ASTM A513 carbon steel mechanical tubing is a versatile, high‑performance steel tubing solution widely used in commercial, industrial, and consumer applications. Designed for durability, precision, and reliability, A513 tubing offers excellent mechanical properties and consistent quality, making it a preferred choice for structural components, machinery parts, and ornamental applications.
ASTM A513 tubing is often supplied as welded mechanical steel tubing (e.g., Type 1 and Type 2) and as DOM (Drawn Over Mandrel, Type 5) mechanical steel tubing. These products are widely stocked in various diameters, wall thicknesses, and lengths.
ASTM A513 tubing is manufactured from carbon steel grades—commonly 1008, 1010, 1015, 1020, and 1026—each with slightly different chemical makeup. Typical elements include:
Carbon (C): Provides strength and hardness
Manganese (Mn): Improves toughness
Phosphorus (P) & Sulfur (S): Present in controlled low amounts
Silicon (Si): Enhances strength and deoxidation
Different grades have carbon levels typically ranging from about 0.05 % to 0.28 % depending on grade.
2.Dimensional Tolerances
ASTM A513 tubing is made to tighter dimensional tolerances than typical structural tubing, including:
Precise outside diameter (OD)
Controlled wall thickness
Consistent straightness
Optional length tolerances
This precision ensures reliable fits in assemblies and excellent performance in mechanical systems.
3.Specification Description
ASTM A513 covers carbon steels of grade 1008 and above, as well as specified alloy steels. Please visit our "Surface Finishes and Chemical Composition" page for our list of standard chemical compositions.
The A513 standard does not require testing of physical properties (yield strength, tensile strength, and elongation). If your application has specific strength requirements, be sure to specify them during the consultation, as this will affect the required chemical composition.For more detailed information on the A513 specification or to purchase a copy, please visit the ASTM website.
4.Mechanical Properties
Mechanical properties of A513 tubing depend on grade and processing, but generally include:
Industrial & Mechanical Applications
Hydraulic cylinders and precision mechanical parts
Shafts, axles, and support frames
Machinery components and automation systems
Automotive and Transportation
Chassis and structural supports
Roll cages, racks, and guards
Accessories and frame elements
Kloeckner Metals Corporation
Commercial & Consumer Uses
Furniture frames and fixtures
Fitness equipment
Ornamental and architectural tubing
Whether you’re building precision machinery, structural supports, or commercial products, understanding the specifications and benefits of ASTM A513 tubing will help you choose the right material for your project.
What Is ASTM A513 Mechanical Tubing?
ASTM A513 is the standard specification for electric‑resistance‑welded (ERW) carbon and alloy steel mechanical tubing. It covers round, square, rectangular, and special‑shape tubing produced from hot‑ or cold‑rolled steel. The standard includes multiple types and grades tailored for different performance requirements and manufacturing processes.ASTM A513 tubing is often supplied as welded mechanical steel tubing (e.g., Type 1 and Type 2) and as DOM (Drawn Over Mandrel, Type 5) mechanical steel tubing. These products are widely stocked in various diameters, wall thicknesses, and lengths.
Specifications and Standards for ASTM A513 Mechanical Tubing
1.Material CompositionASTM A513 tubing is manufactured from carbon steel grades—commonly 1008, 1010, 1015, 1020, and 1026—each with slightly different chemical makeup. Typical elements include:
Carbon (C): Provides strength and hardness
Manganese (Mn): Improves toughness
Phosphorus (P) & Sulfur (S): Present in controlled low amounts
Silicon (Si): Enhances strength and deoxidation
Different grades have carbon levels typically ranging from about 0.05 % to 0.28 % depending on grade.
2.Dimensional Tolerances
ASTM A513 tubing is made to tighter dimensional tolerances than typical structural tubing, including:
Precise outside diameter (OD)
Controlled wall thickness
Consistent straightness
Optional length tolerances
This precision ensures reliable fits in assemblies and excellent performance in mechanical systems.
3.Specification Description
ASTM A513 covers carbon steels of grade 1008 and above, as well as specified alloy steels. Please visit our "Surface Finishes and Chemical Composition" page for our list of standard chemical compositions.
The A513 standard does not require testing of physical properties (yield strength, tensile strength, and elongation). If your application has specific strength requirements, be sure to specify them during the consultation, as this will affect the required chemical composition.For more detailed information on the A513 specification or to purchase a copy, please visit the ASTM website.
4.Mechanical Properties
Mechanical properties of A513 tubing depend on grade and processing, but generally include:
| Grade Designation | Chemical Composition Limits, % | |||
| Carbon | Manganese | Phosphorus, max | Sulfur, max | |
| 1010 | 0.05–0.15 | 0.30–0.60 | 0.035 | 0.035 |
| 1015 | 0.10–0.20 | 0.30–0.60 | 0.035 | 0.035 |
| 1020 | 0.15–0.25 | 0.30–0.60 | 0.035 | 0.035 |
| 1026 | 0.22–0.28 | 0.60–0.90 | 0.035 | 0.035 |
Applications of ASTM A513 Tubing
ASTM A513 carbon steel tubing is used across diverse sectors due to its combination of strength, precision, and cost‑effectiveness:Industrial & Mechanical Applications
Hydraulic cylinders and precision mechanical parts
Shafts, axles, and support frames
Machinery components and automation systems
Automotive and Transportation
Chassis and structural supports
Roll cages, racks, and guards
Accessories and frame elements
Kloeckner Metals Corporation
Commercial & Consumer Uses
Furniture frames and fixtures
Fitness equipment
Ornamental and architectural tubing
Conclusion
ASTM A513 carbon steel mechanical tubing is a highly versatile and reliable tubing standard used in mechanical, structural, automotive, and consumer products. Its combination of controlled chemistry, tight tolerances, excellent fabrication properties, and cost efficiency make it ideal for engineers and manufacturers seeking quality tubular steel solutions.Whether you’re building precision machinery, structural supports, or commercial products, understanding the specifications and benefits of ASTM A513 tubing will help you choose the right material for your project.
