Seamless stainless steel tubing ASTM A269 can perform well in both high-temperature as well as low-temperature service and is reliable for use within industrial environments. Metinox Overseas supplies ASTM A269 BA tubing from OD 1 mm to 76.2 mm in both seamless and welded construction, with fixed cut lengths up to 12 metres and random lengths as standard. Common instrumentation sizes (e.g. 3/8" x 0.035", 1/2" x 0.065") are available ex-stock in TP304L and TP316L. Tubes are produced from either seamless or welded material via the process may be certified by Metinox Overseas to international specifications as specified in ASTM A269/ ASME SA269 - with materials available: 304, 304L, 316, 316L & 321.
We provide an ISO 9001:2015 certified product with Mill Test Reports (MTR) & EN 10204 3.1 material certification - guaranteeing superior quality with verifiable documentation and confidence in performance.We manufactures and distributes ASTM A269 Bright Annealed Stainless Steel Tubes to both governmental and private sectors around the world. They have been an approved vendor for many leading companies like ONGC, HPCL, BPCL, NTPC, BHEL for more than 10 years, and they supply to many of their customers from locations in the Middle East, Europe, Southeast Asia and the Americas through their export operations.
What Is ASTM A269 Bright Annealed Stainless Steel Tubing?
The ASTM A269 is a general purpose standard that covers all austenitic seamless and welded stainless steel tubing used in general corrosive and low and high temperature service. The ‘bright annealing' (BA) process involves heat treatment of the tubes in a controlled reducing (inert) atmosphere, typically either a hydrogen or cracked ammonia, to ensure that the tubes will not oxidise to get a bright even clean mirror-like surface without having to be pickled/polished.
The resulting tube has the corrosion resistance properties of the austenitic stainless steel, and a smooth and contamination-free surface that complies with the highest standards of cleanliness and hygiene in all global industries. It is the same designation as the ASME SA269, which is interchangeable for pressure vessel and boiler applications under the ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code (BPVC).
Table of Contents
- Key Differences: ASTM A269 vs ASTM A213 vs ASTM A270
- ASTM A269 Bright Annealed SS Tubing Specifications
- ASTM A269 Stainless Steel Tubing Dimensions & Part Numbers
- SA269 Tubing OD Tolerances
- Chemical Composition of ASTM A269 / SA269 Stainless Steel Grades
- Mechanical Properties ASTM A269 Bright Annealed Stainless Steel Tubing
- ASTM A269 Bright Annealed Stainless Steel Tubing Price
- Industries & Applications
- Manufacturing Process & Quality Controls at Metinox Overseas
- Certifications, Standards & Compliance
- FAQ — ASTM A269 Bright Annealed SS Tubing
Key Differences: ASTM A269 vs ASTM A213 vs ASTM A270
| Feature | ASTM A269 | ASTM A213 | ASTM A270 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Application | General corrosive & low/high temp service | Boiler, superheater & heat exchanger tubes | Sanitary/hygienic dairy & food industry |
| Product Form | Seamless & welded | Seamless only | Seamless & welded |
| Surface Finish | BA, pickled, polished — multiple options | Pickled or turned | Polished ID/OD (sanitary standard) |
| Common Grades | 304, 304L, 316, 316L, 321, 347 | 304, 316, 321, 347, 310S | 304, 316L |
| Pressure Service | General pressure service | High-pressure boiler/heat exchanger | Low pressure, sanitary systems |
| ASME Equivalent | SA269 | SA213 | SA270 |
ASTM A269 Bright Annealed SS Tubing Specifications
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Standard / Specification | ASTM A269 / ASME SA269 |
| Material / Product Type | Bright Annealed Stainless Steel Tubing |
