Project Description
405 Stainless Steel Seamless Tube — UNS S40500 / X6CrAl13 / 1.4002
405 stainless steel is a 12% chromium ferritic stainless steel engineered with a deliberate aluminum addition, setting it apart from conventional straight-chromium ferritic grades. When supplied as seamless tube, 405 delivers a practical combination of moderate oxidation resistance, excellent machinability, and weldability without the excessive hardening common to other 12% Cr grades — making it a go-to material for fabrications that cannot undergo post-weld annealing.
The aluminum content (0.10–0.30%) plays a key role: it promotes a tightly adherent oxide layer that suppresses scaling at elevated temperatures. In seamless tube form, 405 stainless steel serves reliably in continuous service up to 704 °C (1300 °F) and intermittent exposure up to 816 °C (1500 °F). This makes it well suited for heat exchanger tubing, steam nozzle liners, annealing boxes, quenching racks, and structural components in thermal processing equipment.
At Fushun Steel Tube, we supply 405 seamless tubes — also known under the designations UNS S40500, EN 1.4002, X6CrAl13, and SUS405 — in a range of outer diameters and wall thicknesses manufactured to ASTM A268 / ASME SA268 and equivalent standards. Whether you need standard schedule tube from ready stock or custom sizes produced to your print, we deliver with full material certification and traceable quality. Explore our full range of stainless steel tube products for demanding applications.
Contact us for a free quote. Tell us your OD, wall thickness, quantity, and delivery condition — we will respond within 24 hours. Request a quotation now.
Applications of 405 Stainless Steel Seamless Tube
405 stainless steel seamless tube is specified where moderate oxidation resistance and fabricability matter more than full corrosion resistance. Typical tube-form applications include:
- Heat exchanger tubing — tube bundles operating at moderate temperatures in refinery and petrochemical service. See also our boiler tube solutions for similar thermal applications.
- Steam nozzles and steam piping — components exposed to superheated steam in industrial boilers and steam systems
- Annealing boxes and furnace components — structural and fluid-carrying tubes inside heat treatment furnaces
- Quenching racks and fixtures — tubular support structures that cycle through heating and quenching environments
- Automotive exhaust system tubing — exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) tubes and secondary air injection pipes
- Thermal oxidizer and incinerator components — tube sections subjected to cyclic high-temperature exposure
- Oil and gas process piping — non-corrosive hydrocarbon streams at elevated temperatures
- Industrial oven and kiln tubing — structural tubes and combustion air preheat tubes
- Pulp and paper recovery boiler tubing — where sulfidation resistance is secondary to oxidation resistance
- Structural fabrications — tube sections for welded assemblies that cannot be post-weld annealed
Specifications & Standards
The following standards include 405 / S40500 / X6CrAl13 / 1.4002 in their scope. Standards specifically applicable to tubular products are marked with [Tube].
| Standard | Designation | Product Form | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| ASTM A268 / ASME SA268 | TP405 (S40500) | [Tube] Seamless and welded ferritic SS tubing | General service tubing — our primary tube supply standard |
| ASTM A511 | MT405 | [Tube] Seamless SS mechanical tubing | Mechanical and general engineering applications |
| ASTM A240 / ASME SA240 | Type 405 | Plate, sheet, strip | Pressure vessels and general applications |
| ASTM A276 | Type 405 (S40500) | Bar, shapes | Hot-finished or cold-finished bars |
| ASTM A479 / ASME SA479 | Type 405 (S40500) | Bar | Boiler and pressure vessel bars |
| EN 10088-1 | X6CrAl13 (1.4002) | General designation | European stainless steel listing |
| EN 10088-2 | X6CrAl13 (1.4002) | Plate, sheet, strip | Technical delivery conditions |
| EN 10088-3 | X6CrAl13 (1.4002) | Semi-finished, bars | Technical delivery conditions |
| JIS G4303 | SUS405 | Bars | Stainless steel bars (Japan) |
| JIS G4304 | SUS405 | Plate, sheet | Hot-rolled SS plate/sheet (Japan) |
| GB/T 20878 | S11348 / 06Cr13Al | General designation | Chinese stainless steel listing |
| ISO 15510 | X6CrAl13 | General designation | International stainless steel listing |
For tube supply, Fushun Steel Tube defaults to ASTM A268 / ASME SA268 for TP405 seamless. Other standards — including EN 10297-1 seamless circular steel tubes for mechanical purposes — can be referenced by agreement. Tell us which specification you require, and we will confirm feasibility.
