For projects requiring stainless steel tubing specifically for mechanical uses, ASTM A511 Tubing is the standard to know. We are a leading US-based source for these precise and durable tubes, combining global resources with focused, local service. Delivering reliable Seamless Stainless Steel Mechanical Tubing is central to our business. Engineers and fabricators trust the consistent quality A511 tubes provide for critical components. Partnering with USA Piping Solution means getting certified materials that meet demanding standards, ensuring the performance your designs require.
We know mechanical tubing often demands tighter controls than standard piping. That’s why we focus on the precision of our ASTM A511 Tubing. Produced seamlessly for excellent dimensional accuracy and uniform strength, it's available in grades like MT304 Tubing and MT316 Tubing. Whether you need standard sizes or custom specs, USA Piping Solution is ready. Expect certified, quality tubing, backed by our expert team and dependable global shipping.

What is ASTM A511 Tubing All About?
ASTM A511 Tubing covers seamless stainless steel tubing primarily intended for mechanical applications. This distinguishes it from pipe carrying fluids (like ASTM A312) or heat exchanger tubes (like A213). A511 tubing is used for machinery parts, precision structures, or components needing good corrosion resistance plus specific mechanical characteristics.
The "MT" in grades like MT304 Tubing signifies "Mechanical Tubing." A511 includes many stainless types: austenitic (300 series), ferritic, and martensitic (400 series), letting engineers choose based on corrosion needs, strength, machinability, and cost.
Critically, A511 specifies seamless production, ensuring high dimensional accuracy and smooth finishes vital for mechanical parts. It covers both Hot Finished (HF) and Cold Finished (CF) tubing, with CF offering tighter tolerances. Heavier walls are often called Stainless Steel Hollow Bar, an efficient starting point for machined hollow parts versus solid bar.
ASTM A511 Tube Specifications: The Technical Side
USA Piping Solution supplies ASTM A511 Tubing made and tested according to the standard's precise requirements.
Key Technical Points
Parameter | Details |
---|---|
Standard | ASTM A511 / A511M for Seamless Stainless Steel Mechanical Tubing. |
Process | Always Seamless. Available as Hot Finished (HF) or Cold Finished (CF). |
Materials | Covers Austenitic (MT300s), Ferritic, and Martensitic (MT400s) stainless grades. |
Sizes | Wide range of ODs and WTs suitable for mechanical uses, from small tubes to large hollow bar. Tolerances depend on HF vs. CF. |
Lengths | Random lengths or specific cut lengths. |
Shapes | Primarily round, but square and rectangular seamless mechanical tubes are also covered. |
Material Characteristics: Chemistry and Mechanicals
The performance of ASTM A511 Tubing depends on the specific grade and whether it's annealed or cold-worked.
Chemical Composition Examples (Common Grades)
Element | MT304 (%) | MT316 (%) | Significance |
---|---|---|---|
Carbon (C) | ≤ 0.08 | ≤ 0.08 | Low for good weldability |
Chromium (Cr) | 18.0–20.0 | 16.0–18.0 | Core corrosion resistance |
Nickel (Ni) | 8.0–11.0 | 10.0–14.0 | Structure stability, resists acids |
Molybdenum (Mo) | --- | 2.0–3.0 | Pitting resistance (in 316) |
(Note: A511 covers many grades. L-grades like MT304L/MT316L have lower carbon for better weld corrosion resistance.)
Mechanical Property Focus
- Hardness (Annealed): Max limits are set (e.g., ~192 HBW / 90 HRB for austenitics).
- Strength (Typical): While not the main control, typical annealed strengths (e.g., MT304/MT316 Tensile ≥ 75 ksi, Yield ≥ 30 ksi) are often referenced.
- Cold Working: Tubing can be supplied cold-worked for significantly higher strength, but reduced ductility. Specify if needed.
Common Forms and Finishes for ASTM A511 Tubing
USA Piping Solution offers ASTM A511 Tubing in shapes and conditions suited for mechanical design:
- Round Tubing: The most common form, used for shafts, rollers, bushings, cylinders, etc.