| Grades Available | TP304, TP304L, TP316, TP316L, TP321, TP347, 310S, 2205 (Duplex) |
| Manufacturing Process | Cold Drawn, Bright Annealed (BA), Seamless & Welded (ERW / EFW) |
| Outer Diameter (OD) | 1.00 mm to 76.2 mm (custom sizes on request) |
| Wall Thickness | 0.2 mm to 6.0 mm |
| Length | Up to 12 meters (random, fixed & custom lengths available) |
| Surface Finish | Bright Annealed (BA), Mirror Polished, No. 4 Finish, Electropolished (EP) |
| End Type | Plain End (PE), Beveled End (BE), Threaded End (TE), Cut End |
| Hardness (Brinell / Rockwell) | 192 HBW / 200 HV | 90 HRB |
| Heat Treatment Temp | Solution Annealed at min. 1900°F (1040°C) |
| Certifications | ISO 9001:2015, EN 10204 3.1 / 3.2, PED, ASME, DFARS |
| Test Reports Included | MTR, UT, Hydrostatic, Radiography, PMI, Eddy Current |
| Packing | Ends Capped, Sleeved, Wooden Boxed or Per Buyer Specification |
| Port of Dispatch | Mumbai, India |
ASTM A269 Stainless Steel Tubing Dimensions & Part Numbers
| Size (Tube OD) | Part No. — 304L | Part No. — 316L | Wall Thickness (in) | ID (in) | Gauge |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1" | A269-4100 | A269-6100 | 0.065 | 0.870 | 16 |
| 1-1/2" | A269-4150 | A269-6150 | 0.065 | 1.370 | 16 |
| 2" | A269-4200 | A269-6200 | 0.065 | 1.870 | 16 |
| 2-1/2" | A269-4250 | A269-6250 | 0.065 | 2.370 | 16 |
| 3" | A269-4300 | A269-6300 | 0.065 | 2.870 | 16 |
| 4" (16 Ga) | A269-4403 | — | 0.065 | 3.870 | 16 |
| 4" (14 Ga) | A269-4400 | A269-6400 | 0.083 | 3.834 | 14 |
| 5" | A269-4500 | A269-6500 | 0.083 | 4.834 | 14 |
| 6" (14 Ga) | A269-4600 | A269-6600 | 0.083 | 5.834 | 14 |
| 6" (12 Ga) | A269-4601 | A269-6601 | 0.109 | 5.782 | 12 |
| 8" | A269-4801 | A269-6801 | 0.109 | 7.782 | 12 |
SA269 Tubing OD Tolerances
| OD Range (Inch) | OD Tolerance (mm) | Weight Tolerance % | Length Tolerance (mm) |
|---|---|---|---|
| < 1/2" | ± 0.005 (0.13) | ± 15% | 1/8 (3.2) |
| > 1/2" – 1-1/2" | ± 0.005 (0.13) | ± 10% | 1/8 (3.2) |
| > 1-1/2" – < 3-1/2" | ± 0.010 (0.25) | ± 10% | 3/16 (4.8) |
| > 3-1/2" – 5-1/2" | ± 0.015 (0.38) | ± 10% | 3/16 (4.8) |
| > 5-1/2" – < 8" | ± 0.030 (0.76) | ± 10% | 3/16 (4.8) |
| 8" – < 12" | ± 0.040 (1.01) | ± 10% | 3/16 (4.8) |
| 12" – < 14" | ± 0.050 (1.26) | ± 10% | 3/16 (4.8) |
Chemical Composition of ASTM A269 / SA269 Stainless Steel Grades
| Element | TP304 | TP304L | TP316 | TP316L | TP321 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Carbon (C) max | 0.08 | 0.035 | 0.08 | 0.035 D | 0.08 |
| Manganese (Mn) max | 2.00 | 2.00 | 2.00 | 2.00 | 2.00 |
| Phosphorus (P) max | 0.045 | 0.045 | 0.045 | 0.045 | 0.045 |
| Sulfur (S) max | 0.030 | 0.030 | 0.030 | 0.030 | 0.030 |
| Silicon (Si) max | 1.00 | 1.00 | 1.00 | 1.00 | 1.00 |
| Chromium (Cr) % | 18.0–20.0 | 18.0–20.0 | 16.0–18.0 | 16.0–18.0 | 17.0–19.0 |
| Nickel (Ni) % | 8.0–11.0 | 8.0–12.0 | 10.0–14.0 | 10.0–15.0 | 9.0–12.0 |
| Molybdenum (Mo) % | — | — | 2.00–3.00 | 2.00–3.00 | — |
| Nitrogen (N) max | 0.10 | 0.10 | 0.10 | 0.10 | 0.10 |
| Titanium (Ti) | — | — | — | — | 5C–0.70 |
| Iron (Fe) | Balance | Balance | Balance | Balance | Balance |
Mechanical Properties ASTM A269 Bright Annealed Stainless Steel Tubing
| Property | TP304 / TP304L | TP316 / TP316L | TP321 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tensile Strength (min) | 515 MPa (75,000 psi) | 515 MPa (75,000 psi) | 515 MPa (75,000 psi) |
| Yield Strength (min) | 205 MPa (30,000 psi) | 205 MPa (30,000 psi) | 205 MPa (30,000 psi) |
| Elongation (min) | 35% (in 50 mm) | 35% (in 50 mm) | 35% (in 50 mm) |
| Hardness — Brinell (max) | 192 HBW / 200 HV | 192 HBW / 200 HV | 192 HBW / 200 HV |
| Hardness — Rockwell (max) | 90 HRB | 90 HRB | 90 HRB |
| Modulus of Elasticity | 193 GPa (28,000,000 psi) | 193 GPa | 193 GPa |
