ASTM A513 ERW Pipe
Basic Overview
ASTM A513 ERW (Electric Resistance Welded) pipe is the standard specification for carbon and alloy steel mechanical tubing manufactured by the electric resistance welding process [citation:3, citation:9]. This specification covers round, square, rectangular, and special shape tubing used primarily for mechanical applications, not for pressure purposes [citation:3, citation:9].
Name Explanation
| Part | Meaning |
|---|---|
| ASTM | ASTM International (American Society for Testing and Materials) |
| A513 | Standard specification for electric-resistance-welded carbon and alloy steel mechanical tubing [citation:2, citation:9] |
| ERW | Electric Resistance Welded – pipe formed from steel sheet/strip and welded longitudinally without filler metal |
Key Features
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Material Types | Carbon steel (1008-1026 grades) and alloy steel (4130, 4140, 8630) [citation:5, citation:7] |
| Primary Application | Mechanical tubing – not for pressure/fluid conveyance |
| Manufacturing | Electric Resistance Welded (ERW) – high-frequency welding process |
| Shapes | Round, square, rectangular, and special shapes [citation:1, citation:9] |
| Size Range (Round) | 0.5" to 15" OD (12.7 mm to 381 mm) from hot-rolled steel; 0.375" to 12" (9.5 mm to 305 mm) from cold-rolled steel [citation:1, citation:9] |
| Wall Thickness | 0.022" to 0.650" (0.56 mm to 16.5 mm) [citation:1, citation:5, citation:9] |
Material Grades
A513 tubing can be manufactured from various steel grades. The table below shows common grades and their chemical compositions [citation:5, citation:7, citation:9]:
| Grade | Carbon (C) % | Manganese (Mn) % | Phosphorus (P) max | Sulfur (S) max |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1008 | ≤0.10 | ≤0.50 | 0.035 | 0.035 |
| 1010 | 0.08-0.13 | 0.30-0.60 | 0.035 | 0.035 |
| 1015 | 0.13-0.18 | 0.30-0.60 | 0.035 | 0.035 |
| 1018 | 0.15-0.20 | 0.60-0.90 | 0.035 | 0.035 |
| 1020 | 0.18-0.23 | 0.30-0.60 | 0.035 | 0.035 |
| 1026 | 0.22-0.28 | 0.60-0.90 | 0.035 | 0.035 |
| 4130 | 0.28-0.33 | 0.40-0.60 | 0.035 | 0.040 |
| 4140 | 0.38-0.43 | 0.75-1.00 | 0.035 | 0.040 |
Mechanical Properties (Typical for Round Tubing)
Mechanical properties vary significantly based on the steel grade and processing condition [citation:5, citation:9]:
As-Welded Tubing
| Grade | Yield Strength (min) | Tensile Strength (min) | Elongation % (min) | Hardness (RB) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1008 | 30 ksi (207 MPa) | 42 ksi (290 MPa) | 15 | ≥50 |
| 1010 | 32 ksi (221 MPa) | 45 ksi (310 MPa) | 15 | ≥55 |
| 1015 | 35 ksi (241 MPa) | 48 ksi (331 MPa) | 15 | ≥58 |
| 1020 | 38 ksi (262 MPa) | 52 ksi (359 MPa) | 12 | ≥62 |
| 1026 | 45 ksi (310 MPa) | 62 ksi (427 MPa) | 12 | ≥68 |
Mandrel-Drawn Stress-Relieved Tubing
| Grade | Yield Strength (min) | Tensile Strength (min) | Elongation % (min) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1008 | 45 ksi (310 MPa) | 55 ksi (379 MPa) | 12 |
| 1010 | 45 ksi (310 MPa) | 55 ksi (379 MPa) | 12 |
| 1015 | 50 ksi (345 MPa) | 60 ksi (414 MPa) | 12 |
| 1020 | 55 ksi (379 MPa) | 65 ksi (448 MPa) | 10 |
| 1026 | 65 ksi (448 MPa) | 75 ksi (517 MPa) | 10 |
Types of A513 Tubing
| Type | Description | Key Characteristics |
|---|---|---|
| Type 1 | From hot-rolled steel | Mill scale present; less strict dimensional tolerances; used when surface finish is not critical [citation:3, citation:9] |
| Type 2 | From cold-rolled steel | Tighter dimensional tolerances; better surface quality; preferred for precision applications [citation:3, citation:9] |
| Type 5 | Drawn Over Mandrel (DOM) | Weld seam removed; smooth ID/OD; tighter tolerances; improved mechanical properties [citation:8, citation:9] |
| Type 6 | Special smooth inside diameter | Enhanced internal surface finish |
Dimensional Tolerances
| Parameter | Tolerance |
|---|---|
| Outside Diameter | ±0.005" to ±0.010" typical (depends on size and type) |
| Wall Thickness | ±10% of nominal (typical) |
| Length (fixed) | ±0.25" to ±0.50" typical |
Testing Requirements
| Test Type | Purpose | Applicability |
|---|---|---|
| Chemical Analysis | Verify composition per ASTM A513 limits | Per heat |
