Designation: A 789/A 789M – 04a

Standard Specification for

Seamless and Welded Ferritic/Austenitic Stainless Steel
Tubing for General Service1
This standard is issued under the fixed designation A 789/A 789M; 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 (e) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.

1. Scope* SAE J 1086 Practice for Numbering Metals and Alloys

1.1 This specification2 covers grades of nominal wall thick- (UNS)
ness, stainless steel tubing for services requiring general
3. Ordering Information
corrosion resistance, with particular emphasis on resistance to
stress corrosion cracking. These steels are susceptible to 3.1 Orders for product under this specification should in-
embrittlement if used for prolonged periods at elevated tem- clude the following, as required, to describe the desired
peratures. material adequately:
1.2 The values stated in either inch-pound units or SI units 3.1.1 Quantity (feet, metres, or number of lengths),
are to be regarded separately as standard. Within the text, the 3.1.2 Name of product (seamless or welded tubes),
SI units are shown in brackets. The values stated in each 3.1.3 Grade (see Table 1),
system are not exact equivalents; therefore, each system must 3.1.4 Size (outside diameter and nominal wall thickness),
be used independently of the other. Combining values from the 3.1.5 Length (specific or random),
two systems may result in nonconformance with the specifi- 3.1.6 Optional requirements (for product analysis, see Sec-
cation. The inch-pound units shall apply unless the M desig- tion 8; for hydrostatic or nondestructive electric test, see
nation of this specification is specified in the order. Section 10),
3.1.7 Test report required (see the Inspection section of
2. Referenced Documents Specification A 1016/A 1016M),
2.1 ASTM Standards: 3 3.1.8 Specification designation, and
A 480/A 480M Specification for General Requirements for 3.1.9 Special requirements.
Flat-Rolled Stainless and Heat-Resisting Steel Plate,
4. General Requirements
Sheet, and Strip
A 1016/A 1016M Specification for General Requirements 4.1 product furnished under this specification shall conform
for Ferritic Alloy Steel, Austenitic Alloy Steel, and Stain- to the applicable requirements of Specification A 1016/
less Steel Tubes A 1016M, unless otherwise provided herein.
E 527 Practice for Numbering Metals and Alloys (UNS) 5. Manufacture
2.2 SAE Standard:4
5.1 The tubes shall be made by the seamless or welded
process with no filler metal added.
1
This specification is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee A01 on Steel,
Stainless Steel, and Related Alloys and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee 6. Heat Treatment
A01.10 on Stainless and Alloy Steel Tubular Products.
Current edition approved July 1, 2004. Published August 2004. Originally
6.1 All tubes shall be furnished in the heat-treated condition
approved in 1981. Last previous edition approved in 2004 as A 789/A 789M–04. in accordance with the procedures shown in Table 2. For
2
For ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code applications, see related Specifi- seamless tubes, as an alternate to final heat treatment in a
cation SA–789 in Section II of that Code. continuous furnace or batch-type furnace, immediately follow-
3
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
ing hot forming while the temperature of the tubes is not less
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on than the specified minimum solution treatment temperature,
the ASTM website.
4
tubes may be individually quenched in water or rapidly cooled
Available from Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE), 400 Commonwealth by other means.
Dr., Warrendale, PA 15096-0001.

*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.

