Mechanical Tubing vs. Structural Tubing

What is Mechanical tubing and Structural tubing?

Mechanical Tubing:
Tubing used in mechanical and light structural applications. Mechanical tubing is produced to meet specific end-use requirements, specifications, tolerances, and chemical compositions. This allows for more specific uniformity of properties throughout the tube compared to standard pipes. While mechanical tubes can be produced to standard specifications upon request, they are often produced to “typical” properties that focus primarily on yield strength for a specific size and wall thickness. In some severe forming applications, yield strength may not even be specified and mechanical tubes are produced to be “fit for use.” Mechanical tubes cover a wide range of structural and nonstructural applications.

Mechanical Tube Types:

ASTM A519: Standard specification for Seamless Carbon and Alloy Steel Mechanical Tubing. 
ASTM A513: Standard Specification for Electric Resistance Welded Carbon and Alloy Steel Mechanical Tubing.
ASTM A554: Standard Specification for Welded Stainless Steel Mechanical Tubing.

Mechanical tubing is manufactured to ASTM A513 and ASTM A519 specifications and have typical mechanical tube properties. Some of the most common types of mechanical tubes include Mandrel Drawn Tube (DOM), Hot Rolled/Finished Seamless Pipe (HRS), Cold Drawn Seamless Tube (CDS), Hot or Cold Rolled Electric Welded Tube (HREW/CREW), and 4140 Alloy Tube. Mechanical tubes are not limited to these specifications and can be produced to specific customer requirements where appropriate. Mechanical products are ordered with a specific outside dimension (OD) and "spec" or wall thickness or outside dimension (OD) and inside dimension (ID). In addition, most mechanical tubes are also available in galvanized material upon request.

Structural Tubing:
Tubing used for structural applications. Structural tubing is mainly used in industries such as construction and machinery. They are general structural steel tubes used to support and connect building structures or mechanical components to ensure the stability and safety of the structure. The standard strength requirements of the tubes help determine the applications that certain tubes are most suitable for. Structural tubes are often called hollow structural sections or HSS. The common standard for structural steel tubes is ASTM A500, which is the standard specification for round and special-shaped cold-formed welded and seamless carbon steel structural tubes. my country's standard GB/T 8162-2018, this standard applies to seamless steel tubes for mechanical structures and general engineering structures.

1) Features

Features of mechanical tubing:

Mechanical tubes are usually used to transport solid materials or high-temperature gases, so they require high wear resistance and high-temperature corrosion resistance. The main materials of mechanical pipes include cast iron, steel pipes and copper pipes, etc. These materials can meet the use requirements of mechanical pipes in harsh environments. It is usually composed of multiple pipes, valves, joints and other components, and is an important part of realizing the automated production of mechanical equipment. Mechanical pipes should have high pressure resistance, corrosion resistance and wear resistance to ensure the reliability, stability and safety of the pipeline system.

‌1. High strength and high pressure resistance: Mechanical tubes have high strength and pressure resistance, can withstand high working pressure and flow, and ensure the stability and reliability of the pipeline system.
‌2. Easy installation: The installation process of mechanical tubes is relatively simple, and they can be assembled and disassembled quickly, which is convenient for cleaning and replacing damaged parts.
‌3. Long service life: Mechanical tubes have a long service life, can maintain stable performance in various complex environments, and reduce the frequency of replacement and maintenance.
4. Corrosion resistance and high temperature resistance: Mechanical tubes have good corrosion resistance and high temperature resistance, and are suitable for various complex environmental conditions, such as oil, natural gas, chemical industry and other fields.
‌5. Good sealing performance‌: Mechanical tubes have good sealing performance, which can ensure the stable delivery of fluids and reduce the risk of leakage‌.

