ASTM A269 specification outlines the requirements for seamless and welded austenitic stainless steel tubing intended for general corrosion-resistant and low or high-temperature service.
It covers tubes of various sizes, shapes, and thicknesses, designed to meet the stringent demands of industries requiring high-quality stainless steel tubing.
The prominence of ASTM A269 stems from its key features and characteristics that cater to industries' specific needs:
ASTM A269 encompasses a range of stainless steel grades, including austenitic, ferritic, and duplex stainless steels. This diversity allows industries to select the most suitable material for their application, balancing factors like corrosion resistance, strength, and cost.
The specification accommodates both seamless and welded tubing. Seamless tubes offer superior integrity and corrosion resistance, while welded tubes are more cost-effective and can be manufactured in various shapes and sizes.
ASTM A269 stipulates strict dimensional tolerances to ensure the tubes' precise dimensions and consistent performance. This precision is critical in applications that demand accurate fits and connections.
The versatility of ASTM A269 lends itself to a wide array of applications across various industries:
1. Chemical and Petrochemical
In aggressive chemical environments, where corrosion resistance is paramount, ASTM A269 stainless steel tubes find applications in transporting and containing corrosive fluids and gases.
2. Pharmaceutical
Pharmaceutical industries demand hygienic and sterile environments. Stainless steel tubes complying with ASTM A269 are utilized in processes involving high-purity fluids and gases.
3. Food and Beverage
For the safe transport of food and beverages, ASTM A269 tubing ensures that no contaminants leach into consumable products.
To ensure the highest quality standards, ASTM A269 stainless steel tubes undergo rigorous testing, including visual inspection, dimensional checks, and non-destructive testing methods such as eddy current testing and hydrostatic testing. These tests guarantee the tubes' integrity, dimensional accuracy, and corrosion resistance.
Selecting the appropriate stainless steel grade is paramount when adhering to ASTM A269. Factors such as the corrosive nature of the conveyed fluid, temperature, and mechanical stress must be considered to ensure optimal performance and longevity.
ASTM A269 plays a pivotal role in the realm of stainless steel tubing, providing industries with a reliable standard for seamless and welded austenitic stainless steel tubes. From chemical and pharmaceutical sectors to food and beverage industries, these tubes serve as the backbone of critical processes, ensuring corrosion resistance, durability, and performance.
As industries continue to evolve and demand higher standards, ASTM A269 remains a steadfast companion, supporting innovation and progress across various sectors.
The ASTM A269 specification covers nominal-wall-thickness, seamless and welded austenitic steel tubing for general corrosion-resisting and low- or high-temperature service.
ASTM A269 tubing is for general service, usually, it is applied in equipment and instruments, also under low or high temperature environment, therefore, ASTM A269 tubing is also used for heat transfer equipment.
ASTM A269 welded tube dimensional tolerance are in accordance with ASTM A1016 specification, wall thickness tolerance is +/-10% of thickness, comparing with ASTM A269 tube size tolerance as follow.
ASTM A269 Seamless Stainless Steel Tubing is used for low temperature and high temperature services. These pipes could be made from austenitic steel types under electric resistant weld, electric fusion weld or seamless cold drawing mechanisms. The SA269 Tubing can also have different finishes and can be heat treated. The SA 269 Tp 316 is more corrosion resistant than the 304 material types and it is used in applications with high pressures and high temperatures as well as low pressure and low temperatures. Therefore the SA 269 Tp 304 and the ASTM A269 Tp316l material grade pipes have different schedules. These schedules correspond to different wall thickness corresponding to different nominal diameters.
