The pipe and tubing used in fluid systems today are commonly made from steel, copper, brass, aluminum, and what other material?

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A key factor in selecting pipe material for fluid systems is how well it resists corrosion while retaining strength under pressure and temperature. Stainless steel fits that need very well, providing strong mechanical properties and excellent corrosion resistance across a wide range of fluids and conditions. This makes it a common companion to steel, copper, brass, and aluminum in many piping systems, especially in chemical processing, food and beverage, and sanitary applications.

PVC is a plastic and is used for lighter-duty or non-metal piping rather than metal piping. Bronze is corrosion-resistant and used in some specialized components, but it’s less common for general pipe and tubing due to cost and mechanical limits. Aluminum is lightweight and corrosion-resistant in some environments but loses strength and durability in others, especially under high pressures or certain chemicals. So stainless steel is the best fit as the remaining widely used material for pipe and tubing in fluid systems.