Features of structural tubing:

Structural tubes are steel pipes used to build various structures, and several characteristics need to be achieved.
1. Good pressure bearing capacity: Structural pipes have strong compression and buckling capabilities and can withstand high loads and twisting forces. It is not easy to break, otherwise the construction of the entire project will be affected in the event of an accident.
2. Convenient construction: Just build according to general standards and it can be completed quickly, which can save time and labor costs.
3. Durable: After the project is completed, it can be used for a long time without damage and wear for a long time. The special hollow structure design gives the pipe good ring stiffness and strength, which can withstand greater pressure and impact, and is not easy to deform or break. The structural pipe is made of high-strength steel, and the material is professionally processed, with long-term durability and can withstand extreme harsh environments.
4. Strong corrosion resistance: Because the structural pipe has good acid and alkali resistance and corrosion resistance, it can be used in harsh environments such as high temperature and high pressure, and has a wide range of applications.
5. Reusable: Compared with traditional scaffolding and scaffolding structures, structural pipes can be used repeatedly, reducing costs and environmental impact.
6. Lightweight and high strength: Structural pipes are usually composed of steel pipes, connectors and stabilizers. They are lightweight and high-strength, and are suitable for various occasions that require lightweight design.
7. Shock absorption and sound insulation: As a flexible support system, structural pipes can effectively suppress vibration and noise during pipeline operation and improve the operating efficiency of the pipeline system.

2) Application 

Application of mechanical tubing:
Mechanical pipes are widely used in various mechanical equipment, such as manufacturing, chemical, energy, medical, construction and other fields, to provide guarantees for the automatic operation of mechanical equipment. In modern factories, mechanical pipes are often used to transport raw materials, semi-finished products and finished products, coordinate the operation of various components, and improve production efficiency and quality. As an important channel for conveying fluids, mechanical pipes need to withstand various complex working pressures and medium conditions.

Importance of the role of mechanical tubing:
The position of mechanical tubes in mechanical equipment is very important. Excellent mechanical pipes can improve the operating efficiency of mechanical equipment, ensure the quality and stability of products, and ensure the safety and stability of the production process. Once the mechanical tube is damaged or fails, it will cause the mechanical equipment to stop working, affect the production progress, and increase the production cost. Therefore, in the daily maintenance and maintenance of mechanical equipment, mechanical pipes should also be taken seriously, and pipes, valves and other components should be checked and replaced in time to ensure the stability and safety of mechanical tubes.

Application of structural tubing:
1. Construction field: Structural tubes can be used as support frames for buildings such as buildings and bridges, and play an important role in high-altitude operations.
2. Chemical industry: Structural pipes can not only be used to transport various liquids and gases, but also to build reactors to achieve adaptability and precision in the chemical production process.
3. Shipbuilding industry: Structural pipes are usually used to support and strengthen the structure of the hull in ship design. Its excellent corrosion resistance and light weight make it one of the most widely used materials on ships.

The main differences between mechanical tubes and structural tubes are as follows:

Category	Mechanical Tubing	Structural Tubing
Definition	Used for mechanical and light gauge structural applications.	Used for structural applications.
	Produced to meet specific requirements, tolerances, and chemistries.	Often referred to as hollow structural sections (HSS).
Available Shapes	Square, Rectangle, Round, Custom Shapes	Square, Rectangle, Round, Custom Shapes
Applications	(1)Solar Racking- Agricultural and dairy products (2)Greenhouse structures (3)Playground equipment (4)Conveyor rollers (5)Carports and metal buildings (6)Trailers	(1)Bridges- Towers- Cranes (2)Sign supports and poles (3)Off-shore production and drilling platforms (4)Roll-over protective structures (ROPS)
Specifications	Manufactured to typical properties or ASTM A500 and A513 Types 1 and 2	Varies based on design and manufacturer, includes ASTM A500 Grade B and C, A847, A1065, A1085
Distinguishing Factors	Focuses on yield strength for particular size and wall thickness	Standard strength requirements dictate appropriate applications
	Can be produced to be "fit for use" in severe forming applications	Not typically used in applications requiring severe forming
	Encompasses both structural and non-structural applications	Primarily used in structural applications

Read more: ASTM A519 Seamless Mechanical Tube or SCH 80 Mechanical Tube