| Density | 7.93 g/cm³ | 7.98 g/cm³ | 7.93 g/cm³ |
| Thermal Conductivity | 16.2 W/m·K | 16.3 W/m·K | 16.1 W/m·K |
| Electrical Resistivity | 0.72 µΩ·m | 0.74 µΩ·m | 0.72 µΩ·m |
| Melting Point | 1400–1450°C (2550–2640°F) | 1375–1400°C | 1400–1425°C |
| Min. Solution Anneal Temp | 1900°F (1040°C) | 1900°F (1040°C) | 1900°F (1040°C) |
ASTM A269 Bright Annealed Stainless Steel Tubing Price
The price of ASTM A269 Bright Annealed (BA) Stainless Steel Tubing depends on the grade (304, 304L, 316, 316L), size, wall thickness, seamless/welded construction, quantity, and finish requirements. Based on recent market listings and supplier data, the following price ranges are commonly seen in India.
| Material Grade | Type | Approx. Price (INR/Kg) |
|---|---|---|
| SS 304 ASTM A269 BA Tubing | Welded | Rs. 250 – Rs. 350 |
| SS 304 ASTM A269 BA Tubing | Seamless | Rs. 350 – Rs. 550 |
| SS 304L ASTM A269 BA Tubing | Seamless | Rs. 380 – Rs. 600 |
| SS 316 ASTM A269 BA Tubing | Seamless | Rs. 500 – Rs. 750 |
| SS 316L ASTM A269 BA Tubing | Seamless | Rs. 550 – Rs. 850 |
| Instrumentation / Hydraulic BA Tubing | Precision Seamless | Rs. 700 – Rs. 1,500 |
Prices are indicative and vary with OD, thickness, mill origin, certification requirements, and order quantity.
Typical ASTM A269 BA Tube Price by Size
| OD x Thickness | Grade | Approx. Price (INR/Meter) |
|---|---|---|
| 6.35 x 1.0 mm | SS 304 BA | Rs. 180 – Rs. 300 |
| 12.7 x 1.24 mm | SS 304 BA | Rs. 300 – Rs. 550 |
| 19.05 x 1.65 mm | SS 304 BA | Rs. 500 – Rs. 900 |
| 25.4 x 1.65 mm | SS 304 BA | Rs. 700 – Rs. 1,200 |
| 38.1 x 2.0 mm | SS 304 BA | Rs. 1,200 – Rs. 2,200 |
| 50.8 x 2.0 mm | SS 304 BA | Rs. 1,800 – Rs. 3,500 |
Industries & Applications — Where ASTM A269 BA Tubing Is Used
The combination of superior surface quality, dimensional precision, and corrosion resistance makes ASTM A269 Bright Annealed Stainless Steel Tubing the material of choice across multiple demanding industries:
1. Pharmaceutical & Biotechnology
- Hygienic process piping for API manufacturing and formulation
- CIP (Clean-in-Place) and SIP (Sterilize-in-Place) circuit lines
- Water-for-Injection (WFI) and purified water distribution loops
- Bioreactor and fermentation vessel connections
2. Food & Beverage Processing
- Dairy and brewery product transfer lines requiring smooth, cleanable surfaces
- Beverage carbonation and pasteurization circuit tubing
- Food-grade instrumentation lines requiring FDA/3A compliance
3. Semiconductor & Electronics
- Ultra-high purity (UHP) gas distribution systems requiring sub-angstrom surface finish
- Process chemical delivery lines in wafer fabrication facilities
- Clean room tubing where particle generation must be minimized
4. Oil & Gas / Petrochemical
- Instrumentation and impulse tubing on offshore platforms
- Hydraulic control line bundles for subsea and downhole equipment
- Heat exchanger and condenser tube bundles in refinery service
5. Aerospace & Defense
- Aircraft hydraulic and fuel system tubing requiring lightweight, high-strength tubing
- Engine exhaust and structural tubing for aerospace assemblies
- Defense hydraulic actuator lines requiring corrosion-free operation
6. Nuclear Power
- Primary and secondary coolant circuit tubing in nuclear plants
- Steam generator tube replacement and maintenance work
- Applications requiring full material traceability, EN 10204 3.2 third-party inspection, and nuclear-grade chemical analysis reports — available on request
7. Chemical & Process Industry
- Corrosive-media transfer piping in fertilizer, textile, and paper plants
- Heat exchanger service in sulfuric acid and chloride-bearing environments (316L grade preferred)
8. Architecture & Decoration
- Balustrade railings, handrails, and architectural cladding elements