The ASTM A269 Tp316 Tube is used in high temperature services with high pressures such as the hydraulic systems. Other specifications of the ASTM A269 Tube could be used in textile, chemical and marine industries. The ASTM A269 Tolerances are high for chloride ion rich environments and most oxidizing agents. Therefore the ASTM A269 Seamless Stainless Steel Tubing is a good choice for chemical and marine industries. Also the corrosion resistance for general services is great with ASTM A269 Seamless Tubing. Due to the accuracy in dimensions, strength and corrosion resistance, the ASTM A269 SS Tubing is widely used along these industries. Oshwin Overseas is a supplier of these products and our ASTM A269 Tubing Pressure Rating allow us to produce different pressure classes of these pipes for customer requirements. You can get a full catalog of our products upon inquiry.
| Standard | OD | WTH | L | |
| ASTM A269 | ＜38.1mm | ±0.13mm | OD＜12.7mm ±15% OD≥12.7mm ±10% |
OD＜38.1mm +3.20mm -0mm OD≥38.1mm +4.80 -0mm |
| ≥38.1mm~88.9mm | ±0.25mm | |||
| ≥88.9mm~139.7mm | ±0.38mm | |||
| ≥139.7mm~203.7mm | ±0.76mm | |||
| ≥203.7mm~304.8mm | ±1.01mm | |||
| ≥304.8mm~355.6mm | ±1.26mm | |||
ASTM A269 tubes should be welded type or seamless type, which is made in cold finished or hot finished.
More specifically, the ASTM A269 specification is intended for uses such as:
| Grade | C | Mn | P | S | Si | Ni | Cr | Mo |
| 316 | 0.08 | 2.00 | 0.045 | 0.030 | 1.0 | 11-14 | 16-18 | 2-3 |
| 316L | 0.035 | 2.00 | 0.045 | 0.030 | 1.0 | 10-14 | 16-18 | 2-3 |
| Grade | Tensile Strength(Mpa) | Yield Point(Mpa) | Elongation(%) | Elongation(%) |
| 316L | 485 | 170 | 35 | 25 |
| 316 | 515 | 205 | 35 | 25 |
ASTM A269 TP316L Stainless Steel Tubing Application
From TP316L chemical composition and mechanical property data sheet, TP316L is obvious a ideal material in high temperature and corrosion environment, excellent corrosion resistance performance in wide applications.
| OD inches | Ave. Wall inches | D/t Ratio | ID inches | Tube Cross Sectional Area (in2) | Internal Area (in2) |
| 0.250 | 0.020 | 12.50 | 0.210 | 0.0145 | 0.0346 |
| 0.250 | 0.028 | 8.93 | 0.194 | 0.0195 | 0.0296 |
| 0.250 | 0.035 | 7.14 | 0.180 | 0.0236 | 0.0254 |
| 0.250 | 0.049 | 5.10 | 0.152 | 0.0309 | 0.0181 |
| 0.250 | 0.065 | 3.85 | 0.120 | 0.0378 | 0.0113 |
| 0.375 | 0.020 | 18.75 | 0.335 | 0.0223 | 0.0881 |
| 0.375 | 0.028 | 13.39 | 0.319 | 0.0305 | 0.0799 |
| 0.375 | 0.035 | 10.71 | 0.305 | 0.0374 | 0.0731 |
| 0.375 | 0.049 | 7.65 | 0.277 | 0.0502 | 0.0603 |
