ASTM A513
ASTM A513, or mechanical tubing, is a type of steel tube used in consumer-based applications. Moreover, this material needs tighter tolerances than ASTM A500. But, many applications are not concerned with the load-bearing properties of the material itself. In fact, ASTM A513 applications are numerous. This includes lawn-mower handles, the legs on a bar stool or a restaurant chair. In addition, specific parts used in recreational vehicles (such as a handle) also contain ASTM A513. Although not load bearing, you’ll find most of these tube applications are meant to be handled. Often times, A513 tube is held given the application they are designed for.
Why Use ASTM A513?
ASTM A513 steel tube is manufactured on tube mills using an ERW method of welding. In fact, this is the preferred method of manufacture in the industry. A key benefit to this tube is the lower carbon content than that of ASTM A500. Why does this matter? In general, the lower the carbon content found in the steel, the easier it will be to end form or bend. The increased carbon content makes your steel strong but sacrifices ease of fabrication. Moreover, this is why it is used in OEM or consumer applications. In comparison to ASTM A500 which is used structural applications such as a pedestrian bridge.
Contact Us TodayWhat We Manufacture
ASTM A513 steel tube is what we manufacture all day long. In fact, we have three tube mills that continually run tube for a number of applications. Our team of highly trained tube mill operators are skilled to make the tube you need for your application. Moreover, since we are vertically integrated, we don’t stop just making tube. We continue by offering powder coating, tube welding, bending and more fabrication techniques.
- Round Tube: .500”-2.00”
- Square Tube: .500”-1.500”
- Thicknesses: 24 gauge through 12 gauge
- Other shapes also available
| ASTM A513 | ASTM A500 |
|---|---|
| Tighter Dimensional Tolerances (ex: 2×2-.083, Corner Radius is 5/64” to .125”) | Looser Dimensional Tolerances (ex: 2×2-.083, Corner Radius max is .249”) |
| No Physical Requirements | Physical Requirements (Yield, Tensile, Elongation) |
| No Stenciling required | Stenciling (required for material with a 5” or larger side) |
| Easier to bend due to lower carbon content | Harder to bend due to higher carbon content |