ASTM A513 tube is widely used in various industrial applications due to its high strength, machinability, and versatility. This tubing is manufactured to meet the ASTM A513 specification, which covers electric-resistance-welded (ERW) carbon and alloy steel mechanical tubing. Understanding the specific tolerances of A513 tubing is crucial for ensuring that the material meets the desired performance and quality standards in its intended applications. This article delves into the various tolerances associated with A513 tubing, including outer diameter tolerance, wall thickness tolerance, length tolerance, straightness tolerance, and ovality tolerance.
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Outer Diameter Tolerance:
The outer diameter (OD) tolerance of A513 tubing varies depending on the size range of the steel pipe. For hot-rolled steel pipes, the tolerance is specified to ensure that the diameter remains within a certain range, which is critical for maintaining the structural integrity and fit of the tubing in various applications. According to the ASTM A513 specification, the OD tolerance for steel pipes with a diameter range of 1/2 to 15 inches is typically within +/- 0.005 to +/- 0.020 inches, depending on the exact diameter of the pipe. These tolerances are designed to ensure that the tubing can be reliably used in mechanical and structural applications without issues of misfit or instability.
For example, a steel pipe with a nominal outer diameter of 2 inches may have an OD tolerance of +/- 0.010 inches. This means that the actual outer diameter of the pipe could range from 1.990 inches to 2.010 inches. Such precise control over the outer diameter is essential for applications where the tubing needs to fit into a pre-existing structure or where uniformity in size is crucial for the performance of the final product.
Wall Thickness Tolerance:
Wall thickness tolerance is another critical parameter for ASTM A513 Tube. This tolerance ensures that the walls of the tubing have a consistent thickness, which is vital for the structural integrity and mechanical performance of the tubing. The wall thickness tolerance is determined based on the size range of the outer diameter and the specified wall thickness of the steel pipe.
For hot-rolled steel pipes, the wall thickness tolerance can vary, but it generally falls within +/- 10% of the specified wall thickness. For example, if a steel pipe has a specified wall thickness of 0.120 inches, the actual wall thickness could range from 0.108 inches to 0.132 inches. This tolerance ensures that the tubing can withstand the expected loads and stresses without failing or deforming.
The wall thickness tolerance is particularly important in applications where the tubing is subjected to high pressures or mechanical stresses. Consistent wall thickness ensures that the tubing can distribute the stresses evenly across its surface, reducing the risk of weak spots or failure points.
Length Tolerance:
Length tolerance is another important aspect of A513 tubing. Mechanical steel pipes are usually supplied in factory-specified lengths, but specific cutting lengths can also be provided when specified by the buyer. The tolerance of length is determined based on the length of the steel pipe and the requirements of the application.
For standard lengths, the tolerance is typically within +/- 1/8 inch for lengths up to 24 feet. For custom lengths specified by the buyer, the tolerance may vary, but it generally falls within a similar range to ensure that the tubing can be precisely fitted into its intended application.
Accurate length tolerance is crucial for applications where the tubing needs to fit into a pre-existing structure or where precise measurements are required for assembly. Ensuring that the tubing meets the specified length tolerance helps to avoid issues of misalignment or improper fitting, which could compromise the performance of the final product.
Straightness Tolerance:
The straightness of steel pipes is also a key consideration in the manufacturing of A513 tubing. Straightness tolerance ensures that the tubing maintains a straight form along its length, which is important for both structural and aesthetic reasons. The straightness tolerance is typically specified as a maximum deviation from a straight line over a certain length of the tubing.
For ASTM A513 Tube, the straightness tolerance is usually within 1/8 inch per 10 feet of length. This means that the maximum deviation from a straight line over a 10-foot length of tubing should not exceed 1/8 inch. Maintaining straightness tolerance is essential for applications where the tubing needs to be aligned precisely or where deviations from straightness could affect the structural integrity of the assembly.
Ensuring straightness tolerance helps to avoid issues such as bending or warping, which could compromise the performance and appearance of the final product. It also makes the tubing easier to work with during assembly and installation, reducing the need for adjustments or corrections.
Ovality Tolerance:
Ovality, or the degree to which the cross-section of the tubing deviates from a perfect circle, is another critical tolerance for A513 tubing. For both hot-rolled and cold-rolled steel pipes, there are specific numerical limitations on ovality tolerance, especially when the wall thickness is less than 3% of the outer diameter.
The ovality tolerance is typically specified as a maximum allowable difference between the major and minor diameters of the tubing's cross-section. For ASTM A513 Tube, the ovality tolerance is generally within 1% of the nominal outer diameter for pipes with wall thicknesses less than 3% of the outer diameter. This means that for a pipe with a nominal outer diameter of 2 inches, the maximum allowable ovality would be 0.020 inches.
Maintaining ovality tolerance is crucial for applications where the tubing needs to fit precisely into a circular opening or where uniformity in shape is important for the performance of the final product.
For example, in applications such as hydraulic systems or mechanical assemblies, any significant deviation from the circular shape could lead to improper sealing, increased wear, or mechanical failure. Ensuring tight ovality tolerances helps maintain the performance and reliability of the tubing in such critical applications.
ASTM A513 Tube Supplier:
When sourcing ASTM A513 tubing, it's important to choose a supplier that offers high-quality products and adheres to the specified tolerances. Longma Group is one such reputable supplier, providing the tube in various grades, including 1010, 1015, and 1020. Longma Group ensures that their products meet the stringent requirements of the ASTM A513 specification, making them a reliable choice for industries that demand high-quality mechanical tubing.
Longma Group's expertise in manufacturing ASTM A513 tube ensures that their products consistently meet the required tolerances for outer diameter, wall thickness, length, straightness, and ovality. By choosing a trusted supplier like Longma Group, buyers can be confident that they are getting tubing that will perform reliably in their applications.
For more information or to place an order, you can contact Longma Group at info@longma-group.com. Their team of experts is available to assist with any questions or specific requirements you may have regarding the tube.
