm; fin density 16–26 FPI (fins per inch)
  • Tolerance Compliance: Per ASTM A249/A213, EN 10216-5, JIS G3463, or GB/T 24593 finned-tube tolerance tables

Markets: China domestic & Belt-and-Road — low-fin boiler/heat exchanger tube

Base OD (mm)WT (mm)Fin Height (mm)Fin Density (FPI)OD Tol.WT Tol.
120.80.424±0.12mm (±1.0%)±0.10mm (±12.5%)
191.20.620±0.19mm (±1.0%)±0.15mm (±12.5%)
251.81.019±0.25mm (±1.0%)±0.23mm (±12.5%)
322.21.116±0.32mm (±1.0%)±0.28mm (±12.5%)
  • Supply Length / Form: Fixed lengths 1–12 m; custom lengths and cut-to-length available
  • Available Grades: 304, 304L, 316, 316L, 321, duplex 2205, etc.
  • Fin Geometry: Fin height 0.3–1.3mm; fin density 16–26 FPI (fins per inch)
  • Tolerance Compliance: Per ASTM A249/A213, EN 10216-5, JIS G3463, or GB/T 24593 finned-tube tolerance tables

Standards

→ Scroll right for full chemistry & mechanical data

GradeUS (UNS)EN (W.Nr.)Japan (JIS)China (GB/T)C % (Max)Si % (Max)Mn % (Max)P % (Max)S % (Max)Cr %Ni %Mo %Tensile σb (Min.)Yield σ0.2 (Min.)Elongation (Min.)Hardness (Max)
2205 Duplex*S322051.4462SUS329J3L*022Cr23Ni5Mo3N*0.0301.002.000.0300.02022.0-23.04.5-6.53.0-3.5655 MPa (95 ksi)450 MPa (65 ksi)25%≤31 HRC / ≤293 HB
304S304001.4301SUS30406Cr19Ni100.080.752.000.0450.03018.0-20.08.0-10.5515 MPa (75 ksi)205 MPa (30 ksi)35%≤92 HRB / ≤215 HV
304LS304031.4307SUS304L022Cr19Ni100.0300.752.000.0450.03018.0-20.08.0-12.0485 MPa (70 ksi)170 MPa (25 ksi)35%≤92 HRB / ≤215 HV
316S316001.4401SUS31606Cr17Ni12Mo20.080.752.000.0450.03016.0-18.010.0-14.02.0-3.0515 MPa (75 ksi)205 MPa (30 ksi)35%≤95 HRB / ≤215 HV
316LS316031.4404SUS316L022Cr17Ni12Mo20.0300.752.000.0450.03016.0-18.010.0-14.02.0-3.0485 MPa (70 ksi)170 MPa (25 ksi)35%≤95 HRB / ≤215 HV
321S321001.4541SUS32106Cr18Ni11Ti0.080.752.000.0450.03017.0-19.09.0-12.0515 MPa (75 ksi)205 MPa (30 ksi)35%≤95 HRB / ≤215 HV
  • Standards Conformance: ASTM A249/A213 · EN 10216-5/10217-7 · JIS G3463/G3459 · GB/T 24593/13296 · ISO 1127
  • Delivery Condition: Solution Annealed & Pickled (AP) / Bright Annealed (BA) / Polished, or as requested.
  • Mill Test Certificate: 100% full material traceability with EN 10204 3.1 MTC provided with every shipment.
  • Cross-Reference Note: 2205 duplex JIS/GB cross-reference figures are compiled from secondary industry sources — please confirm exact specification and heat-specific mill test certificate with TeCarve for critical applications.

Features

• Enhanced external surface area

• Excellent corrosion and heat resistance

• Compact design, space saving

• Long service life, minimal maintenance

• Air-cooled and shell-and-tube heat exchangers

Condensers and evaporators in HVAC and refrigeration

• LNG and cryogenic systems

Waste heat recovery and industrial coolers

Applications

For enhanced-surface heat transfer projects, review how to verify our low-fin rolling process, root diameter inspection, un-finned land integrity, and hydro-testing before placing orders.

Quality Control

• Fin integrity and uniformity inspection

• Ultrasonic and eddy current testing

• Surface finish and dimensional precision checks

• Custom testing and third-party inspection available

packaging

PVC Wrapping
& End Caps

Custom Barcoding
& Labeling

Anti-Corrosion
& Moisture Protection

Seaworthy Wooden Cases & Pallets

Tailored Solutions, Timely Fulfillment

CUSTOMIZATION
& DELIVERY

Flexible Custom Manufacturing

We tailor stainless steel low-fin tube by outer diameter, wall thickness, fin height, fin density, requested length, material grade, and seamless or welded tube construction.

Low MOQ & Rapid Prototyping

Small batch customization and sample production are supported, helping you shorten your development cycle and market entry.

Optimized Lead Time

Most orders ship within 10–25 days after deposit. Exact timing depends on product specification, required documentation, and order volume.

Global Logistics & On-Time Delivery

For low-fin tube exports to over 50 countries, seaworthy wooden cases and pallets protect fin geometry, supported by anti-corrosion and moisture protection for long-distance transit.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a low fin tube and how does it improve heat exchanger performance?

Low fin tube has external helical fins machined or roll-formed into the tube surface, increasing external heat transfer area by 3–7× versus plain tube. This dramatically improves the overall heat transfer coefficient (U-value), enabling a more compact or thermally efficient heat exchanger design.

What fin specifications does TeCarve supply?

Standard low fin tubes: OD 8 mm to 38 mm, wall thickness 0.5 mm to 2.5 mm, fin height 0.3 mm to 1.3 mm, and fin density 16–26 fpi (fins per inch). Custom fin geometry (height, pitch, profile angle) is engineered for specific thermal and pressure-drop requirements.

What grades of stainless steel are available for low fin tubes?

Low fin tubes are available in grades 304, 316L, 316, 321, and duplex 2205. Grade 316L is standard for chemical and offshore heat exchanger service. Duplex 2205 is chosen where superior stress corrosion cracking resistance to chlorides is required.

What standards apply to stainless steel low fin tubes?

Base tube properties comply with ASTM A249, ASTM A213, EN 10216-5, EN 10217-7, and ISO 1127. Fin geometry conforms to TEMA standards for finned tube heat exchangers. Each production lot is hydrostatically tested and supplied with an EN 10204 3.1 Mill Test Certificate.

When should I choose low fin tube over plain tube in a heat exchanger?

Low fin tube is preferred when the shell-side (gas or low-velocity liquid) heat transfer coefficient is significantly lower than the tube-side – typically in gas coolers, air-cooled condensers, and steam heaters. It can reduce the required heat transfer surface area by 50–70% versus plain tube.

Contact TeCarve

Get in touch with TeCarve for premium stainless steel tubing solutions. Global delivery, precision manufacturing, and reliable service. If any need, please send email to sales@tecarve.com.