Seamless steel pipe begins as a solid cylindrical hunk of steel called a billet. While still hot, billets are pierced through the center with a mandrel. The next step is rolling and stretching the hollow billet. The billet is precisely rolled and stretched until it meets the length, diameter and wall thickness as specified by the customer order.

　　Some seamless steel pipe types harden as they’re manufactured, so heat treatment after manufacturing is not required. Other seamless steel pipe do require heat treatment. Consult the specification of the seamless steel pipe type you’re considering to learn whether it will require heat treatment.