Abstract: Analyzed are the strengths and product ranges of two different stretch reducing mill（SRM） roll stands， i.e.， the internally-driven roll stand and the externally-driven roll stand， and the system rigidities and response characteristics of three typical types of drive systems，i.e.，the centralized differential drive system，the individual stand drive system and the individual roll drive system.Also analyzed are the influence on roll stand space by each of them，and the pipe mills they are separately applicable to.As a result，it is identified that the externallydriven SRM is suitable for seamless steel pipe rolling plants with OD sizes above 140 mm，while the internally-driven SRM is suitable for rolling plants to be equipped with both stretch reducing mill and sizing mill.And in case of rolling plants with OD sizes under 140mm，the internally-drive system is preferred.