ASTM A269 vs. ASTM A249 Specifications

ASTM A269 is the standard specification for seamless and welded austenitic stainless steel tubing intended for general corrosion resistance and for use in high- and low-temperature service. It primarily covers commonly used austenitic stainless steel grades such as TP304, TP304L, TP316, and TP316L. This standard is widely applied in industries with stringent requirements for corrosion resistance and durability-such as hydraulic systems, chemical processing, and marine engineering.

 

 

ASTM A249 is a standard specification covering welded and heavily cold-worked austenitic stainless steel tubes with nominal wall thickness. Designed specifically for high-pressure and high-temperature service conditions, these tubes are primarily utilized in boilers, superheaters, heat exchangers, and condensers. The most commonly used austenitic stainless steel grades include TP304, TP304L, TP316, TP316L, TP321, and TP347. The outer diameter of the tubes typically ranges from 1/8 inch (approximately 3.2 mm) to 12 inches (approximately 304.8 mm), with a wall thickness ranging from 0.015 to 0.320 inches (approximately 0.4 to 8.1 mm).

 

 

ASTM A269 and ASTM A249 both cover austenitic stainless steel tubing, but serve different industries. ASTM A269 is used for general corrosion-resistant, high-, and low-temperature service. ASTM A249 is specifically for boilers, superheaters, heat exchangers, and condensers.

Specification	ASTM A249	ASTM 269
Tube Manufacturing	Welded	Welded And Seamless
Application	Boiler Superheater Heat-Exchanger Condenser	General Service
Sizes	OD: maximum 304.8 mm Wall Thickness: 0.4 – 8.1 mm	Inside Diameter: minium 3.4 mm Wall Thickness: 0.51 mm
ASTM / ASME	ASTM A249 / A249M ASME SA249	ASTM A269 / A269M
Heat Treatment	Must be furnished in the heat-treated (annealed) condition.	Must be furnished in the heat-treated (annealed) condition.
Weld Bead Processing	Weld bead must be cold-worked (forged/rolled) to ensure strength matching the base metal.	Weld bead may or may not be processed depending on the specific sub-grade or use.
Test	Extensive & Mandatory: Includes Flattening, Flaring, Flange, Reverse Flattening, Hardness, and Tension tests	Minimal: Typically limited to Flaring and Flattening; Tension tests are NOT required for A269.

 

 

1.1 Permissible Variations in Outside Diameter (OD)

Applicable to both ASTM A249 and ASTM A269 (per ASTM A1016)

Outside Diameter (OD) Range (Inch)	OD Range (mm)	Permissible Variations (Inch)	Permissible Variations (mm)
< 1.000	< 25.4	± 0.004	± 0.10
1.000 to 1.500 (excl.)	25.4 to 38.1	± 0.006	± 0.15
1.500 to 2.000 (excl.)	38.1 to 50.8	± 0.008	± 0.20
2.000 to 2.500 (excl.)	50.8 to 63.5	± 0.010	± 0.25
2.500 to 3.000 (excl.)	63.5 to 76.2	± 0.012	± 0.30
3.000 to 4.000 (excl.)	76.2 to 101.6	± 0.015	± 0.38

1.2 Permissible Variations in Wall Thickness (WT)

This is where the two standards differ most in practical application.

Feature	ASTM A249 (Boiler/Exchanger)	ASTM A269 (General Service)
Ordering Basis	Minimum Wall Thickness (t)	Average Wall Thickness (t)
Tolerance (Welded)	+ 18% / - 0%	± 10%
Tolerance (Seamless)	N/A (A249 is Welded only)	± 10% (for OD < 1.5")
Note on A249	Because it is used for pressure vessels, the wall must never be thinner than specified.	A269 allows the wall to be slightly thinner than the nominal value as long as it's within 10%.

1.3 Cut Length Tolerances

Applies to tubes before any further processing (e.g., U-bending)

Specified Length (Feet)	Outside Diameter (OD)	Over Tolerance (Inch)	Under Tolerance (Inch)
≤ 24 ft	All Sizes	1/8" (3mm)	0"
> 24 ft to 34 ft	All Sizes	1/8" + (1/8" per 10ft over 24ft)	0"

 

 

Because ASTM A249 requires more extensive mechanical testing (Tension and Reverse Flattening) and a more controlled welding process (cold working the weld bead), it is typically more expensive than welded ASTM A269 of the same grade and size.

 

 

Common Sizes Of ASTM A249 / A269 Tubing

O.D.	mm	Wall Thickness	mm	Length	Grades	Type	Specification
1/2"	12.70	0.065"	1.65	10′ – 20′	304/304L/316L	Welded	A249 / A269
3/4"	19.05	0.065"	1.65	10′ – 20′	304/304L/316L	Welded	A249 / A269
1"	25.4	0.049"	1.24	10′ – 20′	304/304L/316L	Welded	A249 / A269
1"	25.4	0.065"	1.65	10′ – 20′	304/304L/316L	Welded	A249 / A269
11/2"	38.10	0.049"	1.24	10′ – 20′	304/304L/316L	Welded	A249 / A269
11/2"	38.10	0.065"	1.65	10′ – 20′	304/304L/316L	Welded	A249 / A269
2"	50.80	0.049"	1.24	10′ – 20′	304/304L/316L	Welded	A249 / A269
2"	50.80	0.065"	1.65	10′ – 20′	304/304L/316L	Welded	A249 / A269
21/2"	63.50	0.065"	1.65	10′ – 20′	304/304L/316L	Welded	A249 / A269
3"	76.20	0.065"	1.65	10′ – 20′	304/304L/316L	Welded	A249 / A269
4"	101.60	0.065"	1.65	10′ – 20′	304/304L/316L	Welded	A249 / A269
4"	101.60	0.083"	2.11	10′ – 20′	304/304L/316L	Welded	A249 / A269
6"	152.40	0.083"	2.11	10′ – 20′	304/304L/316L	Welded	A249 / A269
6"	152.40	0.109"	2.77	10′ – 20′	304/304L/316L	Welded	A249 / A269
8"	203.20	0.109"	2.77	10′ – 20′	304/304L/316L	Welded	A249 / A269
10"	254.00	0.134"	3.40	10′ – 20′	304/304L/316L	Welded	A249 / A269
12"	304.80	0.134"	3.40	10′ – 20′	304/304L/316L	Welded	A249 / A269
14"	355.60	0.134"	3.40	10′ – 20′	304/304L/316L	Welded	A249 / A269

 

If you have project-specific requirements for ASTM A249 or A269 stainless steel tubing, we invite you to place an order. GNEE maintains an extensive inventory of our best-selling products for your selection. These materials can be processed into a variety of practical product forms-including both seamless and welded configurations-as outlined below. Should you require technical documentation regarding chemical composition or mechanical properties, please contact our facility immediately. We offer competitive pricing and exceptional service.Email: sales@gneestainless.com