| 0.375 | 0.065 | 5.77 | 0.245 | 0.0633 | 0.0471 |
| 0.500 | 0.020 | 25.00 | 0.460 | 0.0302 | 0.1662 |
| 0.500 | 0.028 | 17.86 | 0.444 | 0.0415 | 0.1548 |
| 0.500 | 0.035 | 14.29 | 0.430 | 0.0511 | 0.1452 |
| 0.500 | 0.049 | 10.20 | 0.402 | 0.0694 | 0.1269 |
| 0.500 | 0.065 | 7.69 | 0.370 | 0.0888 | 0.1075 |
| 0.500 | 0.083 | 6.02 | 0.334 | 0.1087 | 0.0876 |
| 0.625 | 0.020 | 31.25 | 0.585 | 0.0380 | 0.2688 |
| 0.625 | 0.028 | 22.32 | 0.569 | 0.0525 | 0.2543 |
| 0.625 | 0.035 | 17.86 | 0.555 | 0.0649 | 0.2419 |
| 0.625 | 0.049 | 12.76 | 0.527 | 0.0887 | 0.2181 |
| 0.625 | 0.065 | 9.62 | 0.495 | 0.1144 | 0.1924 |
| 0.625 | 0.083 | 7.53 | 0.459 | 0.1413 | 0.1655 |
| 0.625 | 0.095 | 6.58 | 0.435 | 0.1582 | 0.1486 |
| 0.625 | 0.109 | 5.73 | 0.407 | 0.1767 | 0.1301 |
| 0.750 | 0.028 | 26.79 | 0.694 | 0.0635 | 0.3783 |
| 0.750 | 0.035 | 21.43 | 0.680 | 0.0786 | 0.3632 |
| 0.750 | 0.049 | 15.31 | 0.652 | 0.1079 | 0.3339 |
| 0.750 | 0.065 | 11.54 | 0.620 | 0.1399 | 0.3019 |
| 0.750 | 0.083 | 9.04 | 0.584 | 0.1739 | 0.2679 |
| 0.750 | 0.095 | 7.89 | 0.560 | 0.1955 | 0.2463 |
| 0.750 | 0.109 | 6.88 | 0.532 | 0.2195 | 0.2223 |
| 0.750 | 0.120 | 6.25 | 0.510 | 0.2375 | 0.2043 |
| 0.875 | 0.020 | 43.75 | 0.835 | 0.0537 | 0.5476 |
| 0.875 | 0.028 | 31.25 | 0.819 | 0.0745 | 0.5268 |
| 0.875 | 0.035 | 25.00 | 0.805 | 0.0924 | 0.5090 |
| 0.875 | 0.049 | 17.86 | 0.777 | 0.1272 | 0.4742 |
| 0.875 | 0.065 | 13.46 | 0.745 | 0.1654 | 0.4359 |
| 0.875 | 0.083 | 10.54 | 0.709 | 0.2065 | 0.3948 |
| 0.875 | 0.095 | 9.21 | 0.685 | 0.2328 | 0.3685 |
| 0.875 | 0.109 | 8.03 | 0.657 | 0.2623 | 0.3390 |
| 0.875 | 0.120 | 7.29 | 0.635 | 0.2846 | 0.316L7 |
| 1.000 | 0.028 | 35.71 | 0.944 | 0.0855 | 0.6999 |
| 1.000 | 0.035 | 28.57 | 0.930 | 0.1061 | 0.6793 |
| 1.000 | 0.049 | 20.41 | 0.902 | 0.1464 | 0.6390 |
| 1.000 | 0.065 | 15.38 | 0.870 | 0.1909 | 0.5945 |
| 1.000 | 0.083 | 12.05 | 0.834 | 0.2391 | 0.5463 |
| 1.000 | 0.095 | 10.53 | 0.810 | 0.2701 | 0.5153 |
| 1.000 | 0.109 | 9.17 | 0.782 | 0.3051 | 0.4803 |
| 1.000 | 0.120 | 8.33 | 0.760 | 0.3318 | 0.4536 |
| 1.000 | 0.134 | 7.46 | 0.732 | 0.3646 | 0.4208 |
| 1.250 | 0.035 | 35.71 | 1.180 | 0.1336 | 1.0936 |
| 1.250 | 0.049 | 25.51 | 1.152 | 0.1849 | 1.0423 |
| 1.250 | 0.065 | 19.23 | 1.120 | 0.2420 | 0.9852 |
| 1.250 | 0.083 | 15.06 | 1.084 | 0.316L3 | 0.9229 |
| 1.250 | 0.095 | 13.16 | 1.060 | 0.3447 | 0.8825 |
| 1.250 | 0.109 | 11.47 | 1.032 | 0.3907 | 0.8365 |
| 1.250 | 0.120 | 10.42 | 1.010 | 0.4260 | 0.8012 |
| 1.250 | 0.134 | 9.33 | 0.982 | 0.4698 | 0.7574 |
| 1.500 | 0.035 | 42.86 | 1.430 | 0.1611 | 1.6061 |
