ASTM A519 4130 Tubing
ASTM A519 is the standard specification for seamless carbon and alloy steel mechanical tubing, and it is the document most 4130 tube is bought to. It covers both hot finished and cold finished tube across a wide range of sizes.
What ASTM A519 Covers
ASTM A519 specifies:
- Chemical composition limits for listed grades, including Grade 4130
- Product forms: Cold Drawn Seamless (CDS) and Hot Finished Seamless (HFS)
- Dimensional tolerances by form and size range
- Permissible variations in OD, wall, and straightness
- Mechanical property requirements (where applicable — these are typically not mandatory for every tube unless the buyer specifies 'mechanical properties required')
- Permitted manufacturing processes
- Marking requirements
A519 does not cover: pressure vessel ratings; corrosion resistance; elevated temperature properties; or fabrication/welding requirements — these must be addressed by the relevant engineering specifications.
Ordering to ASTM A519 — Complete Specification
A complete order specification for ASTM A519 Grade 4130 must include:
- Standard: ASTM A519
- Grade: 4130
- Form: CDS or HFS
- OD and Wall (in decimal inches or mm)
- Condition: As-drawn, Normalized, Annealed, or Stress-relieved
- Supplementary requirements (if mechanical property testing is required)
- Documentation: EN 10204 3.1 MTC
| ASTM A519 Element | Procurement Significance |
|---|---|
| Standard reference | Defines product requirements; include on PO |
| Grade 4130 | Specifies composition limits — ladle analysis on MTC |
| Form (CDS/HFS) | Determines manufacturing, tolerance, and surface class |
| Mechanical properties | Not mandatory by default — state 'mechanical testing required' if needed |
| Condition | Must be specified — As-drawn if not otherwise stated, but state explicitly |
| MTC | EN 10204 3.1 — request explicitly; confirms A519 compliance |
Condition Designations in ASTM A519
The standard uses short codes for the condition in which tube is delivered. They appear on orders and on mill test certificates.
| Code | Condition | What it means |
|---|---|---|
| HR | Hot rolled | As hot finished, no cold work |
| CW | Cold worked | As cold drawn, hardened by drawing |
| SR | Stress relieved | Heated to reduce stresses from cold work |
| A | Annealed | Softened for machining and forming |
| N | Normalized | Heated and air cooled for a uniform structure |
An order line therefore reads: ASTM A519 Grade 4130, cold finished, condition N, with the OD, wall and length. Leaving out the condition leaves the choice to the supplier. Remember that A519 certifies chemistry and dimensions by default; mechanical tests are added by request. Grade-specific notes are under ASTM A519 Grade 4130, and the conditions are compared in the heat treatment guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does ASTM A519 automatically require mechanical property testing?
Not by default. Under ASTM A519, mechanical properties (yield strength, tensile strength, elongation) may not be mandatory unless the buyer invokes the relevant supplementary requirement or the specific grade/condition mandates testing. If mechanical property certification is required, state it explicitly on the purchase order.
Is ASTM A519 acceptable for aerospace 4130 applications?
For FAA-certificated aircraft structural repair, AC 43.13-1B directs AMS-T-6736, not ASTM A519. For experimental aircraft and many ground equipment applications, ASTM A519 CDS 4130 in normalized condition is commonly specified. Confirm requirements with the design authority or aircraft inspector.
What does condition N mean in ASTM A519?
Normalized: the tube is heated above its transformation temperature and cooled in air.
Does ASTM A519 cover welded tubing?
No. It covers seamless tubing only.
Order 4130 Tubing to ASTM A519
Provide the complete specification — ASTM A519, Grade 4130, form, OD, wall, condition, and documentation requirement.
- Standard: ASTM A519
- Grade: 4130
- Form: CDS or HFS
- OD & Wall
- Condition
- Mechanical testing requirement
- MTC 3.1
- Delivery