Bevel vs. Plain vs. Threaded:Choosing the Right Pipe End

September 28, 2025
BLOGS

For steel pipe systems, the preparation of pipe end is very important. For project engineers, site managers, welding technicians and purchasing teams, knowing the differences between bevel, flat end and threaded ends can avoid costly delay, ensures structural integrity and matches the correct steel pipe to your project. This guide breaks down key details to make informed decisions.

More Than Just an Endpoint: Why Pipe End Preparation Matters

The end of the pipeline may look small, but it determines the connection mode, strength and installation efficiency of the steel pipe. A wrong end of the high-pressure tubing could cause leakage or danger; Over engineering a low-pressure system wastes time and money. Proper preparation eliminates risks: it helps to integrate steel pipe with fittings/valves, reduces labor (for teams without welding skills) and ensures long-term performance.

The Simplest Form: Plain End (PE)

The flat ends (PE) is the most basic: a smooth cut on steel pipe without grooves, threads or angles. Their simplicity is suitable for low-stress applications.

When to Use Plain Ends

PE is the ideal choice for low-pressure environments where a simple, effective seal is required without complex preparation.

Low pressure fluid transmission: municipal non-main water pipes, HVAC condensate or low viscosity chemical systems. PE steel pipe avoid extra expenses for special purposes.

· Socket welding (SW): PE steel pipe (≤ 2 inches) slides into concave pipe fitting; The joints are welded from the outside to form a leak-proof seal.

· Slip-on flanges: Slide over PE ends, secured with bolts/gaskets—easy to align for compressed air or light industrial lines.

The Standard for Welding: Bevel End (BE)

Bevel (BE) is the gold standard of high strength steel pipe connections. When two BE tubes are aligned, a “V-shaped groove” will be formed by cutting at an oblique angle of 30-35 degrees, which makes them essential parts for critical applications.

The Critical Role of the “V-Groove” in Butt Welding

Butt welding depends on the V-groove: it contains the filler material and allows the welders to achieve “full penetration” (weld through the whole steel pipe wall). This makes the weld as strong as the pipeline itself, eliminating weaknesses. A poor inclined plane (shallow/uneven) will lead to partial penetration, which will lead to cracks.

Common Standards and Applications

BE complies with ASME B 16.25 (angle, root surface and tolerance are specified). Allland steel pipe also abides by the API 5 l (Oil/Gas) interchangeable high-quality steel pipe standard. The applications of BE include:

· Oil/natural gas pipelines (onshore/offshore, extreme pressure/temperature).

· High pressure water (main water pipe, water and electricity lines).

· Structural Engineering (Building Frames, Bridges).

· Chemical treatment (high pressure, corrosive liquids).

For Mechanical Connections: Threaded End (TE)

Threaded ends (TE) supports the mechanical connection and does not need welding. Spiral grooves (external thread/internal thread) on steel tube enables it to be screwed into the pipe fittings. TE is suitable for small diameter, medium and low pressure systems.

Where Threaded Connections Shine

The advantages of TE lie in its speed and simplicity (non-high-pressure use).

· Small steel pipe (≤ 2 inches): Larger pipes require threads that are difficult to manage.

· Low-to-medium pressure: Fire sprinklers, residential plumbing, small compressed air lines.

· No welding area (fire danger, poor ventilation): install with a wrench and sealant (PTFE/pipeline coating).

· Temporary/modular systems: easy to dismantle and maintain.

bevel vs plain vs threaded choosing the right pipe end

Quick Comparison: Choosing the Right End for Your Project

In order to simplify the selection, Allland steel pipe created this table to match your project to the correct steel pipe end：

Feature	Plain End (PE)	Bevel End (BE)	Threaded End (TE)
Connection Method	Socket Welding / Slip-on Flanges	Butt Welding	Screwed Fittings(with sealant)
Typical Pressure Rating	Low (up to 150 PSI)	High (150+ PSI, up to 10,000+ PSI for specialized steel pipe)	Low to Medium(up to 300 PSI)
On-site Preparation	Minimal(clean end, align fitting)	Needs skilled welders; minor bevel touch-ups	Apply sealant; tighten with wrench (no special skills)
Best For…	Low-pressure, small-diameter steel pipe; non-critical systems	High-integrity, critical pipelines(oil/gas, water mains); structural use	Non-weld zones, small-diameter steel pipe; temporary systems
Key Specifications	90° perpendicular cut	30° – 37.5° angle per ASME B16.25	NPT / BSP threads per API 5L

Conclusion: Making the Right Decision, Quickly

Choosing the correct pipe end doesn’t have to be complicated. Use this simple framework for your next project:

· For high-pressure, critical systems (oil/gas, structural welding), the full penetration weld of a Bevel End (BE) is the mandatory choice for safety and integrity.

· For low-pressure, small-diameter lines (≤2 inches) where welding is an option, the Plain End (PE) offers the most cost-effective and simple solution for socket welds or slip-on flanges.

For non-weld zones or temporary systems requiring easy assembly, the Threaded End (TE) provides unmatched convenience for mechanical connections.