Designation: A270/A270M − 15

Standard Specification for

Seamless and Welded Austenitic and Ferritic/Austenitic
Stainless Steel Sanitary Tubing1
This standard is issued under the fixed designation A270/A270M; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year
of original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval.
A superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
This standard has been approved for use by agencies of the U.S. Department of Defense.

1. Scope* A1016/A1016M Specification for General Requirements for

1.1 This specification covers grades of seamless, welded, Ferritic Alloy Steel, Austenitic Alloy Steel, and Stainless
and heavily cold worked welded austenitic and ferritic/ Steel Tubes
austenitic stainless steel sanitary tubing intended for use in the E527 Practice for Numbering Metals and Alloys in the
dairy and food industry and having special surface finishes. Unified Numbering System (UNS)
Pharmaceutical quality may be requested, as a supplementary 2.2 ASME Standard:
requirement. B46.1 Surface Texture (Surface Roughness, Waviness, and
Lay)3
1.2 This specification covers tubes in sizes up to and 2.3 ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code:
including 12 in. [300 mm] in outside diameter. Section VIII Pressure Vessels3
1.3 The values stated in either SI units or inch-pound units 2.4 Other Standard:
are to be regarded separately as standard. The values stated in SAE J1086 Practice for Numbering Metals and Alloys
each system may not be exact equivalents; therefore, each (UNS)4
system shall be used independently of the other. Combining
values from the two systems may result in non-conformance 3. Terminology
with the standard. 3.1 Definitions:
1.4 Optional supplementary requirements are provided, and 3.1.1 roughness average, Ra, n—arithmetic average surface
when one or more of these are desired, each shall be so stated roughness normally reported in microinches or microns; a
in the order. measurement of surface roughness usually performed by mov-
ing a stylus in a straight line along the surface, although other
2. Referenced Documents methods may be used.
2.1 Standards:2 4. Ordering Information
A262 Practices for Detecting Susceptibility to Intergranular
4.1 It is the responsibility of the purchaser to specify all
Attack in Austenitic Stainless Steels requirements that are necessary for material ordered under this
A480/A480M Specification for General Requirements for specification. Such requirements may include, but are not
Flat-Rolled Stainless and Heat-Resisting Steel Plate, limited to, the following:
Sheet, and Strip 4.1.1 Quantity (feet, metres, or number of lengths),
A923 Test Methods for Detecting Detrimental Intermetallic 4.1.2 Name of material (austenitic steel tube),
Phase in Duplex Austenitic/Ferritic Stainless Steels 4.1.3 Process seamless (SML), welded (WLD), or heavily
A967 Specification for Chemical Passivation Treatments for cold worked (HCW),
Stainless Steel Parts
4.1.4 Size (outside diameter and average wall thickness),
4.1.5 Length (specific or random),
4.1.6 Surface finish (Section 13),
4.1.7 Optional requirements (product analysis, see Section
9; hydrostatic or nondestructive electric test, see Section 11).

