90° seamless elbows

90° seamless elbows are a type of stainless steel pipe fitting used to change the direction of a pipeline by ninety degrees. They are produced without a longitudinal weld (seamless), which gives them a smooth internal surface and consistent mechanical properties — features that are important in pressure, sanitary and corrosive applications. You will also see these parts called 90 degree seamless elbows, seamless elbows or simply stainless steel elbows.

What is a 90° seamless elbow and where is it used?

A 90° seamless elbow is a curved, butt‑weld fitting designed to join two pipes at a right angle. Because they are seamless, they are commonly specified where stronger, more uniform material properties are required or where a smooth internal surface is important to reduce flow disturbance and erosion. Typical uses include:

• changing flow direction in process and utility piping
• connections in sanitary systems for food, beverage and pharmaceuticals
• fuel, oil and hydraulic lines in automotive and marine installations
• high‑temperature or corrosive services in power generation, petrochemical and offshore industries
• small workshop or garage fabrications where corrosion resistance and aesthetics matter

Materials and common grades

Our category specialises in fittings made from stainless and corrosion‑resistant steels only — we do not supply aluminium or plain carbon steel fittings here. Common material families and examples include:

• Austenitic stainless steels — the most used group for general corrosion resistance and weldability (examples: EN 1.4301 / AISI 304, EN 1.4404 / AISI 316L). These are suitable for food, pharmaceutical and many chemical environments.
• Stabilised and heat‑resistant grades — for higher temperature applications (examples often referred to in industry: AISI 321, AISI 310).
• Duplex stainless steels — higher strength and improved chloride resistance (example: EN 1.4462, commonly known as duplex 2205 / UNS S32205).
• Ferritic stainless steels — used where moderate corrosion resistance and good thermal conductivity are required (examples include grades similar to AISI 430).

When specifying a grade, you will often see both European and US references used: for example EN 1.4404 is equivalent to AISI/ASTM 316L. For welded pipe systems the fittings are typically supplied as butt‑welding (welding fittings) ready for qualified welding to the pipe.

Types, dimensions and standards

90° seamless elbows are normally offered in two radius types:

• Long radius (LR) — radius approximately 1.5 × pipe diameter (1.5D). LR elbows give a gentler change in direction and lower pressure drop.
• Short radius (SR) — radius approximately 1.0 × pipe diameter (1.0D). SR elbows are more compact but introduce higher turbulence.

Design and manufacture commonly refer to standards such as EN (Europe) and ASME/ASTM (USA). Examples include ASME B16.9 for butt‑weld fittings and EN standards for welded fittings (EN 10253 series is often referenced for steel butt‑welding fittings). Always check the specific standard required for your project when ordering.

Who buys 90° seamless elbows?

Buyers range from DIY and small engineering shops to large industrial purchasers. Typical customers include:

• mechanical contractors and fabricators
• steel stockists and distributors
• plant operators in petrochemical, power and offshore sectors
• food and beverage and pharmaceutical manufacturers
• shipbuilders and vehicle manufacturers

How to choose the right elbow

Consider these factors when selecting a 90° seamless elbow:

• Material grade: match corrosion and temperature requirements (e.g. 316L for chloride‑bearing environments, duplex for higher strength and chloride resistance).
• Radius (LR vs SR): choose long radius for lower pressure drop and reduced erosion; short radius where space is constrained.
• Wall thickness / schedule: ensure it matches the pipe wall thickness and pressure requirements.
• Welding and installation: these are butt‑weld (welding fittings) — ensure the welding procedure and filler materials are compatible with the chosen alloy, and follow post‑weld treatments (e.g. pickling and passivation) if required for corrosion resistance or hygiene.
• Standards and certification: specify the applicable standard (ASME B16.9, EN series, etc.) and any mill/test certificates you require for pressure systems.

Installation notes and maintenance

90° seamless elbows should be installed by personnel familiar with welding stainless steels. Use correct filler metals and welding procedures to avoid sensitisation or corrosion at the weld. Where surface cleanliness matters (food, pharma), consider pickled and passivated or mechanically polished finishes. Routine inspection helps detect erosion, crevice corrosion or weld defects early.

Browse and compare

If you need 90° seamless elbows for a specific application, consider material grade, radius and applicable standards first. Our range of stainless steel elbows (seamless and butt‑weld welding fittings) covers a variety of grades and finishes suitable for industrial, marine, construction and sanitary uses. For technical assistance, material certificates or help matching a grade to your service conditions, get in touch with our technical team.