ASTM A822/A822M-20
(Specification)Standard Specification for Seamless Cold-Drawn Carbon Steel Tubing for Hydraulic System Service
Standard Specification for Seamless Cold-Drawn Carbon Steel Tubing for Hydraulic System Service
ABSTRACT
This specification covers nominal thickness, seamless, cold-drawn carbon steel tubing intended for use in hydraulic systems and in other similar applications where forming operations require tight radius bending and flaring. The tubes shall be made by the seamless process and shall be cold drawn to size. Heat treatment shall be made to the tube samples after the final cold working operation. Finished tubes shall be free of scale but may have a superficial oxide film on the surfaces. Removal of surface imperfections, such as handling marks, straightening marks, light mandrel and die marks, shallow pits, and scale pattern, will not be required provided they are within the allowable tolerances. Finished tubes shall be protected both on the outside and the inside diameter to prevent corrosion in transit. Each lot of tubes shall be subjected to the following tests: tension test, flaring test, flattening test, hardness test, and hydrostatic proof test.
SCOPE
1.1 This specification covers nominal wall thickness, seamless, cold-drawn carbon steel tubing intended for use in hydraulic systems and in other similar applications where forming operations require tight radius bending and flaring.
1.2 Tubing sizes and thicknesses usually furnished to this specification are 1/8 to 31/2 in. [3.2 to 88.9 mm] in outside diameter and 0.035 to 0.134 in. [0.9 to 3.4 mm] inclusive, in nominal wall thickness. Tubing having other dimensions may be furnished, provided such tubing complies with all other requirements of this specification.
1.3 Mechanical property requirements do not apply to tubing smaller than 1/8 in. [3.2 mm] in inside diameter or 0.015 in. [0.4 mm] in thickness.
1.4 Optional supplementary requirements are provided and, when desired, shall be so stated in the order.
1.5 The values stated in either SI units or inch-pound units are to be regarded separately as standard. Within the text, the SI units are shown in brackets. The values stated in each system may not be exact equivalents; therefore, each system shall be used independently of the other. Combining values from the two systems may result in non-conformance with the standard.
1.6 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
General Information
- Status
- Published
- Publication Date
- 30-Apr-2020
- Technical Committee
- A01 - Steel, Stainless Steel and Related Alloys
- Drafting Committee
- A01.09 - Carbon Steel Tubular Products
Relations
- Effective Date
- 01-May-2020
- Effective Date
- 01-Nov-2023
- Effective Date
- 01-Sep-2018
- Effective Date
- 01-May-2015
- Effective Date
- 01-Mar-2014
- Effective Date
- 01-May-2010
- Effective Date
- 01-Oct-2009
- Effective Date
- 01-Oct-2008
- Effective Date
- 01-Nov-2007
- Effective Date
- 01-Jun-2007
- Effective Date
- 01-Apr-2007
- Effective Date
- 01-May-2006
- Effective Date
- 01-Oct-2004
- Effective Date
- 01-Mar-2004
- Effective Date
- 10-Sep-2003
Overview
ASTM A822/A822M-20 is the internationally recognized standard specification for seamless, cold-drawn carbon steel tubing intended for hydraulic system service and similar applications. Issued by ASTM International, this standard establishes requirements for tubes that undergo forming operations where tight radius bending and flaring are critical. The specification ensures that the finished steel tubing exhibits the necessary mechanical properties, dimensional accuracy, and surface quality for safe and efficient hydraulic performance.
This standard is essential for manufacturers, suppliers, and engineers working with carbon steel hydraulic tubing, as it guarantees a consistent approach to product quality, safety, and interoperability in global supply chains.
