What is ASTM A53?

The carbon steel alloy ASTM A53 is commonly used for structural elements, pipes and plumbing. A53 carbon steel alloy is usually manufactured in pipe or tube form.

Designation

The ASTM standard for A53 covers steel pipe, including hot-dipped, welded, zinc-coated and seamless variations.

ASTM A53 includes 3 main types:

• Type F – Continuous-welded steel that has been furnace butt-welded
• Type E – Grades A and B steel that has been electric-resistance welded
• Type S – Grades A and B steel that has been manufactured without seams

Property requirements

A53 steel has the following chemical composition:

	Type E		Type F	Type S
	Grade A	Grade B		Grade A	Grade B
	(max. wt.%)	(max. wt.%)	(max. wt.%)	(max. wt.%)	(max. wt.%)
Carbon	0.25	0.30	0.30	0.25	0.30
Manganese	0.95	1.20	1.20	0.95	1.20
Phosphorous	0.05	0.05	0.05	0.05	0.05
Sulphur	0.045	0.045	0.045	0.045	0.045
Copper	0.40	0.40	0.40	0.40	0.40
Nickel	0.40	0.40	0.40	0.40	0.40
Chromium	0.40	0.40	0.40	0.40	0.40
Molybdenum	0.15	0.15	0.15	0.15	0.15
Vanadium	0.08	0.08	0.08	0.08	0.08

The mechanical properties of ASTM A53 are as follows:

	Types E and S		Type F
	Grade A	Grade B
Tensile Strength (min. at 20 °C)	48 000 psi 330 MPa	60 000 psi 415 MPa	45 000  psi 310 MPa
Yield Strength (min. at 20 °C)	30 000  psi 205 MPa	35 000  psi 240 MPa	25 000  psi 172 MPa

Both Type S and Type F A53 steel are manufactured by the following processes: basic-oxygen, open-hearth or electric furnace.

Type E A53 steel is heat-treated post welding.

Applications of ASTM A53

ASTM A53 is mainly used for mechanical structural purposes and pressure applications due to its good strength properties and formability. It is commonly found in water, gas, steam and air pipe and plumbing systems.

A53 is easily weldable and can be coiled or bent, making it suitable for construction applications.

M.L. Bauccio, ASM Metals Reference Book, 3rd Edition. ASM International, 1993.

"A53 PIPE SPECIFICATIONS," American Piping Products. [Online]. [Accessed Jan 29, 2019].

"ASTM A53/A53M Standards Specification for Pipe, NPS 1/4 INCH – 30 INCH ,Schedules 10 -160, STD, XH and XXH Welded and Seamless," Hebei Abter Steel Pipe Co., Ltd. [Online]. [Accessed Jan 29, 2019].