BS 6323 Welded Tubes Manufacturer & Supplier – USA Piping Solution

In the demanding worlds of automotive manufacturing and precision engineering, selecting the right materials is paramount. For many applications requiring robust, reliable steel tubing, the specifications laid out in BS 6323 Welded Tubes provide a crucial benchmark. At USA Piping Solution, we operate as both a manufacturer and a dedicated supplier, specializing in Electric Resistance Welded (ERW) tubes produced under the stringent guidelines of BS 6323 Part 5. We recognize that engineers rely on the distinct properties offered by grades ERW1 through ERW5 for everything from structural integrity to fluid handling. That’s why USA Piping Solution offers not just a product, but a partnership – providing quality-assured BS 6323 ERW Tubes alongside the technical expertise and global supply capabilities your projects demand.

What is BS 6323?

BS 6323 isn't just another number; it represents a well-established British Standard that has long served as a cornerstone for specifying steel tubes across critical sectors. Its focus? Defining the technical requirements for tubes – both seamless and welded – destined for automotive, mechanical, and general engineering roles. While the standard encompasses several parts, Part 5 holds specific relevance for engineers working with welded tubing, as it meticulously details the criteria for tubes manufactured using Electric Resistance Welding (ERW) and similar high-frequency induction welding processes.

What makes Part 5 particularly useful is its clear grading system, categorizing ERW tubes into five distinct levels: ERW1, ERW2, ERW3, ERW4, and ERW5. This isn't arbitrary; each grade corresponds to specific controls over chemical composition and, crucially, guaranteed minimum mechanical properties like strength and ductility. This allows for precise material selection. Need a tube primarily for its excellent formability? BS 6323 ERW1 Tubes might be the answer. Require significantly higher load-bearing capacity for a structural part? Grades like ERW4 or ERW5 step up to meet that need. The standard leaves little to chance, outlining requirements for dimensions, tolerances, testing protocols, and even how the tubes should be marked. Although newer European Norms (like EN 10305 series) have emerged and sometimes supersede parts of BS 6323, its legacy endures. It remains a frequently cited specification, especially within established industries and for designs originally based on its clear, graded approach to Electric Resistance Welded Steel Tubes.

BS 6323 ERW Tube Specifications

Sourcing BS 6323 Welded Tubes requires clarity on the technical specifics outlined within Part 5 of the standard. USA Piping Solution ensures every tube supplied meets these critical benchmarks for quality and reliable performance.

Technical Specifications

Specification Area	Key Parameters Governed by BS 6323-5
Defining Standard	BS 6323: Part 5 (focusing on ERW/Induction Welded tubes). Note potential overlaps or successions by EN standards (e.g., EN 10305-2/3/5, EN 10296-1) in some contexts.
Available Grades	ERW1, ERW2, ERW3, ERW4, ERW5 – representing increasing strength levels.
Manufacturing Method	Electric Resistance Welding (ERW) or High-Frequency Induction (HFI) Welding.
Outer Diameter (OD)	The standard encompasses a broad OD range, typically from around 6mm up to 350mm, although practical mill limits may vary.
Wall Thickness (WT)	Covers a spectrum from thinner walls (e.g., 1mm) suitable for less demanding applications, up to substantial thicknesses (e.g., 30mm) for higher load requirements.
Length Considerations	Can be delivered in standard production lengths or, more frequently, custom cut to precise lengths specified by the customer (often up to 12 meters).
Common Forms	Primarily deals with Round tubes. Square and Rectangular sections, while structurally vital, might be produced using BS 6323 grade materials but formally specified under standards like BS 6323-6 (or its successor, EN 10219).
Delivery State	Often supplied 'as-welded' (KM condition). Specifying annealed (GKM/GZF) or normalized (NKM/NZF) conditions is possible for improved ductility or specific property adjustments.
Standard End Finish	Typically Plain Ends (PE), ready for fabrication.

Always refer to the specific edition of BS 6323-5 for exact tolerance details. For confirmation on current availability of sizes and conditions, please consult directly with USA Piping Solution.

Chemical Composition (Typical for ERW Grades)

The distinct performance characteristics of each ERW grade under BS 6323-5 trace back to controlled variations in their chemical makeup. The standard sets maximum allowable percentages for critical elements:

Grade	Carbon (C) Max %	Manganese (Mn) Max %	Phosphorus (P) Max %	Sulfur (S) Max %	Silicon (Si) Max %
ERW1	0.13	0.60	0.050	0.050	—
ERW2	0.16	0.70	0.050	0.050	—
ERW3	0.20	0.90	0.050	0.050	0.35
ERW4	0.25	1.20	0.050	0.050	0.35
ERW5	0.30 (varies)	1.50	0.050	0.050	0.50

(Note: Silicon limits might only apply to certain grades or by specific agreement. Always verify against the standard version being used.)