Available Sizes & Delivery
Seamless Tube Size Range
| Product Type | OD Range | WT Range | Length |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hot-finished seamless tube | 21.3 mm – 610 mm (½″ – 24″) | 2.0 mm – 60 mm | Fixed 5.8 / 6.0 / 11.8 / 12.0 m, or random length |
| Cold-drawn / cold-rolled precision tube | 6 mm – 219 mm | 0.5 mm – 35 mm | Up to 15 m (straightened) |
| Honed tube (ID finished) | 30 mm – 500 mm | 3 mm – 50 mm | Per customer specification |
Delivery & MOQ
| Category | Typical Lead Time | MOQ |
|---|---|---|
| Standard sizes (ready stock) | ~7 days | 100 kg (trial) |
| Non-standard sizes, common schedule | 25–35 days | 2–3 metric tons |
| Special tolerance / custom OD-WT combinations | 30–40 days | 2–3 metric tons |
| Large-volume project orders | Negotiable (price advantage) | 10+ tons preferred |
| Trial / sample orders | 15–20 days | Under 1 ton accepted |
Custom wall thicknesses outside standard schedules are available upon inquiry. Fushun Steel Tube maintains flexibility on minimum order quantities — we welcome trial orders and startup projects. For precision requirements, see our cold drawn steel tube and cold rolled steel tube capabilities.
Chemical Composition
The chemical composition of 405 / S40500 / X6CrAl13 stainless steel per major standards:
| Element | ASTM A268 / ASME SA268 TP405 (%) | EN 10088-2 1.4002 (%) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Carbon (C) | ≤ 0.08 | ≤ 0.08 | Low carbon to limit hardening |
| Manganese (Mn) | ≤ 1.00 | ≤ 1.00 | — |
| Phosphorus (P) | ≤ 0.040 | ≤ 0.040 | — |
| Sulfur (S) | ≤ 0.030 | ≤ 0.015 | EN tighter sulfur control |
| Silicon (Si) | ≤ 1.00 | ≤ 1.00 | — |
| Chromium (Cr) | 11.50 – 14.50 | 12.00 – 14.00 | Primary element for oxidation resistance |
| Nickel (Ni) | ≤ 0.50 | ≤ 0.60 | Residual; not an intentional addition |
| Aluminum (Al) | 0.10 – 0.30 | 0.10 – 0.30 | Key element — promotes tight oxide scale at temperature |
The principal difference between the ASTM and EN specifications lies in the chromium range (EN is slightly narrower at 12.0–14.0%) and sulfur limit (EN requires ≤ 0.015% versus ASTM's ≤ 0.030%). Fushun Steel Tube produces to the tighter of the two when dual certification is required.
Manufacturing Process
Steelmaking Route
405 stainless steel begins with scrap-based or virgin-metal melting in an Electric Arc Furnace (EAF), followed by Argon Oxygen Decarburization (AOD) refining to achieve precise carbon and chromium control. The melt is then processed through Ladle Furnace (LF) and Vacuum Degassing (VD) to remove dissolved gases and ensure compositional homogeneity. For critical applications — such as tubes destined for high-integrity heat exchanger service — we can add Electroslag Remelting (ESR) to refine the solidification structure and reduce inclusion content. Where ultra-high cleanliness is demanded, Vacuum Induction Melting plus Vacuum Arc Remelting (VIM + VAR) is available.
Tube Manufacturing
- Hot-finished seamless tube
- Round billet → reheating → piercing → elongation (Assel / Pilger / continuous mill) → sizing → heat treatment → straightening → cutting → NDE
- Cold-drawn / cold-rolled precision tube
- Hot-finished tube hollow → annealing → pickling → cold drawing (or cold pilgering) → final heat treatment → straightening → cutting → surface finishing → inspection
- Honed tube (for hydraulic / pneumatic cylinder applications)
- Cold-drawn tube blank → honing (ID) → cleaning → final inspection
We work with each customer to select the most appropriate process route for their application. Whether the priority is dimensional precision, surface finish, mechanical performance, or cost optimization, we align the manufacturing path to your requirements.