Key Topics
Tubing Sizes and Tolerances
- Covers outside diameters from 1/8 inch to 3-1/2 inches [3.2 to 88.9 mm]
- Nominal wall thicknesses from 0.035 to 0.134 inch [0.9 to 3.4 mm]
- Other dimensions may be supplied if all other criteria are met
Material and Manufacture
- Tubes must be made by a seamless process and cold drawn to the required size
- Heat treatment is required after final cold work, reaching at least 1200°F [650°C]
- Finished tubes must be free from scale, with permissible minor surface oxides
Mechanical Properties and Testing
- Mechanical properties not applicable for tubes smaller than 1/8 in. [3.2 mm] or thinner than 0.015 in. [0.4 mm]
- Each production lot must undergo tension, flaring, flattening, hardness, and hydrostatic proof testing
- Hydrostatic test ensures resistance to failure at a minimum hoop stress of 20,000 psi [140 MPa]
Workmanship and Protection
- Tubes must be straight, smooth-ended, and free from significant imperfections
- Surface marks within tolerance limits do not require removal
- Tubes are to be protected inside and out to prevent transit corrosion
Packaging and Marking
- Securely packaged to prevent damage during shipping and handling
- Tagged with manufacturer details, order number, specification, and size
Applications
Seamless cold-drawn carbon steel tubing compliant with ASTM A822/A822M-20 is widely used in:
- Hydraulic systems: Ensuring leak-free performance under high pressure and repeated forming/bending
- Automotive and mobile equipment: Brake lines, fuel lines, and high-pressure control systems
- Industrial machinery: Hydraulic presses, material handling systems, and automation equipment
- Other forming-intensive applications: Any system requiring tight radius bending and flaring of tubing without compromising structural integrity
This standard is applicable across sectors such as construction, transportation, manufacturing, and energy, wherever critical hydraulic performance and safety are priorities.
Related Standards
For complete material specification and compliance, reference the following ASTM standards alongside A822/A822M-20:
- ASTM A450/A450M: General Requirements for Carbon and Low Alloy Steel Tubes - outlines supplementary general provisions
- ASTM A751: Test Methods, Practices, and Terminology for Chemical Analysis of Steel Products
These documents are essential in ensuring full compliance with international expectations for carbon steel tubing used in pressure-containing environments.
Keywords: seamless cold-drawn carbon steel tubing, ASTM A822/A822M-20, hydraulic system tubing, hydraulic tube specification, steel tube standards, high pressure tubing, industrial tubing standards
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Frequently Asked Questions
ASTM A822/A822M-20 is a technical specification published by ASTM International. Its full title is "Standard Specification for Seamless Cold-Drawn Carbon Steel Tubing for Hydraulic System Service". This standard covers: ABSTRACT This specification covers nominal thickness, seamless, cold-drawn carbon steel tubing intended for use in hydraulic systems and in other similar applications where forming operations require tight radius bending and flaring. The tubes shall be made by the seamless process and shall be cold drawn to size. Heat treatment shall be made to the tube samples after the final cold working operation. Finished tubes shall be free of scale but may have a superficial oxide film on the surfaces. Removal of surface imperfections, such as handling marks, straightening marks, light mandrel and die marks, shallow pits, and scale pattern, will not be required provided they are within the allowable tolerances. Finished tubes shall be protected both on the outside and the inside diameter to prevent corrosion in transit. Each lot of tubes shall be subjected to the following tests: tension test, flaring test, flattening test, hardness test, and hydrostatic proof test. SCOPE 1.1 This specification covers nominal wall thickness, seamless, cold-drawn carbon steel tubing intended for use in hydraulic systems and in other similar applications where forming operations require tight radius bending and flaring. 1.2 Tubing sizes and thicknesses usually furnished to this specification are 1/8 to 31/2 in. [3.2 to 88.9 mm] in outside diameter and 0.035 to 0.134 in. [0.9 to 3.4 mm] inclusive, in nominal wall thickness. Tubing having other dimensions may be furnished, provided such tubing complies with all other requirements of this specification. 1.3 Mechanical property requirements do not apply to tubing smaller than 1/8 in. [3.2 mm] in inside diameter or 0.015 in. [0.4 mm] in thickness. 1.4 Optional supplementary requirements are provided and, when desired, shall be so stated in the order. 1.5 The values stated in either SI units or inch-pound units are to be regarded separately as standard. Within the text, the SI units are shown in brackets. The values stated in each system may not be exact equivalents; therefore, each system shall be used independently of the other. Combining values from the two systems may result in non-conformance with the standard. 1.6 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