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 A 789/A 789M – 04a
TABLE 1 Chemical Requirements
UNS
C Mn P S Si Ni Cr Mo N Cu Others
DesignationA
S31803 0.030 max 2.00 max 0.030 max 0.020 max 1.00 max 4.5–6.5 21.0–23.0 2.5–3.5 0.08–0.20 ... ...
S32205 0.030 max 2.00 max 0.030 max 0.020 max 1.00 max 4.5–6.5 22.0–23.0 3.0–3.5 0.14–0.20 ... ...
S31500 0.030 max 1.20–2.00 0.030 max 0.030 max 1.40–2.00 4.3–5.2 18.0–19.0 2.50–3.00 0.05–0.1 ... ...
S32550 0.04 max 1.50 max 0.040 max 0.030 max 1.00 max 4.5–6.5 24.0–27.0 2.9–3.9 0.10–0.25 1.50–2.50 ...
S31200 0.030 max 2.00 max 0.045 max 0.030 max 1.00 max 5.5–6.5 24.0–26.0 1.20–2.00 0.14–0.20 ... ...
S31260 0.030 max 1.00 max 0.030 max 0.030 max 0.75 max 5.5–7.5 24.0–26.0 2.5–3.5 0.10–0.30 0.20–0.80 W 0.10–0.50
S32001 0.030 max 4.00–6.00 0.040 max 0.030 max 1.00 max 1.0–3.0 19.5–21.5 0.60 max 0.05–0.17 1.00 max ...
S32304 0.030 max 2.50 max 0.040 max 0.040 max 1.00 max 3.0–5.5 21.5–24.5 0.05–0.60 0.05–0.20 0.05–0.60 ...
S39274 0.030 max 1.00 max 0.030 max 0.020 max 0.80 max 6.0–8.0 24.0–26.0 2.5–3.5 0.24–0.32 0.20–0.80 W 1.50–2.50
S32750 0.030 max 1.20 max 0.035 max 0.020 max 0.80 max 6.0–8.0 24.0–26.0 3.0–5.0 0.24–0.32 0.50 max ...
S32760 0.05 max 1.00 max 0.030 max 0.010 max 1.00 max 6.0–8.0 24.0–26.0 3.0–4.0 0.20–0.30 0.50–1.00 W 0.50–1.00
40 minB
S32900 0.08 max 1.00 max 0.040 max 0.030 max 0.75 max 2.5–5.0 23.0–28.0 1.00–2.00 ... ... ...
S32950 0.030 max 2.00 max 0.035 max 0.010 max 0.60 max 3.5–5.2 26.0–29.0 1.00–2.50 0.15–0.35 ... ...
S39277 0.025 max 0.80 max 0.025 max 0.002 max 0.80 max 6.5–8.0 24.0–26.0 3.00–4.00 0.23–0.33 1.20–2.00 W 0.80–1.21
S32520 0.030 max 1.50 max 0.035 max 0.020 max 0.80 max 5.5–8.0 23.0–25.0 3.–5. 0.20–0.35 0.50–3.00 ...
S32906 0.030 max 1.50 max 0.030 max 0.030 max 0.50 max 7.5 max 30.0 max 2.60 max 0.40 0.80 ...
0.80 min 5.8 min 28.0 min 1.50 min .30 ... ...
S32003 0.030 max 2.00 max 0.030 max 0.020 max 1.00 max 3.0-4.0 19.5-22.5 1.50-2.00 0.14-0.20 ... ...
A
New designation established in accordance with Practice E 527 and SAE J1086.
B
% Cr + 3.3 3 % Mo + 163 % N.

TABLE 2 Heat Treatment 8.2 A product analysis tolerance (see the annex table on
UNS Designation Temperature Quench Chemical Requirements (Product Analysis Tolerances) in
S32003 1850–2050°F rapid cooling in air or water Specification A 480/A 480M) shall apply. The product analysis
[1010–1120°C] tolerance is not applicable to the carbon content for material
S31803 1870–2010°F rapid cooling in air or water
[1020–1100°C]
with a specified maximum carbon of 0.04 % or less.
S32205 1870–2010°F rapid cooling in air or water 8.3 If the original test for product analysis fails, retests of
[1020–1100°C] two additional billets, lengths of flat-rolled stock, or tubes shall
S31500 1800–1900°F rapid cooling in air or water
[980–1040°C]
be made. Both retests for the elements in question shall meet
S32550 1900°F rapid cooling in air or water the requirements of this specification; otherwise, all remaining
[1040°C] min material in the heat shall be rejected or, at the option of the
S31200 1920–2010°F rapid cooling in water
[1050–1100°C] producer, each billet or tube may be individually tested for
S31260 1870–2010°F rapid cooling in air or water acceptance. Billets, lengths of flat-rolled stock, or tubes that do
[1020–1100°C] not meet the requirements of this specification shall be re-
S32001 1800–1950°F rapid cooling in air or water
[982–1066°C] jected.
S32304 1700–1920°F rapid cooling in air or water
[925–1050°C]
NOTE 1—For flange and flaring requirements, the term lot applies to all
S39274 1920–2060°F rapid cooling in air or water tubes prior to cutting of the same nominal size and wall thickness that are
[1025–1125°C] produced from the same heat of steel. When final heat treatment is in a
S32750 1880–2060°F rapid cooling in air or water batch-type furnace, a lot shall include only those tubes of the same size
[1025–1125°C] and from the same heat that are heat treated in the same furnace charge.
S32760 2010–2085°F rapid cooling in air or water
When the final heat treatment is in a continuous furnace, or when heat
[1100–1140°C]
S32900 1700–1750°F rapid cooling in air or water
treated condition is obtained directly by quenching after hot forming, the
[925–955°C] number of tubes of the same size and from the same heat in a lot shall be
S32950 1820–1880°F air cool determined from the size of the tubes as prescribed in Table 3.
[990–1025°C] NOTE 2—For tension and hardness test requirements, the term lot
S39277 1975–2155°F rapid cooling in air or water applies to all tubes prior to cutting, of the same nominal diameter and wall
[1080–1180°C]
thickness that are produced from the same heat of steel. When final heat
S32520 1975–2050°F rapid cooling in air or water
[1080–1120°C] treatment is in a batch-type furnace, a lot shall include only those tubes of
S32906 1900–1980°F rapid cooling in air or water the same size and the same heat that are heat treated in the same furnace
[1040–1080°C]