*A Summary of Changes section appears at the end of this standard

 A270/A270M − 15
4.1.8 Test report required (Certification Section of Specifi- 9. Product Analysis
cation A1016/A1016M), 9.1 When requested by the purchaser, product analysis
4.1.9 Specification designation, tolerance in Specification A480/A480M shall apply. The prod-
4.1.10 Special requirements, and uct analysis tolerance is not applicable to the carbon content for
4.2 Any supplementary requirements. material with a specified maximum carbon of 0.04 % or less.
5. General Requirements 9.2 If the original test for product analysis fails, retests of
two additional lengths of flat-rolled stock or tubes shall be
5.1 Material furnished under this specification shall con-
made. Both retests for the elements in question shall meet the
form to the applicable requirements of the current edition of
requirements of the specification; otherwise all remaining
Specification A1016/A1016M, unless otherwise provided
material in the heat or lot shall be rejected or, at the option of
herein.
the producer, each length of flat-rolled stock or tube may be
6. Manufacture individually tested for acceptance. Lengths of flat rolled stock
or tubes that do not meet the requirements of the specification
6.1 The tubes shall be manufactured by one of the following
shall be rejected.
processes:
6.1.1 Seamless (SML) tubes shall be made by a process that
does not involve welding at any stage. 10. Mechanical Tests Required
6.1.2 Welded (WLD) tubes shall be made using an auto- 10.1 Reverse Flattening Test—For welded tubes, one re-
mated welding process with no addition of filler metal during verse flattening test shall be made on a specimen from each
the welding process. 1500 ft [450 m] of finished tubing.
6.1.3 Heavily cold worked (HCW) tubes shall be made by
applying cold working of not less than 35 % reduction of 11. Hydrostatic or Nondestructive Electric Test
thickness of both wall and weld to a welded tube prior to the 11.1 Each tube shall be subjected to the nondestructive
final anneal. No filler shall be used in making the weld. Prior electric test or the hydrostatic test. The type of test to be used
to cold working, the weld shall be 100 % radiographically shall be at the option of the manufacturer, unless otherwise
inspected in accordance with the requirements of ASME Boiler specified in the purchase order.
and Pressure Vessel Code Section VIII, Division 1, latest
revision, Paragraph UW 51.
12. Permissible Variations in Dimensions
6.2 At the manufacturer’s option, tubing may be furnished
12.1 The following variations in dimensions shall apply:
either hot finished or cold finished.
12.1.1 For tubes with a specified wall thickness of 0.049 in.
7. Heat Treatment [1.24 mm] and greater, variations in outside diameter from
7.1 All material shall be furnished in the heat-treated those specified shall not exceed the amount prescribed in Table
condition. The heat treatment procedure, except for S31803, 2. For tubes with a specified wall thickness less than 0.049 in.
S32003, S32205, S32750, N08926 and N08367, shall consist [1.24 mm], the diameter tolerances shall be a matter for
of heating the material to a minimum temperature of 1900 °F agreement by the manufacturer and the purchaser.
[1040 °C] and quenching in water or rapid cooling by other 12.1.2 When tubing >4 in. [100 mm] outside diameter is
means. ordered, additional ovality may be required for thin wall
tubing. Thin wall tubing applies when the specified wall is less
7.2 N08926 shall be heat-treated to a minimum temperature than 0.150 in. [3.8 mm]. When thin wall tubing is ordered, the
of 2010 °F [1100 °C] followed by quenching in water or maximum and minimum outside diameter at any cross section
rapidly cooling by other means. UNS N08367 should be shall deviate from the specified outside diameter by no more
solution annealed from 2025 °F [1110 °C] minimum followed than twice the permissible variation in outside diameter given
by rapid quenching. in Table 2; however, the mean diameter at that cross section
7.3 S31803 and S32205 shall be heat-treated in a tempera- must still be within the given permissible variation.
ture range of 1870 °F [1020 °C] to 2010 °F [1100 °C] followed 12.1.3 The wall thickness at any point shall not vary more
by quenching in water or rapidly cooling by other means. than 12.5 %, from the specified wall thickness.
7.4 S32750 shall be heat-treated in a temperature range of 12.1.4 Variations in length shall meet the requirements in
1880 °F [1025 °C] to 2060 °F [1125 °C] followed by Table 2 except when the Pharmaceutical Quality Tubing
quenching in water or rapidly cooling by other means. (Supplementary Requirement S2) is specified.
7.5 S32003 shall be heat-treated in a temperature range of 13. Surface Finishes
1850 °F [1010 °C] to 2010 °F [1100 °C].
13.1 The following surface finishes may be specified:
8. Chemical Composition 13.1.1 Mill Finish—A finish without additional polishing or
8.1 An analysis of either one length of flat-rolled stock or operations intended to smooth the surface.
one tube shall be made for each heat. The chemical composi- 13.1.2 Mechanically Polished Surface Finish—The pur-
tion thus determined shall conform to the requirements given in chaser may specify one of the following finish numbers for a
Table 1. mechanically polished surface:
 TABLE 1 Chemical Requirements
Element Grade TP 304 TP 304L ... TP 316 TP 316L ... ... ... 2205 ... ...
UNS S30400 S30403 S31254 S31600 S31603 N08926 N08367 S31803 S32205 S32750 S32003
DesignationA
Composition, %
Carbon, max 0.08 0.035B 0.020 0.08 0.035B 0.020 0.030 0.030 0.030 0.030 0.030 max
Manganese, 2.00 2.00 1.00 2.00 2.00 2.00 2.00 2.00 2.00 1.20 2.00 max
max
Phosphorus, 0.045 0.045 0.030 0.045 0.045 0.030 0.040 0.030 0.030 0.035 0.030
max
Sulfur, max 0.030 0.030 0.010 0.030 0.030 0.010 0.030 0.020 0.020 0.020 0.020 max
Silicon, max 1.00 1.00 0.80 1.00 1.00 0.50 1.00 1.00 1.00 0.80 1.00 max
Nickel 8.0–11.0 8.0–12.0 17.5–18.5 10.0–14.0 10.0–14.0 24.0–26.0 23.5–25.5 4.5–6.5 4.5–6.5 6.0–8.0 3.0–4.0
Chromium 18.0–20.0 18.0–20.0 19.5–20.5 16.0–18.0 16.0–18.0 19.0–21.0 20.0–22.0 21.0–23.0 22.0–23.0 24.0–26.0 19.5–22.5
Molybdenum ... ... 6.0–6.5 2.00–3.00 2.00–3.00 6.0–7.0 6.0–7.0 2.5–3.5 3.0–3.5 3.0–5.0 1.5–2.0
NitrogenC ... ... 0.18–0.22 ... ... 0.15–0.25 0.18–0.25 0.08–0.20 0.14–0.20 0.24–0.32 0.14–0.20
Copper ... ... 0.50–1.00 ... ... 0.50–1.5 0.75 max ... ... 0.50 max
A270/A270M − 15

