What material are gas cylinders primarily made of?

Gas cylinders are primarily made of seamless steel due to several important characteristics that this material provides. Seamless steel is strong and durable, which is essential for containing gases at high pressures safely. The manufacturing process of seamless steel involves forging and rolling steel into a cylinder without any welded seams, which minimizes the risk of weak points that could fail under pressure.

Moreover, seamless steel can withstand the stresses and impact associated with gas transport and storage, making it ideal for both industrial and medical applications. It also has a high resistance to corrosion compared to other materials, contributing to the longevity and safety of gas cylinders.

While aluminum is also used for gas cylinders in some specific applications, it is generally lighter and less durable than seamless steel. Plastic is not suitable due to its inability to withstand high pressure, and iron is too heavy and prone to rusting, making it less favorable compared to seamless steel. Therefore, the choice of seamless steel for gas cylinder construction is grounded in safety, performance, and durability considerations.