TABLE 3 Number of Tubes in a Lot Heat Treated by the

7. Chemical Composition Continuous Process or by Direct Quench after Hot Forming
7.1 The steel shall conform to the chemical requirements Size of Tube Size of Lot
prescribed in Table 1. 2 in. [50.8 mm] and over in outside diameter not more than 50 tubes
and 0.200 in. [5.1 mm] and over
8. Product Analysis in wall thickness
Less than 2 in. [50.8 mm] but over 1 in. [25.4 not more than 75 tubes
8.1 An analysis of either one billet or one length of mm] in outside diameter or over 1 in.
flat-rolled stock or one tube shall be made from each heat. The [25.4 mm] in outside diameter and under
0.200 in. [5.1 mm] in wall thickness
chemical composition thus determined shall conform to the 1 in. [25.4 mm] or less in outside diameter not more than 125 tubes
requirements specified.

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 A 789/A 789M – 04a
charge. When the final heat treatment is in a continuous furnace, or when TABLE 4 Tensile and Hardness RequirementsA
heat treated condition is obtained directly by quenching after hot forming, Tensile Yield Elongation Hardness, max
a lot shall include all tubes of the same size and heat, heat treated in the Strength, Strength, in 2 in. or
UNS Designation
same furnace at the same temperature, time at heat, and furnace speed, or min, ksi min, ksi 50 mm,
all tubes of the same size and heat, hot formed and quenched in the same [MPa] [MPa] min, % Brinell HRC

production run. S31803 90 [620] 65 [450] 25 290 30

S32205 95 [655] 70 [485] 25 290 30
9. Mechanical Tests Required S31500 92 [630] 64 [440] 30 290 30
S32550 110 [760] 80 [550] 15 297 31
9.1 Tension Tests—One tension test shall be made on a S31200 100 [690] 65 [450] 25 280 ...
specimen for lots of not more than 50 tubes. Tension tests shall S31260B 100 [690] 65 [450] 25 290 30
S32001 90 [620] 65 [450] 25 290 30
be made on specimens from two tubes for lots of more than 50 S32304
tubes (see Note 2). OD 1 in. [25 mm] and
9.2 Flaring Test (for Seamless Tubes)—One test shall be Under 100 [690] 65 [450] 25 ... ...
OD over 1 in. [25 mm] 87 [600] 58 [400] 25 290 30
made on specimens from one end of one tube from each lot S39274 116 [800] 80 [550] 15 310 ...
(see Note 1) of finished tubes. The minimum expansion of the S32750 116 [800] 80 [550] 15 300 32
inside diameter shall be 10 %. S32760 109 [750] 80 [550] 25 300 ...
S32900 90 [620] 70 [485] 20 271 28
9.3 Flange Test (for Welded Tubes)—One test shall be made S32950C 100 [690] 70 [480] 20 290 30
on specimens from one end of one tube from each lot (see Note S39277 120 [825] 90 [620] 25 290 30
1) of finished tubes. S32520 112 [770] 80 [550] 25 310 ...
S32906
9.4 Hardness Test—Brinell or Rockwell hardness tests shall Wall below 0.40 in. 116 [800] 94 [650] 25 300 32
be made on specimens from two tubes from each lot (see Note (10 mm)
2). Wall 0.40 in. (10 mm) 109 [750] 80 [550] 25 300 32
and above
9.5 When more than one heat is involved, the tension, S32003 90 [620] 65 [450] 25 290 30
flaring, flanging, and hardness test requirements shall apply to A
For tubing smaller than ⁄ in. [12.7 mm] in outside diameter, the elongation
12
each heat. values given for strip specimens in Table 4 shall apply. Mechanical property
9.6 Reverse Flattening Test—For welded tubes, one reverse requirements do not apply to tubing smaller than 1⁄8 in. [3.2 mm] in outside
diameter or with walls thinner than 0.015 in. [0.4 mm].
flattening test shall be made on a specimen from each 1500 ft B
Prior to A 789/A 789M–87, the values for S31260 were: 92 ksi tensile strength,
[450 m] of finished tubing. 54 ksi yield strength, and 30 % elongation.
C
Prior to A 789/A 789M–89, the tensile strength value was 90 ksi for UNS
10. Hydrostatic or Nondestructive Electric Test S32950.