Mechanical Properties
Mechanical properties at room temperature in the annealed condition, per applicable tube standards:
| Property | ASTM A268 TP405 | EN 10088-2 1.4002 (Sheet/Plate) | Remarks |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tensile Strength (Rm) | ≥ 415 MPa (60 ksi) | 400 – 600 MPa | — |
| Yield Strength (Rp0.2) | ≥ 205 MPa (30 ksi) | ≥ 230 MPa | — |
| Elongation (A, 50 mm gauge) | ≥ 20% | ≥ 17% | Longitudinal direction |
| Hardness (Brinell) | ≤ 207 HB | — | — |
| Hardness (Rockwell B) | ≤ 95 HRB | — | — |
| Elastic Modulus | ~200 GPa (29,000 ksi) | ~200 GPa | Typical value |
Elevated Temperature Considerations
405 stainless steel retains meaningful strength at moderate elevated temperatures but does experience gradual softening above approximately 480 °C (900 °F). For applications requiring guaranteed hot-strength properties, please provide the design temperature and we will supply verified elevated-temperature tensile data from production testing.
Low Temperature
405 is a ferritic stainless steel and exhibits a ductile-to-brittle transition. It is not recommended for cryogenic or sub-zero pressure boundary applications. For services below approximately 0 °C, an austenitic alternative is generally preferred.
Heat Treatment
405 stainless steel seamless tubes are supplied in the annealed condition as standard. The material does not respond appreciably to quench hardening, making its behavior predictable and uniform across welded and unwelded sections.
| Treatment | Temperature Range | Soak Time (Guideline) | Cooling | Purpose |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Annealing | 649 – 760 °C (1200 – 1400 °F) | 30 min – 2 h | Air cool | Soften structure, relieve stresses, maximize ductility |
| Post-weld stress relief | 649 – 760 °C (1200 – 1400 °F) | 1 h per 25 mm of WT | Air cool | Restore ductility in the weld zone |
| Sub-critical anneal | 700 – 760 °C | Per section thickness | Air cool | Relieve cold-work stresses without grain growth |
Key Notes for Tube Processing
- Overheating above approximately 850 °C (1562 °F) risks excessive grain growth in ferritic stainless steels, which cannot be reversed by heat treatment. Fushun Steel Tube strictly controls soak time and furnace temperature uniformity during tube processing.
- For cold-drawn precision tubes, the final anneal is performed in a controlled-atmosphere furnace (bright anneal) to preserve a clean, scale-free surface.
- Post-weld annealing, while not always mandatory for 405, is recommended when maximum joint ductility is required — particularly on thicker-walled tubes.
Surface Finish & Tolerances
| Finish Type | Process | Surface Condition | OD Tolerance (Typical) | WT Tolerance (Typical) | Ra (ID/OD) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hot-finished, as-rolled | Hot piercing + rolling | Black oxide scale | ±0.75% of OD | ±10% of WT | N/A |
| Hot-finished, pickled | As-rolled + acid pickling | Matte grey, scale-free | ±0.75% of OD | ±10% of WT | ~3.2 – 6.3 μm |
| Cold-drawn (CD) | Cold drawing + anneal | Semi-bright to bright | ±0.08 mm (OD ≤ 30 mm); ±0.15 mm (OD 30–50 mm) | ±8% of WT | ~0.8 – 1.6 μm |
| Cold-rolled / cold-pilgered | Cold pilgering + bright anneal | Bright, smooth | ±0.05 mm (small diameters) | ±5% of WT | ~0.4 – 0.8 μm |
| Turned OD | OD turning on lathe | Uniform machined surface | H9 – H11 | Per spec | ~1.6 – 3.2 μm (OD) |
| Ground OD | Centerless grinding | Smooth ground finish | h6 – h8 | Per spec | ~0.2 – 0.4 μm (OD) |
| Honed ID | Honing after cold drawing | Cross-hatch pattern, very smooth | Per spec | H7 – H9 on ID | Ra 0.1 – 0.4 μm (ID) |
For precision applications — such as heat exchanger ferrules, instrument tubing, or cylinder tubes — we recommend cold-drawn or cold-pilgered finish. For structural and general-service tubing, hot-finished pickled is typically the most cost-effective choice. Tell us your surface and tolerance requirements, and we will match the right finishing route.