- Square & Rectangular Tubing: Seamless options for precision structural or framing needs where welding is less desired.
- Hollow Bar: Heavier-walled tubing, ideal starting stock for machined hollow parts.
- Finishes:
- Hot Finished (HF): Wider tolerances, less smooth surface. Good for heavy machining.
- Cold Finished (CF): Tighter tolerances, smoother finish. Best for precision parts.
- Condition: Usually Annealed (softest, most formable). Cold Worked available for higher strength requirements.
Where is A511 Tubing Typically Used?
A511's focus on mechanical properties leads to uses different from pressure pipe:
- Machined Components: Ideal raw material (Stainless Steel Hollow Bar) for bushings, bearings, spacers, valve parts needing corrosion resistance.
- Hydraulic/Pneumatic Cylinders: Smooth ID and tolerances of CF tubing suit cylinder barrels.
- Rollers & Shafts: For conveyors, machinery shafts requiring straightness and strength.
- Precision Structures: Seamless square/rectangular tubes for high-spec framing or architecture.
- Tooling & Fixtures: For durable manufacturing jigs and fixtures.
- Aerospace & Scientific: Certain grades used for specific structural or instrument components.
Size Availability for ASTM A511 Tubing
USA Piping Solution stocks a wide range of ASTM A511 Tubing dimensions:
- ODs: From small fractional inches up to large hollow bar sizes (12"+).
- Walls: Light gauge tubing to very heavy walls (>1") for hollow bar. Tolerances differ significantly between Hot Finished (HF) and Cold Finished (CF).
Contact USA Piping Solution sales to discuss your specific OD, Wall/ID, and tolerance needs for current availability.
Quality Assurance: Certifications and Compliance
Reliable mechanical tubing requires verified quality. USA Piping Solution provides ASTM A511 Tubing with full certification:
- Standard: ASTM A511 / A511M compliance guaranteed.
- Quality System: ISO 9001:2015 certified operations.
- MTRs: EN 10204 3.1 (or equiv.) reports provided, confirming chemistry, hardness (annealed) or tensile (if specified), and compliance.
- Tolerances: Verified adherence to A511 HF or CF dimensional tolerances.
- TPI: Third-party inspection facilitated upon request.
Why USA Piping Solutions for Your A511 Tubing Needs?
Choosing USA Piping Solutions for ASTM A511 Tubing offers key benefits:
- Seamless Mechanical Focus: Expertise in sourcing quality seamless mechanical tubes.
- Wide Inventory: Stocking MT304 Tubing, MT316 Tubing, and access to many other A511 grades and sizes, including Stainless Steel Hollow Bar.
- HF & CF Options: Supplying both finishes to match tolerance and cost needs.
- Precision Services: Expert cutting and coordination of other processing like honing.
- Reliable Shipping: Efficient logistics across North America and globally.
- Assured Quality: Full MTRs confirming compliance with ASTM A511.
- Knowledgeable Team: Practical guidance on mechanical tubing specs.
We provide quality A511 tubing, dependable service, and technical support.
Exploring Related Stainless Steel Product Options
While ASTM A511 Tubing is for mechanical uses, USA Piping Solutions also offers:

ASTM A269 Tubing
General service seamless/welded tubing (often looser tolerances).

ASTM A554 Tubing
Welded structural tubing (round, square, rectangular).

Stainless Steel Round Bar
Solid stock for machining components.
Ready to Order ASTM A511 Tubing?
Need high-quality ASTM A511 Tubing for mechanical components, structures, or hollow bar requirements? Whether it's MT304 Tubing, MT316 Tubing, or another grade, USA Piping Solutions is your reliable source.
We supply dimensionally accurate Seamless Stainless Steel Mechanical Tubing meeting rigorous ASTM A511 standards. Benefit from our large inventory, custom cutting, expert support, and global shipping. Get the precision and quality your applications demand.
Contact USA Piping Solutions today! Discuss your specs, request a quote, or check availability for ASTM A511 Tubing.
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