- Interior design feature elements where high-gloss BA finish eliminates need for further polishing
Manufacturing Process & Quality Controls at Metinox Overseas
Every length of ASTM A269 Bright Annealed Stainless Steel Tubing supplied by Metinox Overseas passes through a rigorous multi-stage production and quality verification process:
| Stage | Process / Control | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Raw Material Sourcing | Certified austenitic SS coils/billets from approved mills with mill heat certs | Establish full material traceability |
| 2. Cold Drawing | Multi-pass cold drawing through precision hardened dies | Achieve target OD, wall thickness, and mechanical properties |
| 3. Bright Annealing | Continuous furnace with controlled H2 / N2 atmosphere at 1040°C+ | Relieve internal stresses, recrystallize microstructure, produce BA finish |
| 4. Straightening | Rotary straightening followed by visual inspection | Meet straightness tolerances per ASTM A269 |
| 5. Dimensional Inspection | 100% OD, ID, and wall thickness measurement per heat | Verify compliance with ordered tolerances |
| 6. Non-Destructive Testing | Eddy current testing (ECT) and/or hydrostatic test per standard | Detect surface and sub-surface defects |
| 7. Surface & Visual Inspection | 100% visual inspection of ID and OD surfaces | Ensure BA finish free of scale, seams, or surface defects |
| 8. PMI (Optional) | Portable XRF analysis on request | Positive material identification — confirms alloy grade |
| 9. MTR Issuance | EN 10204 3.1 or 3.2 certificates per heat | Provide third-party verified chemical and mechanical data |
| 10. Packing & Dispatch | Ends capped; plastic sleeved; wooden box or bundle per specification | Protect surface finish during transport |
Certifications, Standards & Compliance
| Standard / Certification | Scope |
|---|---|
| ASTM A269 / ASME SA269 | Core product standard — seamless and welded austenitic SS tubing |
| ASTM A213 / ASME SA213 | Boiler, superheater, and heat exchanger tube applications |
| DIN EN 10216-5 | European standard for seamless stainless steel pressure tubes |
| ISO 9001:2015 | Quality Management System — full supply chain quality assurance |
| EN 10204 3.1 / 3.2 | Material test certificate with third-party inspection |
| PED 2014/68/EU | Pressure Equipment Directive compliance for EU markets |
| DFARS Compliant | Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement — US defense supply |
| NACE MR0175 / ISO 15156 | Sour service (H2S-containing) applications — oilfield suitability |
| 100% Radiography (on request) | Full volumetric weld inspection for highest-integrity applications |
FAQ — ASTM A269 Bright Annealed SS Tubing
ASTM A269 tubing is a specification covering seamless and welded austenitic stainless steel tubing intended for general corrosion-resistant and low- or high-temperature service. It is widely used in instrumentation, food processing, pharmaceutical, and chemical industries.
Yes, ASTM A269 tubing is typically supplied in the annealed condition to improve corrosion resistance, ductility, and mechanical properties. Depending on the application, it may be solution annealed, bright annealed, or otherwise heat treated as specified.
Bright annealed tubing is stainless steel tubing heat treated in a controlled oxygen-free atmosphere, preventing surface oxidation during annealing. This process produces a smooth, clean, and reflective finish with excellent corrosion resistance and hygienic properties.
Several ASTM standards apply to stainless steel tubes, including ASTM A269 for general-service tubing, ASTM A213 for boiler and heat exchanger tubes, ASTM A249 for welded boiler tubing, and ASTM A270 for sanitary tubing used in food and pharmaceutical applications.
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