| 1.500 | 0.049 | 30.61 | 1.402 | 0.2234 | 1.5438 |
| 1.500 | 0.065 | 23.08 | 1.370 | 0.2930 | 1.4741 |
| 1.500 | 0.083 | 18.07 | 1.334 | 0.3695 | 1.3977 |
| 1.500 | 0.095 | 15.79 | 1.310 | 0.4193 | 1.3478 |
| 1.500 | 0.109 | 13.76 | 1.282 | 0.4763 | 1.2908 |
| 1.500 | 0.120 | 12.50 | 1.260 | 0.5202 | 1.2469 |
| 1.500 | 0.134 | 11.19 | 1.232 | 0.5750 | 1.1921 |
| 1.500 | 0.148 | 10.14 | 1.204 | 0.6286 | 1.1385 |
| 1.750 | 0.035 | 50.00 | 1.680 | 0.1886 | 2.2167 |
| 1.750 | 0.049 | 40.82 | 1.902 | 0.3003 | 2.8413 |
| 1.750 | 0.065 | 26.92 | 1.620 | 0.3441 | 2.0612 |
| 1.750 | 0.083 | 21.08 | 1.584 | 0.4347 | 1.9706 |
| 1.750 | 0.095 | 18.42 | 1.560 | 0.4939 | 1.9113 |
| 1.750 | 0.109 | 16.06 | 1.532 | 0.5619 | 1.8433 |
| 1.750 | 0.120 | 14.58 | 1.510 | 0.6145 | 1.7908 |
| 1.750 | 0.134 | 13.06 | 1.482 | 0.6803 | 1.7250 |
| 1.750 | 0.148 | 11.82 | 1.454 | 0.7449 | 1.6604 |
| 1.750 | 0.165 | 10.61 | 1.420 | 0.8216 | 1.5837 |
| 2.000 | 0.035 | 57.14 | 1.930 | 0.2161 | 2.9255 |
| 2.000 | 0.049 | 40.82 | 1.902 | 0.3003 | 2.8413 |
| 2.000 | 0.065 | 30.77 | 1.870 | 0.3951 | 2.7465 |
| 2.000 | 0.083 | 24.10 | 1.834 | 0.4999 | 2.6417 |
| 2.000 | 0.095 | 21.05 | 1.810 | 0.5685 | 2.5730 |
| 2.000 | 0.109 | 18.35 | 1.782 | 0.6475 | 2.4941 |
| 2.000 | 0.120 | 16.67 | 1.760 | 0.7087 | 2.4328 |
| 2.000 | 0.134 | 14.93 | 1.732 | 0.7855 | 2.3561 |
| 2.000 | 0.148 | 13.51 | 1.704 | 0.8611 | 2.2805 |
| 2.000 | 0.165 | 12.12 | 1.670 | 0.9512 | 2.1904 |
Diameter Tolerance ASTM A269 Tube
| NPS | ASTM A269 Tube OD Tolerance | |||
| + | – | |||
| inch | mm | inch | mm | |
| 1/8~1 1 /2 > 1 1 /2~4 > 4~8 > 8~18 > 18~26 > 26~34 > 34~48 |
1/64(0.015) 1/32(0.031) 1/16(0.062) 3/32(0.093) 1/8(0.125) 5/32(0.156) 3/16(0.187) |
0.4 0.8 1.6 2.4 3.2 4.0 4.8 |
1/32(0.031) 1/32(0.031) 1/32(0.031) 1/32(0.031) 1/32(0.031) 1/32(0.031) 1/32(0.031) |
0.8 0.8 0.8 0.8 0.8 0.8 0.8 |
| NPS | ASTM A269 Tube Tolerance, % | |
| + | – | |
| 1/8-2 1 /2 | 20.0 | 12.5 |
| 3~18, t/D≤ 5% | 22.5 | 12.5 |
| 3~18, t/D> 5% | 15.0 | 12.5 |
| ≥ 20, welded | 17.5 | 12.5 |
| ≥ 20, seamless, t/D≤ 5% | 22.5 | 12.5 |
| ≥ 20, seamless, t/D> 5% | 15.0 | 12.5 |
ASTM A249 requires extensive mechanical testing for use in critical environments in boilers or heat exchangers. ASTM A269 requires reverse flattening, plus flange and hardness tests. It does not require tensile testing. ... It does not require tensile or hardness testing
ASTM A249 and ASTM A269 specifications are two standards for Austenitic stainless steel tubes, there are the same requirements in technical, also they have some differences.
