Mechanical steel tubing is a class of steel tubing designed especially for mechanical applications. Unlike standard pipes, which mainly transport fluids, mechanical tubing is manufactured to achieve performance requirements such as strength, dimensional accuracy, and surface finish. It finds broad applications in automotive, industrial machinery, construction, and agriculture. 

Mechanical steel tubing is employed for various purposes and can be fabricated into many different substrate types and grades to suit requirements. 

Alliance Tubular Products manufactures our mechanical tubing to specification ASTM A-513. 

Mechanical steel tubing is replete with many desirable features, like a high strength-to-weight ratio, improved machinability, consistent dimensional tolerances, and the ability to be formed, welded, and used in other fabrication operations. 

Are you curious about how mechanical tubing can elevate your projects? Read on to discover its applications and benefits. 

ASTM A513 is a specification for electric-resistance-welded ERW carbon and alloy steel mechanical tubing. This specification covers round, square, rectangular, and special-shaped tubing for various applications in machinery, automotive parts, construction equipment, and other structural purposes. 

Any mechanical steel tubing by ASTM A513 shall conform to criteria that ensure it meets the quality and usage as mechanical.  

Some of the key stipulated requirements in the specification include: 

Chemical Compositional: The substrate should be within specific chemical composition limits to ensure the appropriate balance of elements to impart the desired mechanical properties. 

Tensile Strength and Yield Strength: An A-513 tube is commonly produced from grade 1010; however, many grades can provide the desired strength. 

Outside Diameter/ Wall Thickness Tolerances: Specific tolerances are required regarding wall thickness and outside diameter in the dimensioning of the tube to ensure uniformity for proper fitting in applications. 

Surface Finish: The tube's surface finish shall be clean and smooth, with no defects affecting its end use. 

It is important to note that ASTM A513 tubing comes in different grades, such as 1008, 1010, 1015, 1020, 1025, 1030, 4130, and 4140. Each grade has its chemical composition and mechanical properties. The manufacturers or engineers may choose the grade by considering the intended application and the required physical properties. 

Here are some key characteristics and benefits of Mechanical Tubing. 

• Precision Tolerances: Mechanical tubes are made within specific dimensions that easily allow for integration in all applications. 

• Manufacturing and Automation: Precision-tolerance tubing is utilized in robotic arms, conveyors, and hydraulic systems. Its fully uniform dimensions enable it to easily integrate with automated systems, reducing alignment errors and increasing efficiency. 

• Automotive: Precise tolerances allow components to fit perfectly in roll cages, chassis, and suspension systems.

• Energy and Renewable Power: Precision-tolerance tubing ensures the efficiency of components like wind turbine frameworks and solar tracking systems. 

• Diverse Application: Mechanical tubing is used widely in industries related to automotive, aerospace, construction, agriculture, industrial equipment, and machinery. It is popular for producing essential components such as shafts, axles, cylinders, and other mechanical elements. 

• Strength and Resistance: Mechanical tubes are tough and suitable for applications involving light to moderately high loads.

• Fabrication: The mechanical tube is uniform and has consistent dimensions that facilitate punching, bending, and welding, which means easier manufacturing. 

• Resistance to Corrosion: Methods of corrosion protection for mechanical tubes are painting, galvanizing, and pickling. 

Ready to harness the precision, strength, and versatility of mechanical tubing? 

Let's discuss how we can help your project succeed. 

Electric Resistance Welded (ERW):  ERW (Electric Resistance Welded) steel tubing is manufactured by forming a slit coil into a square or rectangle and then welding the edges together using electric resistance welding. 

Explore our range of high-quality ERW tubing and discover why Alliance Tubular Products is a trusted partner in the industry. 

Choosing the right mechanical tubing may make the greatest difference to the success of your project. With shapes, sizes, and various substrates available, knowing what to pay attention to may save you a great deal of time when choosing and ensuring you get the best performance. 

Here's a quick guide to help you choose correctly: 

Understanding Application Requirements  

• Load Capacity: How much weight or force will the mechanical tubing need to support?  A-513 is produced in many different steel grades. 
• Gauge Control: If a tight gauge tolerance must be maintained, consider A-513 Type 2. 
• Aesthetic: Is it visible? How critical is the surface condition? 

Choose the right shape  

• Rectangle or Square: These provide uniform strength and are ideal for frameworks, trailers, and construction projects. Alliance Tubular can produce virtually any square and rectangle size between 1.5" - 5.0" (38mm—127 mm) sq and 1.5" x 2.0" - 4.0" x 6.0" (102mm x 152mm). Alliance Tubular Products manufactures Electric Resistance Welded (ERW) products and Hollow Structural Sections (HSS) tubing. ATP can also produce up to 50' lengths. 

Evaluating Material Options  

• The material you choose impacts the strength, weight, and durability of your tubing. 
• Alliance Tubular Products can produce A-513 tube as both Type 1 or Type 2. Carbon Steel (hot rolled, hot rolled pickled and oil, and Cold Rolled) 

Consider Wall thickness and Dimensions  

• Thicker walls: Higher load bearing 
• Thinner walls: cost savings and reduced weight 

Review Standards and Certifications 

• Alliance Tubular Products aims to provide quality products that satisfy our customers' needs and expectations. We are committed to continually improving the effectiveness of our Quality Management System. 
• ISOCert: https://www.alliancetubularproducts.net/resources/ 

As an extension of Alliance, Alliance Tubular Products is the only steel tube mill in the country that can produce your specialty sections and metric shapes without the expense and lead times associated with new tooling. 

Alliance Tubular Products offers a range of value-added services for steel tubing that sets us apart from the competition. Our mill is direct form quality, and we ensure that every product meets rigorous standards for performance and reliability. 

Alliance Tubular can produce virtually any square and rectangle sizes between 1.5" - 5.0" (38mm - 127mm) sq and 1.5" x 2.0" - 4.0" x 6.0" (102mm x 152mm). Alliance Tubular Products manufactures Electric Resistance Welded (ERW) products and Hollow Structural Sections (HSS) tubing. ATP can also produce up to 50' lengths. The mill is a fully automated direct form line, utilizing all the latest technologies and efficiencies to optimize speed and consistency. 

From master coil to tubular products, Alliance Tubular Products offers an extensive selection of tubular products crafted to meet each customer's specific needs. 

Alliance Tubular Products remains highly devoted to the production of quality mechanical tubing suited for your every need while building performance and creating assurance that sets our customers first above the rest. Whether you're building a large infrastructure structure or creating precision components, our experience and state-of-the-art manufacturing assure the customer of success. Contact us today to explore how our mechanical tubing solutions can take your projects to the next level.