A
New designation established in accordance with Practice E527 and SAE J 1086.
B
For small diameter or thin walls or both, where many drawing passes are required, a carbon maximum of 0.040 % is necessary in grades TP304L and TP316L. Small outside diameter tubes are defined as those less
than 0.500 in. [12 mm] in outside diameter and light wall tubes as those less than 0.049 in. [1.24 mm] in average wall thickness (0.044 in. [1.12 mm] in minimum wall thickness).
C
The method of analysis for nitrogen shall be a matter of agreement between the purchaser and manufacturer.
 A270/A270M − 15
TABLE 2 Permissible Variations in Dimensions
Size, Outside Permissible Variations in Outside Permissible Variations in Cut
Diameter, Diameter, in. [mm] Length, in. [mm]A
in. [mm] Over Under Over Under
1.000 [25] and under 0.005 [0.13] 0.005 [0.13] 18⁄ [3] 0
Over 1 [25] to 2 [50] 0.008 [0.20] 0.008 [0.20] 1⁄8 [3] 0
Over 2 [50] to 3 [75] 0.010 [0.25] 0.010 [0.25] 1⁄8 [3] 0
Over 3 [75] to 4 [100] 0.015 [0.38] 0.015 [0.38] 1⁄8 [3] 0
Over 4 [100] to 5 1⁄2 [140], excl 0.015 [0.38] 0.015 [0.38] 3⁄16 [5] 0
5 1⁄2 [140] to 8 [200], excl 0.030 [0.75] 0.030 [0.75] 3⁄16 [5] 0
8 [200] to 12 [300] 0.050 [1.25] 0.050 [1.25] 3⁄16 [5] 0
A
The cut tolerances do not apply to Pharmaceuitical Tubing in S2 (see paragraph S2.7).

