Used primarily in structural applications, seamless steel round tubing is manufactured using an extrusion process, where a die is used to pierce the center of a heated solid steel bar. There are two types of round seamless steel tubes produced using this method: Hot Finished Seamless (HFS) and Cold Drawn Seamless (CDS).
What is the difference between HFS and CDS tubes?
Both HFS and CDS steel tubes offer high strength and durability, but the process used to make each tube offers slightly different advantages. Deciding whether hot-working or cold-drawing a seamless steel round tube is best depends on how you plan to use the tube for your application.
Cold drawn seamless mechanical tubes are made by hot-rolling SAE 1018 carbon steel and then drawing it at room temperature. During the drawing process, the tip of the tube is passed through a die. The steel is stretched to the desired thickness and shape with a smooth surface. This type of steel tube meets the ASTM A519 standard. It has a high yield strength, close tolerances, and a smooth surface, making it ideal for many mechanical applications.
Hot-finished seamless mechanical tube is produced from SEA 1026 carbon steel and is manufactured using the same extrusion process, except without the final step of drawing the tube at room temperature. The tube produced by the HFS process is easy to machine and is ideal for applications that do not require close dimensional tolerances or a smooth surface finish. HFS tubes meet the ASTM A519 standard and are typically used in applications that require thicker, heavier walls.
Mechanical Seamless Tubes Manufactured to Industry Standards:
Hu steel offers hot-finished seamless and cold drawn seamless mechanical tubes manufactured to ASTM A519. It is available in a variety of configurations and finished sizes up to 12-3/4 inches.
Contact us to learn more about the various options for round tubes or to request a quote for steel tubes to your specifications: sales@hu-steel.com
What are the different applications for seamless steel round tubes?
Seamless tubes are used in a variety of mechanical applications. The CDS process produces tubes with close tolerances and a smooth surface, while HFS tubes have a rough surface and thicker walls. Both offer durability and good machinability, but CDS round tubes have a higher strength-to-weight ratio.
Common applications for hot-finished seamless tubes include:
Hydraulic components
Oil and gas components
Rollers
Drilling equipment
Agricultural components
Casings
Bushings
Spacers
Axles
Common applications for cold-drawn seamless tubes include:
Hydraulic components
Automotive parts
Structural components
Rollers
Heavy equipment
Agricultural components
Read more: Cold Drawn Seamless Tube for Mechanical & Hydraulic