Observing this table, the trend is clear: increasing levels of carbon and manganese are primarily responsible for the higher strength benchmarks associated with BS 6323 ERW4 Tubes and BS 6323 ERW5 Tubes. This contrasts with the lower carbon/manganese content in BS 6323 ERW1 Tubes and BS 6323 ERW2 Tubes, which contributes to their enhanced formability. BS 6323 ERW3 Tubes strike a balance, offering a popular middle ground.

Mechanical Properties

The specified chemical compositions directly influence the guaranteed minimum mechanical properties for each BS 6323-5 ERW grade. These properties are fundamental to engineering design, dictating load capacity and deformation behavior. Below are typical minimum values (these can be influenced by the delivery condition, such as 'as-welded' versus 'normalized'):

Grade	Min. Yield Strength (Re) (MPa)	Min. Tensile Strength (Rm) (MPa)	Min. Elongation (A) % (L₀ = 5.65√S₀)
ERW1	200	300	20+ (better if annealed/normalized)
ERW2	250	340	18+ (better if annealed/normalized)
ERW3	300	400	15+ (better if annealed/normalized)
ERW4	350	440	12+ (better if annealed/normalized)
ERW5	400-420 (depends on condition)	480-420 (depends on condition)	10-8 (depends on condition)

(Important: Elongation requirements within the standard often vary based on the tube's diameter-to-thickness ratio (D/a) and the specific delivery condition. The figures here offer a general comparison.) >

This graded strength system provides engineers with clear choices. Applications requiring significant forming favor the lower grades with higher elongation. Conversely, structural components needing higher strength would utilize the upper-tier grades, accepting the trade-off in ductility.

Types & Forms Available

USA Piping Solution focuses on providing BS 6323 Welded Tubes manufactured via the Electric Resistance Welding (ERW) process, aligning with Part 5 of the standard. Our offerings typically include:

1. ERW Round Tubes: This is the foundational product form under BS 6323-5, available across the ERW1 to ERW5 grade spectrum in a vast array of diameter and wall thickness combinations.
2. ERW Square Hollow Sections (SHS): While BS 6323-5 primarily details round tubes, the demand for square profiles in structural and mechanical designs is significant. We can supply SHS produced using materials and processes consistent with BS 6323 principles, though formal specification might fall under related standards (e.g., EN 10219).
3. ERW Rectangular Hollow Sections (RHS): Similar to square sections, rectangular tubes are crucial for many engineering structures. We provide RHS often made from BS 6323-grade materials, potentially certified under appropriate structural hollow section standards.
4. Customization Options: We understand standard sizes don't fit all needs. We offer precise cut-to-length services. Depending on the specific grade and initial production method, discussions around surface treatments (pickling, oiling, galvanizing) or specific end finishes are possible.

Reach out to USA Piping Solution to explore the availability of specific shapes, finishes, and grades for your unique requirements.

Applications & Industries Served

The inherent versatility and defined strength levels of BS 6323 ERW Tubes ensure their widespread adoption across numerous demanding applications and industries:

• Automotive Sector: A major consumer, utilizing these tubes for constructing vehicle chassis, suspension arms and linkages, cross-members, seat frames, steering system parts, and potentially sections of exhaust systems. The consistency offered by Automotive Steel Tubes to BS 6323 is highly valued.
• Mechanical Engineering: Essential for building robust machine frames, support structures for equipment, conveyor system rollers, moderately stressed shafts, mechanical linkages, and a variety of general-purpose assemblies where reliable tubing is key.
• General Engineering & Construction: Employed in creating structural frameworks for lighter buildings, support posts, protective railings and barriers, agricultural machinery frames, shop equipment, and countless fabricated items.
• Heat Transfer Equipment: While dedicated boiler codes often apply, Carbon Steel ERW Tubes based on BS 6323 grades can be found in applications like air preheaters or low-pressure heat exchangers where conditions permit.
• Furniture: Provides the strong, formable tubing necessary for durable industrial, commercial, and contract furniture frames.

