AP Exhaust Tubing

AP Exhaust Tubing: Built from the Steel Up

When it comes to exhaust system fabrication and repair, the quality of the tubing is everything. AP Exhaust Technologies has been at the center of that equation since 1927, and their position as a vertically integrated manufacturer makes their exhaust tubing category genuinely distinctive. Rather than sourcing raw material from a third party and bending it, AP manufactures its tubing from the ground up — a process that starts with millions of pounds of raw steel and ends with precisely dimensioned pipe ready for professional installation.

How AP Makes Its Tubing

AP is a leading manufacturer of steel straight tubing used in the automotive exhaust system market, and their exhaust systems manufacturing process begins with steel tubing produced on their own high-speed tube mill. Their processing center slits coils of stainless and aluminized steel into precise widths, uses rollers to form the correct diameter needed, and the seam is then electrically welded and cut to length. This in-house control over every step of production means tighter tolerances and more consistent results than you typically find with tubing that passes through multiple hands before reaching the installer.

Bending Methods: Mandrel vs. Compression

AP is vertically integrated and manufactures vast amounts of strong steel tubing for use as straight and bent exhaust pipes, tailpipes, and muffler and catalytic converter components, forming and bending tubing from 1.50-inch to 5.00-inches in diameter for use in automobiles, light trucks, medium-duty and heavy-duty trucks. Two primary bending techniques are employed depending on the application:

• Mandrel Bending: Mandrel bending results in a premium pipe product. The process uses a precision mandrel positioned inside the tube during bending, resulting in a smooth, aesthetically pleasing appearance as it maintains the full inside tube diameter throughout the bend area — and aids in reducing exhaust system back pressure.
• Compression Bending: Compression bending results in some loss of inside tube diameter and is used where high-pressure flow is less critical. This makes it a practical, cost-effective choice for many standard replacement applications.

Materials and Dimensions

AP produces highest-quality aluminized and stainless-steel tubing in diameters ranging from 1-1/2" to 6". Tubing begins as large rolls of steel that are cut into widths for the multitude of pipe diameters needed, with the base material being either stainless or aluminized steel. Tubing is available in more than a dozen diameters, various lengths and gauges, covering an enormous range of vehicle applications — from compact passenger cars to heavy-duty commercial trucks. Flex tubing options in galvanized steel are also available for installations requiring vibration isolation or tight routing constraints.

Why AP Tubing Stands Out for Professionals

AP's facilities employ advanced automation, robotics, and computer-controlled monitoring and statistical process controls as part of their quality management system. Their factories and suppliers are electronically connected for high-speed transmission of production and engineering data — a commitment to continuous improvement that results in lower costs, improved inventory management, and higher quality. For the professional technician, that translates directly to parts that fit right the first time and hold up over the long haul. Professional technicians can count on AP for quality emissions and exhaust products designed to last and precisely engineered to fit for easy installation.

Whether you are rebuilding an exhaust system from scratch, topping off shop inventory with versatile straight lengths, or sourcing a specific pre-bent section for a direct-fit application, AP Exhaust's tubing lineup covers the full spectrum. Explore the complete exhaust tubing category or visit the AP Exhaust brand page to see the full range of products available.