13.1.2.1 Finish No. 80—A ground finish produced by pol- 13.2.1.2 Circumferential (Rotary) Polished Finish—This
ishing a tube with an abrasive media impregnated with No. 80 can be performed on either the inside surface, outside surface,
grit. or both.
13.1.2.2 Finish No. 120—A ground finish produced by 13.2.1.3 When the surface is finished by circumferential
polishing a tube with an abrasive media impregnated with No. mechanical polishing, the Ra measurement shall be measured
120 grit. in the longitudinal direction. Roughness measurement of a
13.1.2.3 Finish No. 180—A ground finish produced by longitudinal mechanical polished surface shall be a matter of
polishing a tube with an abrasive media impregnated with No. agreement between the manufacturer and the purchaser.
180 grit.
13.3 Acceptance criteria for minor surface imperfections
13.1.2.4 Finish No. 240—A ground finish produced by
shall be a matter for agreement by the manufacturer and the
polishing a tube with an abrasive media impregnated with No.
purchaser.
240 grit.
13.1.2.5 Other mechanically polished finishes may be 13.4 Combinations of the above finishes for internal and
agreed upon between the purchaser and manufacturer. external surfaces may be specified. When tubes are polished
13.1.3 Electropolished Finish—A bright reflective finish only on one surface, the other surface may be the regular mill
produced by electropolishing. The manufacturer may use other finish.
polishing operations prior to electropolishing.
13.1.4 Maximum Roughness Average (Ra) Surface Finish— 14. Product Marking
The customer may specify a maximum Ra on the inside
14.1 In addition to the marking prescribed in Specification
surface, outside surface, or both. The measurement of surface
A1016/A1016M and specified in the order, the marking shall
roughness shall be in accordance with ASME B46.1.
include whether the tubing is seamless (SML), welded (WLD),
13.1.4.1 When no agreement is made regarding Ra mea-
or heavily cold worked (HCW), and the surface finish.
surement of longitudinally polished tube, disputes shall be
resolved using measurements made in accordance with ASME
15. Packaging
B46.1.
13.2 The manufacturer shall select a manufacturing method 15.1 Unless otherwise specified in the order, all tubing shall
to produce the specified finish. The operations may or may not be protected for shipment by bundling, paper or burlap
include polishing. wrapping, or boxing at the discretion of the manufacturer.
13.2.1 The purchaser may specify the polishing type for
either the inside surface, outside surface or both for the final 16. Keywords
desired effect. 16.1 austenitic stainless steel; duplex stainless steel; ferritic/
13.2.1.1 Longitudinally Polished Finish—It is usually per- austenitic stainless steel; heavily cold worked tube; seamless
formed on the inside surface only. steel tube; stainless steel tube; steel tube; welded steel tube
 A270/A270M − 15
SUPPLEMENTARY REQUIREMENTS

The following supplementary requirements shall apply only when specified by the purchaser in the
inquiry, contract, or order.

S1. Intergranular Corrosion Test S2.5 Finish:

S1.1 When specified on the order, intergranular corrosion S2.5.1 Requirements for surface finish shall be stated on the
tests shall be performed by the manufacturer on specimens purchase order.
representative of the as-shipped condition. Tubes shall be S2.6 Packaging:
capable of passing corrosion tests in the as-shipped condition. S2.6.1 Unless the customer specified otherwise, all tubing
Tests shall be performed in accordance with Practice E of shall be end capped, plastic sleeved, and boxed.
Practices A262 for austenitic stainless alloys (intergranular S2.7 Permissible Variations in Dimensions:
corrosion test) or Practice C of Test Methods A923 for duplex S2.7.1 The wall thickness shall not vary from the specified
alloys (S31803, S32205, or S32750, Intermetallic phase detec- wall thickness by more than 10 %.
tion). S2.7.2 The cut length shall not vary over the specified
length by more than 2 in. [50 mm] or less than 0 in. [0 mm].
S2. Pharmaceutical Quality Tubing NOTE S2.1—For tension and hardness test requirements, the term lot
S2.1 Chemistry: applies to all tubes prior to cutting, of the same nominal diameter and wall
thickness that are produced from the same heat of steel. When final heat
S2.1.1 When S31600 and S31603 are ordered, sulfur con- treatment is in a batch-type furnace, a lot shall include only those tubes of
tent shall be restricted to the range of 0.005 to 0.017 %. the same size and the same heat that are heat treated in the same furnace
S2.2 Tensile Requirements: charge. When the final heat treatment is in a continuous furnace, a lot shall
S2.2.1 The material shall conform to the tensile require- include all tubes of the same size and heat, annealed in the same furnace
ments in Table S2.1. at the same temperature, time at heat, and furnace speed.
NOTE S2.2—For flattening and flange requirements, the term lot applies
S2.2.2 Tensile Test—One tension test shall be made on a to all tubes prior to cutting of the same nominal size and wall thickness
specimen of lots not more than 50 tubes. Tension tests shall be that are produced from the same heat of steel. When final heat treatment
made on specimens from two tubes for lots of more than 50 is in a batch-type furnace, a lot shall include only those tubes of the same
tubes (see Note S2.1). size and from the same heat that are heat treated in the same furnace
charge. When the final heat treatment is in a continuous furnace, the
S2.3 Hardness Requirements:
number of tubes of the same size and from the same heat in a lot shall be
S2.3.1 The hardness shall meet the requirements in Table determined from the size of the tubes as prescribed in Table S2.2.
S2.1.
S2.3.2 Rockwell hardness tests shall be made on specimens
from two tubes from each lot (see Note S2.1). TABLE S2.2 Number of Tubes in a Lot Heat Treated by the
S2.4 Manipulation Tests: Continuous Process
S2.4.1 One flattening test shall be made on specimens from Size of Tube Size of Lot
each end of one finished tube, not the one used for the flange 2 in. [50 mm] and over in outside not more than 50 tubes
diameter and 0.200 in. [5 mm] and over
test, from each lot (see Note S2.2). in wall thickness
S2.4.2 One flange test shall be made on specimens from
each end of one finished tube, not the one used for the Less than 2 in. [50 mm] but over 1 in. not more than 75 tubes
[25 mm] in outside diameter or over 1 in.
flattening test, from each lot (see Note S2.2). [25 mm] in outside diameter and under
0.200 in. [5 mm] in wall thickness
TABLE S2.1 Tensile and Hardness Requirements
1 in. [25 mm] or less in outside diameter not more than 125 tubes
Tensile Yield Rockwell
Elongation
UNS Strength Strength Hardness
Grade in 2 in.
Designation min, ksi min, ksi Number,
min, %
[MPa] [MPa] max.
TP304 S30400 75 [515] 30 [205] 35 B90
S3. Chemical Cleaning (Passivation)
TP304L S30403 70 [485] 25 [170] 35 B90 S3.1 When specified on the purchase order, the tubing shall
TP316 S31600 75 [515] 30 [205] 35 B90
TP316L S31603 70 [485] 25 [170] 35 B90 be chemically cleaned in accordance with a chemical treatment
S31803 90 [620] 65 [450] 25 C30.5 listed in Specification A967 following the final polishing
2205 S32205 95 [655] 70 [485] 25 C30.5 operation. When tubing is supplied in an unpolished condition,
2507 S32750 116 [800] 80 [550] 15 C32
2003 S32003 90 [620] 65 [450] 25 C30 the cleaning shall be performed after the final finishing
operation.
 A270/A270M − 15
SUMMARY OF CHANGES

Committee A01 has identified the location of selected changes to this specification since the last issue,
A270–14, that may impact the use of this specification. (Approved May 1, 2015)

(1) Added grade designation for S32205.

Committee A01 has identified the location of selected changes to this specification since the last issue,
A270–10, that may impact the use of this specification. (Approved March 1, 2014)

(1) Removed grade designation for S32003.