Quality Assurance & Testing
Every shipment of 405 stainless steel seamless tube from Fushun Steel Tube is backed by a complete quality assurance program:
Raw Material / Incoming Inspection
- Optical emission spectrometry (OES) — full chemical analysis on every heat of steel received
- Positive material identification (PMI) by handheld XRF — verification at receiving
In-Process Controls
- Online OD gauge and wall thickness measurement during hot piercing and cold drawing
- Visual inspection at each stage: billet conditioning, intermediate surface checks, final surface
Finished Product Testing (per ASTM A268 and customer requirements)
- Tensile testing at room temperature — yield strength, tensile strength, elongation
- Hardness testing — Brinell or Rockwell B
- Ultrasonic testing (UT) — per ASTM E213 / ASTM A1016; 100% or sample per agreement
- Eddy current testing (ET) — per ASTM E426, standard for small-diameter precision tubes
- Hydrostatic test — per applicable product standard
- Dimensional inspection — OD, WT, length, straightness
- Visual and end-finish inspection — bevel, square-cut, or plain-end condition
Optional / Supplementary Tests
- Intergranular corrosion test — available upon request
- Flattening test and flaring test — for qualifying tube ductility per ASTM A268
- Positive Material Identification (PMI) report — 100% traceable to heat number
- Microstructure examination — grain size and phase assessment
Certification and Third-Party Inspection
- EN 10204 Type 3.1 certificate issued with every order as standard
- EN 10204 Type 3.2 available upon request (with third-party witness)
- Third-party inspection by SGS, TÜV, Bureau Veritas, or Lloyd's Register can be arranged
Fushun Steel Tube operates under an ISO 9001 certified quality management system. Every tube is traceable to its original mill heat number from billet through to final shipment.
Packing & Shipping
Packaging is matched to the product finish and transport mode to ensure tubes arrive in factory condition:
- Hot-finished, as-rolled / pickled tubes
- Anti-rust oil coating applied to external surface, bundled with steel strapping, ends protected with plastic caps as appropriate. Suitable for containerized sea freight or open-top flat-rack shipment.
- Cold-drawn / precision / honed tubes
- Each tube individually capped at both ends with plastic tube plugs; wrapped in VCI (volatile corrosion inhibitor) paper or anti-rust film; packed in plywood cases or steel-frame crates. This ensures no moisture ingress, no surface damage, and no handling marks during transit.
We ship from major Chinese ports (Shanghai, Ningbo, Qingdao) by sea freight as standard. Air freight and rail/land freight can be arranged for urgent or time-sensitive deliveries. Fushun Steel Tube works with all major international freight forwarders and can ship CIF, CFR, FOB, or EXW per the buyer's preference. Custom stenciling and buyer-specified shipping marks are available on request.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can Fushun Steel Tube supply 405 seamless tube in non-standard dimensions?
- Yes. While we keep common OD/WT combinations in ready stock, we manufacture non-standard sizes to order. Simply provide your target OD, wall thickness, length, and tolerance requirements — our engineering team will confirm feasibility and provide a lead time estimate, typically within 1–2 working days.
- Does 405 stainless steel tube require post-weld heat treatment?
- Not always, which is one of 405's defining advantages. Unlike other 12% chromium steels, 405 does not harden significantly from air cooling after welding. However, for thicker sections or applications demanding maximum joint ductility, a post-weld anneal at 649–760 °C (1200–1400 °F) is recommended. We can supply tubes in the annealed condition so that the base metal properties are already optimized before you weld.
- What is the maximum service temperature for 405 stainless steel seamless tube?
- 405 performs reliably in continuous service up to approximately 704 °C (1300 °F) and can withstand intermittent exposure up to 816 °C (1500 °F). Beyond these temperatures, oxidation scaling accelerates and grain growth may compromise structural integrity. For sustained service above 800 °C, a heat-resisting austenitic grade may be more appropriate — we can advise on the best material for your operating conditions.
- How does 405 compare to 304 and 316 stainless for corrosion resistance?
- 405 provides significantly less general corrosion resistance than austenitic grades like 304 and 316. It is not recommended for acidic media, chloride-containing environments, or marine exposure. The material's primary value lies in its oxidation resistance at elevated temperatures and its excellent machinability — it is selected for thermal applications, not for aggressive chemical service.
- What is the minimum order quantity, and can we order a trial quantity?
- We accept trial orders of 100 kg and above for stock sizes. For custom sizes, the minimum is typically 2–3 metric tons to cover mill setup costs, though we evaluate small-batch inquiries case by case. Our philosophy is to build long-term partnerships: if a trial order leads to recurring business, we keep initial pricing competitive.
Ready to get started? Contact our sales team today with your dimensions and quantity — we'll return a competitive quote within 24 hours.
