4130 Chromoly Tubing in the UK
British fabricators have long had a choice of high-strength tube: T45 to the aerospace BS series, cold drawn seamless carbon steel, and 4130 chromoly. 4130 is the option most familiar from American chassis and aircraft designs.
4130 Alongside T45 and CDS
T45 is a carbon-manganese steel tube widely used for British roll cages and historic aircraft. CDS carbon steel is the basic cage material. 4130 is a chromium-molybdenum alloy with a higher strength than CDS and a long track record in spaceframes and light aircraft. Each has its own welding practice and its own place in the regulations, so a design drawn for one should not be built in another without checking.
Kit aircraft and American-designed race cars often specify 4130 in inch sizes, which is where imported tube is most useful.
Supply to the UK
Tube is supplied to ASTM A519 with an EN 10204 3.1 certificate and shipped by sea freight to the UK port you nominate. Documents include the invoice, packing list, bill of lading and mill test certificates. Import duty and VAT are handled by the importer. Older British drawings may quote BS 970 grades; see BS 970 chromium molybdenum tubing. Wider regional notes are on the Europe page.
Typical UK Uses for Imported 4130
In Britain, 4130 in inch sizes is most often wanted for American-designed kit and vintage aircraft, for drag racing and oval racing chassis built to American specifications, and for replica and restoration projects. It is also used by bicycle and motorcycle frame builders. For each of these the design names the grade and the inch size, so the simplest course is to supply exactly what is drawn. Where a project has a choice of material, compare the options with the builder or designer first.
Standard Supply Range
| Supply Parameter | Detail |
|---|---|
| Product Form | Seamless (CDS or HFS) |
| Standard | ASTM A519 Grade 4130 |
| OD Range | 0.250" – 5.000" |
| Wall Range | 0.035" – 0.500" |
| Documentation | EN 10204 3.1 MTC included standard |
| Services | Cut-to-length and mixed-size consolidation available |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 4130 the same as T45?
No. T45 is a carbon-manganese steel; 4130 is a chromium-molybdenum alloy. They have different compositions and specifications.
Can 4130 be used for a UK roll cage?
Check the current national motorsport regulations for the materials and sizes accepted in your category.
Are inch sizes supplied?
Yes. 4130 to ASTM A519 is produced in inch diameters and walls.
Is CDS the same as 4130?
No. In British usage CDS usually means cold drawn seamless carbon steel tube. 4130 is an alloy steel.
Is 4130 used in British kit aircraft?
Designs of American origin commonly specify it. Follow the material list in the design data.
Who pays UK import duty and VAT?
The importer. Check the current rates with your customs agent.
Request a Quotation in the UK
Provide your complete material list (OD, wall, footage) for pricing and delivery options.
- OD & Wall sizes
- Total footage per size
- Delivery location
- MTC requirement