| Specification | ASTM A249 | ASTM 269 |
| Tube Manufacturing | Welded | Welded And Seamless |
| Application | Boiler Superheater Heat-Exchanger Condenser |
General Service |
| Sizes | OD: maximum 304.8 mm Wall Thickness: 0.4 – 8.1 mm |
Inside Diameter: minium 3.4 mm Wall Thickness: 0.51 mm |
| ASTM / ASME | ASTM A249 ASME SA249 |
ASTM A269 / A269M |
| Test | Flange Test | Flange Test |
ASTM A249 and ASTM A269 Specifications indicate tube material is Austenitic Stainless Steel grades, which is wide used in stainless steel families, TP304, TP304L, TP316, TP316L, TP347, TP347H, TP321, TP321H, 904L grade is ideal material for various applications, they have some advantages that other steels do not have.
However, in some cases, Ferritic Stainless Steel Grade and Duplex stainless steel tubes are produced to comply with A249 or A269 standard, Ferritic steel tubes can reduce cost, and duplex steel tubes increase strength and longevity.
Usually, ASTM A249 tubing sizes and wall thickness separately are 1/8 in (3.2 mm) in inside diameter to 12 in (304.8 mm) in outside diameter and 0.015 in to 0.32 in (0.4 – 8.1 mm). The tubing sizes and thicknesses furnished to ASTM A269 are 1/4 in. (6.4 mm) in inside diameter and larger and 0.020 in. (0.51 mm) in nominal wall-thickness and heavier.
Tube size is stated in inch or millimeter, sometimes, Tube gauge size (BWG) is specified.
ASTM A249 welded tube and ASTM A269 Tubing dimensional tolerance are in accordance with ASTM A1016 specification, difference as below:
| Specification | Outside Diameter | Outside Diameter | Wall Thickness | Length |
| A249 | ＜25.40mm | ±0.10mm | ±10.00% | OD＜50.8mm (-0, +3.0mm) OD≥50.8mm (-0, +5.0mm) |
| A249 | ≥25.4mm~38.1mm | ±0.15mm | ±10.00% | OD＜50.8mm (-0, +3.0mm) OD≥50.8mm (-0, +5.0mm) |
| A249 | ≥38.1mm~50.8mm | ±0.20mm | ±10.00% | OD＜50.8mm (-0, +3.0mm) OD≥50.8mm (-0, +5.0mm) |
| A249 | ≥50.8mm~63.5mm | ±0.25mm | ±10.00% | OD＜50.8mm (-0, +3.0mm) OD≥50.8mm (-0, +5.0mm) |
| A249 | ≥63.5mm~76.2mm | ±0.30mm | ±10.00% | OD＜50.8mm (-0, +3.0mm) OD≥50.8mm (-0, +5.0mm) |
| A249 | ≥76.2mm~101.6mm | ±0.38mm | ±10.00% | OD＜50.8mm (-0, +3.0mm) OD≥50.8mm (-0, +5.0mm) |
| A249 | ≥101.6mm~190.5mm | +0.38mm -0.64mm | ±10.00% | OD＜50.8mm (-0, +3.0mm) OD≥50.8mm (-0, +5.0mm) |
| A249 | ≥190.5mm~228.6mm | +0.38mm -1.14mm | ±10.00% | OD＜50.8mm (-0, +3.0mm) OD≥50.8mm (-0, +5.0mm) |
| A269 | ＜38.1mm | ±0.13mm | OD＜12.7mm ±15% OD≥12.7mm ±10% |
OD＜38.1mm (-0, +3.20mm) OD≥38.1mm (-0, +4.80mm) |
| A269 | ≥38.1mm~88.9mm | ±0.25mm | OD＜12.7mm ±15% OD≥12.7mm ±10% |
OD＜38.1mm (-0, +3.20mm) OD≥38.1mm (-0, +4.80mm) |
| A269 | ≥88.9mm~139.7mm | ±0.38mm | OD＜12.7mm ±15% OD≥12.7mm ±10% |
OD＜38.1mm (-0, +3.20mm) OD≥38.1mm (-0, +4.80mm) |
| A269 | ≥139.7mm~203.7mm | ±0.76mm | OD＜12.7mm ±15% OD≥12.7mm ±10% |
OD＜38.1mm (-0, +3.20mm) OD≥38.1mm (-0, +4.80mm) |
| A269 | ≥203.7mm~304.8mm | ±1.01mm | OD＜12.7mm ±15% OD≥12.7mm ±10% |
OD＜38.1mm (-0, +3.20mm) OD≥38.1mm (-0, +4.80mm) |
| A269 | ≥304.8mm~355.6mm | ±1.26mm | OD＜12.7mm ±15% OD≥12.7mm ±10% |
OD＜38.1mm (-0, +3.20mm) OD≥38.1mm (-0, +4.80mm) |
Tube Type ( Manufacture Process）
ASTM A249 indicate welded tubes, the tubes should be cold worked or cold drawn method, prior to final heat treatment. ASTM A269 tubes should be welded type or seamless type, which is made in cold finished or hot finished.
