Mechanical tubing is engineered for precision, strict tolerances, and controlled surface finishes (such as in machinery or automotive components), typically complying with ASTM A513 standards. Structural tubing, commonly known as Hollow Structural Sections (HSS), is designed for load-bearing strength in construction and infrastructure, meeting ASTM A500 specifications with greater structural performance.
Mechanical tubing is mainly used when accuracy matters more than strength. It shows up in machinery, automotive parts, and other components where fit and finish are important.
Structural tubing is made for construction work like buildings, bridges, and towers, where the main requirement is to carry load safely and stay stable over time.
2. Manufacturing Process
Mechanical tubing is usually cold drawn or finely finished to get tighter control on size and surface. This makes it more suitable for parts that need precision.
Structural tubing is typically hot rolled or cold formed, with more focus on strength and durability than tight dimensional control.
3. Dimensional Accuracy
Mechanical tubing is made with tighter tolerances, so dimensions are more consistent and predictable. This is important for assembly and machining work.
Structural tubing has standard construction tolerances, which are looser but practical for welding, bolting, and on-site fabrication.
4. Mechanical Properties
Mechanical tubing is designed for consistent performance, especially when it comes to strength, hardness, and formability.
Structural tubing is built to handle loads. It’s stronger in that sense, with properties aimed at supporting weight and resisting stress.
5. ASTM Standards
Mechanical tubing usually follows ASTM A513, and sometimes A500 or coating-related standards like A1057 and A787.
Structural tubing is more commonly tied to ASTM A500, A847, A1065, and A1085, which are focused on structural strength and building use.
ASTM A513 (most common)
ASTM A500 (limited structural use)
ASTM A1057, A787 (galvanized coatings)
Mechanical tubing can also be customized for specialized applications.
Structural Tubing Standards
ASTM A500 Grade B & C
ASTM A847
ASTM A1065
ASTM A1085
These standards ensure predictable structural performance and compliance with engineering codes.
What Is Mechanical Tubing?
Mechanical tubing is designed for precision applications and light structural use where dimensional accuracy and surface quality are critical.Mechanical tubing is often produced under standards such as ASTM A513, although it can also be customized for specific performance needs. In many cases, it is supplied based on “typical properties” such as yield strength and wall thickness rather than rigid structural grading.Structural Tubing
Structural tubing, also known as Hollow Structural Sections (HSS), is engineered specifically for load-bearing applications in construction and infrastructure.Structural tubing follows standardized specifications such as ASTM A500, ensuring consistent performance in engineering designs and building codes.Mechanical vs Structural Tubing: Key Differences
1. Purpose and FunctionMechanical tubing is mainly used when accuracy matters more than strength. It shows up in machinery, automotive parts, and other components where fit and finish are important.
Structural tubing is made for construction work like buildings, bridges, and towers, where the main requirement is to carry load safely and stay stable over time.
2. Manufacturing Process
Mechanical tubing is usually cold drawn or finely finished to get tighter control on size and surface. This makes it more suitable for parts that need precision.
Structural tubing is typically hot rolled or cold formed, with more focus on strength and durability than tight dimensional control.
3. Dimensional Accuracy
Mechanical tubing is made with tighter tolerances, so dimensions are more consistent and predictable. This is important for assembly and machining work.
Structural tubing has standard construction tolerances, which are looser but practical for welding, bolting, and on-site fabrication.
4. Mechanical Properties
Mechanical tubing is designed for consistent performance, especially when it comes to strength, hardness, and formability.
Structural tubing is built to handle loads. It’s stronger in that sense, with properties aimed at supporting weight and resisting stress.
5. ASTM Standards
Mechanical tubing usually follows ASTM A513, and sometimes A500 or coating-related standards like A1057 and A787.
Structural tubing is more commonly tied to ASTM A500, A847, A1065, and A1085, which are focused on structural strength and building use.
Mechanical Tubing vs Structural Tubing Standards (ASTM)
Mechanical Tubing StandardsASTM A513 (most common)
ASTM A500 (limited structural use)
ASTM A1057, A787 (galvanized coatings)
Mechanical tubing can also be customized for specialized applications.
Structural Tubing Standards
ASTM A500 Grade B & C
ASTM A847
ASTM A1065
ASTM A1085
These standards ensure predictable structural performance and compliance with engineering codes.