ABSTRACT This specification covers nominal thickness, seamless, cold-drawn carbon steel tubing intended for use in hydraulic systems and in other similar applications where forming operations require tight radius bending and flaring. The tubes shall be made by the seamless process and shall be cold drawn to size. Heat treatment shall be made to the tube samples after the final cold working operation. Finished tubes shall be free of scale but may have a superficial oxide film on the surfaces. Removal of surface imperfections, such as handling marks, straightening marks, light mandrel and die marks, shallow pits, and scale pattern, will not be required provided they are within the allowable tolerances. Finished tubes shall be protected both on the outside and the inside diameter to prevent corrosion in transit. Each lot of tubes shall be subjected to the following tests: tension test, flaring test, flattening test, hardness test, and hydrostatic proof test. SCOPE 1.1 This specification covers nominal wall thickness, seamless, cold-drawn carbon steel tubing intended for use in hydraulic systems and in other similar applications where forming operations require tight radius bending and flaring. 1.2 Tubing sizes and thicknesses usually furnished to this specification are 1/8 to 31/2 in. [3.2 to 88.9 mm] in outside diameter and 0.035 to 0.134 in. [0.9 to 3.4 mm] inclusive, in nominal wall thickness. Tubing having other dimensions may be furnished, provided such tubing complies with all other requirements of this specification. 1.3 Mechanical property requirements do not apply to tubing smaller than 1/8 in. [3.2 mm] in inside diameter or 0.015 in. [0.4 mm] in thickness. 1.4 Optional supplementary requirements are provided and, when desired, shall be so stated in the order. 1.5 The values stated in either SI units or inch-pound units are to be regarded separately as standard. Within the text, the SI units are shown in brackets. The values stated in each system may not be exact equivalents; therefore, each system shall be used independently of the other. Combining values from the two systems may result in non-conformance with the standard. 1.6 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
ASTM A822/A822M-20 is classified under the following ICS (International Classification for Standards) categories: 23.100.40 - Piping and couplings. The ICS classification helps identify the subject area and facilitates finding related standards.
ASTM A822/A822M-20 has the following relationships with other standards: It is inter standard links to ASTM A822/A822M-04(2015), ASTM A450/A450M-23, ASTM A450/A450M-18, ASTM A450/A450M-15, ASTM A751-14, ASTM A450/A450M-10, ASTM A450/A450M-09, ASTM A751-08, ASTM A450/A450M-07, ASTM A751-07a, ASTM A751-07, ASTM A751-01(2006), ASTM A450/A450M-04a, ASTM A450/A450M-04, ASTM A450/A450M-03. Understanding these relationships helps ensure you are using the most current and applicable version of the standard.
ASTM A822/A822M-20 is available in PDF format for immediate download after purchase. The document can be added to your cart and obtained through the secure checkout process. Digital delivery ensures instant access to the complete standard document.
Standards Content (Sample)
This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
Designation:A822/A822M −20
Standard Specification for
Seamless Cold-Drawn Carbon Steel Tubing for Hydraulic
System Service
This standard is issued under the fixed designationA822/A822M; 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.
1. Scope* 2. Referenced Documents
1.1 This specification covers nominal wall thickness, 2.1 ASTM Standards:
seamless, cold-drawn carbon steel tubing intended for use in A450/A450M Specification for General Requirements for
hydraulic systems and in other similar applications where Carbon and Low Alloy Steel Tubes
forming operations require tight radius bending and flaring. A751 Test Methods, Practices, and Terminology for Chemi-
cal Analysis of Steel Products
1.2 Tubing sizes and thicknesses usually furnished to this
1 1
specification are ⁄8 to 3 ⁄2 in. [3.2 to 88.9 mm] in outside
3. Terminology
diameter and 0.035 to 0.134 in. [0.9 to 3.4 mm] inclusive, in
3.1 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
nominal wall thickness. Tubing having other dimensions may
3.1.1 lot—for tension and hardness test requirements—the
be furnished, provided such tubing complies with all other
term “lot” applies to all tubes, prior to cutting, of the same
requirements of this specification.