Tube Surface
Both ASTM A249 and ASTM A269 specifications, after heat treatment, tubes should be pickled free of scale, when bright annealing is used, pickling is not necessary.
Heat Treatment
All the tubes under ASTM A249 and ASTM A269 standards should be heat treated condition unless in special condition, there are different annealing temperatures for different materials.
Mechanical Properties
Nondestructive Test
Each tube should be conducted to the nondestructive test or the hydrostatic test, in many cases, nondestructive test refer to eddy current test or air underwater test.
Dual Certification Standard
Users should distinguish between ASTM A249 and ASTM A269 specification, although they are typical standards for stainless steel tube technical requirement, but different.
In some cases, users require stainless steel tube conform to dual certified standard A249/A269, it means the tubes should comply to both ASTM A249 and ASTM A269, and get best value or result specified in the two specifications, the tubes will be high quality.
ASME SA249 is the same standard with ASTM A249 specification, ASME SA-249 is published by ASME, but ASME have no equivalent standard with ASTM A269.
304 Stainless is a low carbon (0.08% max) version of basic 18-8 also known as 302.
Type 316 is more resistant to atmospheric and other mild environments than Type 304.
310S Stainless Steel has excellent resistance to oxidation under constant temperatures to 2000°F.
317L is a molybdenum bearing austenitic chromium nickel steel similar to type 316, except the alloy content in 317L is somewhat higher.
Alloy 321 (UNS S32100) is a titanium stabilized austenitic stainless steel with good general corrosion resistance.
Type 410 is a martensitic stainless steel which is magnetic, resists corrosion in mild environents and has fairly good ductility.
ASTM A213 ASME SA-213 TP347H Seamless Steel Tubes contains NB-Cr-Ni austenitic stainless steel.
Duplex 2205 (UNS S31803), or Avesta Sheffield 2205 is a ferritic-austenitic stainless steel.
Duplex 2507 (UNS S32750) is a super duplex stainless steel with 25% chromium, 4% molybdenum..
Material to UNS S32760 is described as a super duplex stainless steel with a microstructure of 50:50 austenite and ferrite.
ASTM A269 / A269M Standard Specification for Seamless and Welded Austenitic Stainless Steel Tubing for General Service
ASME SA 249 Standard Specification for Welded Austenitic Steel Boiler, Superheater, Heat-Exchanger, and Condenser Tubes.
904L stainless steel consists of chromium, nickel, molybdenum and copper contents, these elements give type 904L...
06Cr19Ni10 stainless steel is a grade of stainless steel produced in accordance with the American ASTM standard.
Ceramic lined pipe is made through self-propagating high-temperature synthesis (SHS) technique.
Cast basalt lined steel pipe is composed by lined with cast basalt pipe, outside steel pipe and cement mortar filling between the two layers.
Ceramic tile lined pipes have very uniform coating of specially formulated ceramic material that is affixed to the inner of the pipe.
The material of the rare earth alloy wear-resistant pipe is ZG40CrMnMoNiSiRe, which is also the grade of rare earth alloy steel.
Tubes Erosion Shields are used to protect boiler tubing from the highly erosive effects of high temperatures and pressures thereby greatly extending tube life.
The ASTM A213 T91 seamless tubes are primarily used for boiler, superheater, and heat-exchanger.