| Tension Test | Confirm mechanical properties | As required |
| Flattening Test | Check ductility | For round tubing |
| Bend Test | Verify formability | For square/rectangular tubing |
| Hardness Test | Verify consistency | As required |
| Hydrostatic Test | Not required – A513 is mechanical tubing, not pressure pipe | N/A |
Common Applications
| Industry | Applications |
|---|---|
| Automotive | Seat frames, control arms, axle housings, drive shafts, steering components, chassis frames, roll cages [citation:3, citation:8, citation:10] |
| Furniture | Office chairs, table frames, shelving, bar stools, restaurant chairs [citation:3, citation:9] |
| Industrial Equipment | Conveyors, machine frames, support structures, valve casings [citation:3, citation:8] |
| Recreation | Lawn-mower handles, recreational equipment, bicycle frames |
| Construction | Handrails, railings, fencing, scaffolding |
| Agriculture | Equipment frames, irrigation components |
| Heavy Truck | Prop and drive-shaft tubing, steering column components |
Key Advantages
| Advantage | Description |
|---|---|
| Dimensional Precision | Tight tolerances ensure consistency for fabrication |
| Excellent Formability | Suitable for bending, shaping, and machining |
| Good Surface Finish | Smooth surface accepts paint and plating well |
| Cost-Effective | Less costly than seamless tubing for many applications |
| Weldability | Excellent for welding and fabrication |
| Multiple Processing Options | Available as-welded, normalized, sink-drawn, mandrel-drawn, stress-relieved [citation:5, citation:9] |
Important Considerations
1. A513 is NOT for Pressure Applications
A513 tubing is designed for mechanical applications only
It is not rated for pressure and should not be used for fluid conveyance under pressure
For pressure applications, specify ASTM A53 or A106 instead
2. Grade Selection
1008/1010: Excellent formability; suitable for bending and shaping
1020/1026: Higher strength; good for structural components
4130/4140: Alloy grades; heat treatable for higher strength; used in racing and aerospace
3. Processing Conditions
Properties vary significantly based on how the tubing is processed [citation:5, citation:9]:
As-Welded: Most economical; adequate for many applications
Normalized: Uniform grain structure; improved ductility
Sink-Drawn: Improved surface; tighter tolerances
Mandrel-Drawn (DOM): Smooth ID/OD; exact dimensions; higher strength
Stress-Relieved: Reduced residual stresses
4. Complementary Specifications
ASTM A513: Mechanical tubing standard
ASTM A500: Structural tubing standard (higher strength, less precision)
DIN 10305-3: European equivalent
JIS G3445: Japanese standard for carbon steel tubes for machine structural purposes
5. Mill Test Certificate
Typically provided as EN 10204 Type 3.1B
Should include chemical composition, mechanical properties, and heat number
Summary
ASTM A513 ERW pipe is the standard specification for carbon and alloy steel mechanical tubing manufactured by the electric resistance welding process [citation:2, citation:3]. Available in round, square, rectangular, and special shapes, this tubing is designed for mechanical applications such as automotive components, furniture frames, industrial equipment, and structural supports [citation:3, citation:9].
Key features:
Wide material range: Grades 1008 through 1026, plus alloys like 4130 [citation:5, citation:7]
Multiple processing options: As-welded, normalized, sink-drawn, mandrel-drawn, stress-relieved
Two types: Type 1 (hot-rolled steel) and Type 2 (cold-rolled steel) with different tolerances and surface finishes
Excellent formability: Suitable for bending, shaping, and machining
Not for pressure: A513 is mechanical tubing, not pressure pipe
Common applications include:
Automotive components (seat frames, control arms, drive shafts)
Furniture frames and office seating
Industrial machinery and conveyors
Handrails and fencing
Agricultural equipment
When ordering, specify: quantity, material name, type (1 or 2), thermal condition, grade, cross-section shape, dimensions, length, and any special requirements . For example: ASTM A513 Type 2, 1010, Round, 2" OD x 0.120" wall, 12 ft length .
