Tube Talk: What is DOM Tubing?

What is DOM Tubing?

DOM steel tubing features superior surface finish and precision compared to other types of tubing. It is typically more cost-effective than cold drawn seamless tubing while providing good formability and machinability.

DOM tubing is produced from 1020/1026 electric resistance welded (ERW) tubes, often referred to as "mother tubes," which are altered into their final shape through a cold drawing process.

Before drawing, the mother tubes undergo a phosphate bath to remove scale and add lubricity, ensuring the longevity of the dies during the drawing process.

DOM tubing is typically made to ASTM A513 Type 5 standards. European standards, such as 10305-2, may also be applicable.

Among the more common DOM round tube grades are 1020 and 1026.

What Characteristics Make DOM Tubing Unique?

Damon Brown is a supply chain manager for Ryerson, specializing in carbon steel long products. He notes that the most common applications that leverage DOM are those that require tight tolerances and high strength for their components, such as hydraulic equipment.

Questions often arise about whether DOM tubing can be welded, to which Brown says the conversation should be geared more towards the weld integrity of the tubing itself.

Brown says, 'DOM tubing has tight tolerances on the outside diameter, inside diameter, and wall thickness, which ensures great concentricity and solid weld integrity. It's a high-quality, cost-effective option for tough applications.”

Here are some other advantages of DOM tubing:

• Precision: DOM tubing boasts tight tolerances on outside diameter (OD), inside diameter (ID), and wall thickness, though only two of the three dimensions are guaranteed at a time.
• Surface Finish: The process results in a superior surface finish, which is critical for applications requiring high precision.
• Concentricity: DOM tubing provides maximum concentricity and minimal wall variation, making it a high-quality and cost-effective choice for demanding applications.

What Are Some Primary Applications of DOM Tubing?

DOM tubing is extensively used in hydraulic cylinders, fluid power applications, automotive components (such as axles, bushings, gas springs, shock absorbers, suspension components, and transmission shafts), and telescoping applications.

Is DOM Tubing the Right Metal for Me?

It is critical to evaluate whether the demands of your application require the precision and characteristics of DOM tubing. If not, perhaps a less expensive alternative like hot rolled tubing could suffice.

Work with Ryerson on all your DOM tubing needs, leveraging our comprehensive inventory and strong industry relationships.

Ready to Buy DOM Tubing?