nominal diameter and wall thickness which are produced from
1.3 Mechanical property requirements do not apply to
the same heat of steel. When final heat treatment is in a
tubing smaller than ⁄8 in. [3.2 mm] in inside diameter or 0.015
batch-type furnace, a lot shall include only those tubes of the
in. [0.4 mm] in thickness.
same size and the same heat which are heat treated in the same
1.4 Optional supplementary requirements are provided and, furnacecharge.Whenthefinalheattreatmentisinacontinuous
when desired, shall be so stated in the order. furnace, a lot shall include all tubes of the same size and heat,
heat treated in the same furnace at the same temperature, time
1.5 The values stated in either SI units or inch-pound units
at heat, and furnace speed.
are to be regarded separately as standard. Within the text, the
SI units are shown in brackets. The values stated in each
4. Ordering Information
system may not be exact equivalents; therefore, each system
4.1 Orders for material to this specification should include
shall be used independently of the other. Combining values
the following, as required, to describe the desired material
from the two systems may result in non-conformance with the
adequately:
standard.
4.1.1 Quantity (feet, metres, or number of lengths),
1.6 This international standard was developed in accor-
4.1.2 Name of material (seamless tubing),
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
4.1.3 Manufacture (cold-drawn),
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
4.1.4 Tube size (outside diameter and nominal wall
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
thickness),
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
4.1.5 Length (specific or random),
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
4.1.6 Test report required (see Certified Test Report section
in Specification A450/A450M),
4.1.7 Specification designation, and
This specification is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee A01 on Steel,
Stainless Steel and Related Alloys and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee
A01.09 on Carbon Steel Tubular Products. For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
Current edition approved May 1, 2020. Published May 2020. Originally contact ASTM Customer Service at service@astm.org. For Annual Book of ASTM
approved in 1984. Last previous edition approved in 2015 as A822/A822M – 04 Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
(2015). DOI: 10.1520/A0822_A0822M-20. the ASTM website.
*A Summary of Changes section appears at the end of this standard
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
A822/A822M−20
TABLE 2 Tensile Requirements
4.1.8 End use of material.
Tensile strength, min., ksi [MPa] 45 [310]
5. General Requirements Yield strength, min., ksi [MPa] 25 [170]
Elongation, in 2 in. [or 50 mm], min., % 35
5.1 Material furnished under this specification shall con-
form to the applicable requirements of the latest edition of
Specification A450/A450M, unless otherwise provided herein.
TABLE 3 Tubing Outside Diameter Tolerances
A
Outside Diameter Tolerance,
Nominal Tubing Outside Diameter,
6. Manufacture
in. [mm] in. [mm]
6.1 Tubes shall be made by the seamless process and shall
Up to 1 [25] ±0.004 [0.10]
1to1 ⁄2 [25 to 38] ±0.006 [0.15]
be cold drawn to size.
Over 1 ⁄2 to 2 [38 to 50], inclusive ±0.008 [0.20]
Over 2 to 3 ⁄2 [50 to 90], inclusive ±0.010 [0.25]
7. Heat Treatment
A
The actual outside diameter shall be the average of the maximum and minimum
7.1 Tubes shall be heated after the final cold working
outside diameters as determined at any one cross-section through the tubing.
operation to a temperature of at least 1200 °F [650 °C].
surface imperfections, such as handling marks, straightening
8. Chemical Composition
marks, light mandrel and die marks, shallow pits, and scale
8.1 Steel shall conform to the chemical compositio
...
This document is not an ASTM standard and is intended only to provide the user of an ASTM standard an indication of what changes have been made to the previous version. Because
it may not be technically possible to adequately depict all changes accurately, ASTM recommends that users consult prior editions as appropriate. In all cases only the current version
of the standard as published by ASTM is to be considered the official document.
Designation: A822/A822M − 04 (Reapproved 2015) A822/A822M − 20
Standard Specification for
Seamless Cold-Drawn Carbon Steel Tubing for Hydraulic
System Service
This standard is issued under the fixed designation A822/A822M; 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.
1. Scope Scope*
1.1 This specification covers nominal wall thickness, seamless, cold-drawn carbon steel tubing intended for use in hydraulic
systems and in other similar applications where forming operations require tight radius bending and flaring.