The selection process invariably involves matching the specific grade (ERW1 to ERW5) to the mechanical stresses, fatigue requirements, and any bending or forming operations anticipated for the final component.

Size Chart

USA Piping Solution provides BS 6323 Welded Tubes across an extensive size matrix. This table offers an indicative overview of typical Outside Diameter (OD) and Wall Thickness (WT) pairings. Our actual stock and sourcing capabilities are considerably wider.

Outer Diameter (OD)	Typical Wall Thicknesses (WT) Available
mm	mm
10 mm - 20 mm	1.0, 1.2, 1.5, 2.0
21 mm - 30 mm	1.2, 1.5, 2.0, 2.5, 3.0
31 mm - 50 mm	1.5, 2.0, 2.5, 3.0, 3.5, 4.0
51 mm - 70 mm	2.0, 2.5, 3.0, 3.5, 4.0, 5.0
71 mm - 90 mm	2.5, 3.0, 3.5, 4.0, 5.0, 6.0
91 mm - 110 mm	3.0, 3.5, 4.0, 5.0, 6.0, 7.0
111 mm - 150 mm	3.5, 4.0, 5.0, 6.0, 7.0, 8.0
151 mm - 200 mm	4.0, 5.0, 6.0, 7.0, 8.0, 10.0
201 mm - 350 mm	5.0, 6.0, 8.0, 10.0, 12.0, potentially thicker walls depending on OD and specific grade.

This table serves as a general reference. Actual availability varies based on the specific ERW grade (ERW1-ERW5) and real-time inventory. We manage requirements for both metric and equivalent imperial sizes. Please contact USA Piping Solution with your detailed OD, WT, length, and grade needs.

Certifications & Compliance

Verification that materials meet the specified standards is fundamental for engineering confidence. USA Piping Solution ensures that all BS 6323 Welded Tubes are supplied with the necessary documentation and quality validation:

• BS 6323 Part 5 Conformance: Materials are rigorously checked and certified to meet the specific chemical composition, mechanical property, dimensional tolerance, and testing mandates detailed within this governing part of the standard.
• ISO 9001:2015 Certified Framework: Our quality management practices, and those of our key manufacturing partners, adhere to ISO 9001 standards, ensuring dependable process control and product consistency.
• Mill Test Certification (MTC) to EN 10204: Standard practice includes providing MTCs, typically to EN 10204 3.1, offering full traceability through heat numbers and documenting verified chemical analysis and mechanical test results for the supplied batch.
• Optional EN 10204 3.2 Validation: Should your project require the highest level of certification, we can coordinate MTC validation by an authorized third-party inspector to meet EN 10204 3.2 requirements.
• Third-Party Inspection (TPI) Ready: We routinely facilitate inspections by independent agencies as specified by our clients, providing an additional layer of verification prior to shipment.

Why Choose USA Piping Solution?

Engaging USA Piping Solution for your BS 6323 Welded Tubes translates into tangible benefits for your procurement process and manufacturing operations:

• Broad Inventory Across Grades: Our significant stockholding covering the ERW1 to ERW5 range, along with numerous sizes, often means reduced waiting times for your materials.
• Tailored Solutions: We go beyond standard offerings. Utilize our precision cutting services, and inquire about specific surface finishes or end preparations to receive materials optimized for your workflow.
• Efficient Global Logistics: We possess the expertise and network to manage shipments reliably across North America and internationally, ensuring timely delivery with all necessary documentation handled correctly.
• Value-Oriented Pricing: Through strong supplier relationships and streamlined operations, we offer competitive pricing on BS 6323 tubing without compromising the quality standards you expect.
• Assured Quality & Full Traceability: Our unwavering commitment to standards conformance (BS 6323, ISO 9001) and the provision of detailed MTCs guarantees the integrity and origin of the materials supplied.
• Responsive Technical Support: Our team possesses practical knowledge of steel tubing standards and applications, ready to assist you in selecting the appropriate grade and specifications.

Related Products

Our capabilities encompass a wide range of tubular products frequently used in similar industrial contexts:

Final Call to Action

Are you in need of high-quality BS 6323 Welded Tubes that precisely match the requirements of your automotive, mechanical, or general engineering project? USA Piping Solution is your definitive source. We provide a comprehensive selection of BS 6323 ERW Tubes, spanning grades ERW1 through ERW5, all manufactured under strict quality controls to ensure performance and reliability. Let our inventory and expertise work for you.

Request Your BS 6323 Welded Tubes Quote Today!