10.1 Each tube shall be subjected to the nondestructive

nominal diameter by no more than twice the permissible
electric test or the hydrostatic test. The type of test to be used
variation in outside diameter given in Table 5; however, the
shall be at the option of the manufacturer, unless otherwise
mean diameter at that cross section must still be within the
specified in the purchase order.
given permissible variation.
10.2 The hydrostatic test shall be in accordance with Speci-
fication A 1016/A 1016M, except that in the calculation of the 13. Surface Condition
hydrostatic test pressure 64000(441.2) shall be substituted for 13.1 All tubes shall be free of excessive mill scale, suitable
32000(220.6). for inspection. A slight amount of oxidation will not be
11. Tensile and Hardness Properties considered as scale. Any special finish requirements shall be
subject to agreement between the manufacturer and the pur-
11.1 The material shall conform to the tensile and hardness chaser.
properties prescribed in Table 4.
14. Product Marking
12. Permissible Variations in Dimensions 14.1 In addition to the marking prescribed in Specification
12.1 Variations in outside diameter, wall thickness, and A 1016/A 1016M, the marking shall indicate whether the
length from those specified shall not exceed the amounts tubing is seamless or welded.
prescribed in Table 5.
12.2 The permissible variations in outside diameter given in 15. Keywords
Table 5 are not sufficient to provide for ovality in thin-walled 15.1 duplex stainless steel; ferritic/austenitic stainless steel;
tubes, as defined in the table. In such tubes, the maximum and seamless steel tube; stainless steel tube; steel tube; welded steel
minimum diameters at any cross section shall deviate from the tube

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 A 789/A 789M – 04a
TABLE 5 Permissible Variations in Dimensions
Size, Outside Permissible Variations in Permissible Permissible Variations in Cut
Group Diameter, in. Outside Diameter, in. Variations in Wall Length, in.B [mm] Thin Walled TubesC
[mm] [mm] Thickness,A % Over Under
1 Up to 1⁄2 [12.7], excl 60.005 [0.13] 615 ⁄ [3]
18 0 ...
2 ⁄ to 11⁄2 [12.7 to 38.1], excl
12 60.005 [0.13] 610 ⁄ [3]
18 0 less than 0.065 in. [1.6 mm] nominal
3 11⁄2 to 31⁄2 [38.1 to 88.9], excl 60.010 [0.25] 610 3⁄16 [5] 0 less than 0.095 in. [2.4 mm] nominal
4 31⁄2 to 51⁄2 [88.9 to 139.7], excl 60.015 [0.38] 610 3⁄16 [5] 0 less than 0.150 in. [3.8 mm] nominal
5 51⁄2 to 8 [139.7 to 203.2], incl 60.030 [0.76] 610 3⁄16 [5] 0 less than 0.150 in. [3.8 mm] nominal
A
When tubes as ordered require wall thicknesses 3⁄4 in. [19 mm] or over, or an inside diameter 60 % or less of the outside diameter, a wider variation in wall thickness
is required. On such sizes a variation in wall thickness of 12.5 % over or under will be permitted.
For tubes less than 1⁄2 in. [12.7 mm] in inside diameter that cannot be successfully drawn over a mandrel, the wall thickness may vary 615 % from that specified.
B
These tolerances apply to cut lengths up to and including 24 ft [7.3 m]. For lengths greater than 24 ft [7.3 m], the above over-tolerances shall be increased by 1⁄8 in.
[3 mm] for each 10 ft [3 m] or fraction thereof over 24 ft or 1⁄2 in. [13 mm], whichever is the lesser.
C
Ovality provisions of 12.2 apply.

SUPPLEMENTARY REQUIREMENTS

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

S1. Air-Underwater Pressure Test

S1.1 When specified, each tube shall be examined by the air
underwater pressure test.

SUMMARY OF CHANGES

Committee A01 has identified the location of selected changes to this specification since the last issue
(A 789/A 789M-04) that may impact the use of this specification. (Approved July 1, 2004)

(1) Revised the quenching requirement for S31260 in Table 2.

Committee A01 has identified the location of selected changes to this specification since the last issue
(A 789/A 789M-02a) that may impact the use of this specification. (Approved March 1, 2004)

(1) Moved Note 1 from Scope to Footnote A in Table 4 and

reordered the footnotes.

Committee A01 has identified the location of selected changes to this specification since the last issue
(A 789/A 789M-02) that may impact the use of this specification. (Approved Nov. 10, 2002)

(1) Modified hardness values in Table 4, Tensile and Hardness

Requirements.

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