1 1
1.2 Tubing sizes and thicknesses usually furnished to this specification are ⁄8 to 3 ⁄2 in. [3.2 to 88.9 mm] in outside diameter
and 0.035 to 0.134 in. [0.9 to 3.4 mm] inclusive, in nominal wall thickness. Tubing having other dimensions may be furnished,
provided such tubing complies with all other requirements of this specification.
1.3 Mechanical property requirements do not apply to tubing smaller than ⁄8 in. [3.2 mm] in inside diameter or 0.015 in. [0.4
mm] in thickness.
1.4 Optional supplementary requirements are provided and, when desired, shall be so stated in the order.
1.5 The values stated in either SI units or inch-pound units are to be regarded separately as standard. Within the text, the SI units
are shown in brackets. The values stated in each system may not be exact equivalents; therefore, each system shall be used
independently of the other. Combining values from the two systems may result in non-conformance with the standard.
1.6 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization
established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued
by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
2. Referenced Documents
2.1 ASTM Standards:
A450/A450M Specification for General Requirements for Carbon and Low Alloy Steel Tubes
A751 Test Methods, Practices, and Terminology for Chemical Analysis of Steel Products
3. Terminology
3.1 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
3.1.1 lot—for tension and hardness test requirements—the term “lot” applies to all tubes, prior to cutting, of the same nominal
diameter and wall thickness which are produced from the same heat of steel. When final heat treatment is in a batch-type furnace,
a lot shall include only those tubes of the same size and the same heat which are heat treated in the same furnace charge. When
the final heat treatment is in a continuous furnace, a lot shall include all tubes of the same size and heat, heat treated in the same
furnace at the same temperature, time at heat, and furnace speed.
4. Ordering Information
4.1 Orders for material to this specification should include the following, as required, to describe the desired material
adequately:
4.1.1 Quantity (feet, metres, or number of lengths),
4.1.2 Name of material (seamless tubing),
4.1.3 Manufacture (cold-drawn),
This specification is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee A01 on Steel, Stainless Steel and Related Alloys and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee A01.09
on Carbon Steel Tubular Products.
Current edition approved Sept. 1, 2015May 1, 2020. Published September 2015May 2020. Originally approved in 1984. Last previous edition approved in 20102015 as
A822/A822MA822/A822M – 04 (2015).–04 (2010). DOI: 10.1520/A0822_A0822M-04R15.10.1520/A0822_A0822M-20.
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or contact ASTM Customer Service at service@astm.org. For Annual Book of ASTM Standards
volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on the ASTM website.
*A Summary of Changes section appears at the end of this standard
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
A822/A822M − 20
4.1.4 Tube size (outside diameter and nominal wall thickness),
4.1.5 Length (specific or random),
4.1.6 Test report required (see Certified Test Report section in Specification A450/A450M),
4.1.7 Specification designation, and
4.1.8 End use of material.
5. General Requirements
5.1 Material furnished under this specification shall conform to the applicable requirements of the latest edition of Specification
A450/A450M, unless otherwise provided herein.
6. Manufacture
6.1 Tubes shall be made by the seamless process and shall be cold drawn to size.
7. Heat Treatment
7.1 Tubes shall be heated after the final cold working operation to a temperature of at least 1200 °F [650 °C].
8. Chemical Composition
8.1 Steel shall conform to the chemical composition requirements prescribed in Table 1.
9. Mechanical Properties
9.1 Tensile Properties—Material shall conform to the tensile properties prescribed in Table 2.
9.2 Hardness Requirements—Finished tubes shall have a hardness not exceeding 65 HRB.HRBW. The hardness test shall not
be required on tubing having a nominal wall thickness of less than 0.065 in. [1.7 mm].
9.3 Flattening Test—A section of finished tubing, not less than 3 in. [75 mm] in length shall not crack or exhibit flaws when
flattened between parallel plates to a distance equal to three times the tubing nominal wall thickness. Superficial ruptures resulting
from minor surface imperfections
...








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