Material state matters
Grades and delivery conditions
The grade sets the steel property family; the delivery condition records how cold work and heat treatment leave the tube. Both belong on the order.
On this page
The short answer
Common steel names include E215, E235, E275, and E355, but availability and permitted grades depend on the selected part. Common delivery symbols include +C (cold drawn/hard), +LC (lightly cold worked), +SR (stress relieved), +A (annealed), and +N (normalized). Do not infer final properties from the grade alone.
What the condition changes
Cold work can raise strength while reducing ductility and leaving residual stress. Stress relieving, annealing, or normalizing changes machinability, forming response, dimensional stability, and the mechanical-property requirements used for acceptance.
| Symbol | General meaning | Selection consideration |
|---|---|---|
| +C | Cold drawn / hard | High cold-work state; forming may be limited |
| +LC | Lightly cold worked | Reduced final cold reduction |
| +SR | Stress relieved | Balances retained strength with reduced residual stress |
| +A | Annealed | Softer state for further processing |
| +N | Normalized | Normalized or normalized-forming condition |
Never omit the condition
Writing only “E355 tube” leaves the route, condition, tolerance system, and inspection basis unresolved. State the full standard part and edition, steel name, condition, dimensions, and options. Confirm availability with the producer; common stock patterns are market observations, not requirements of EN 10305.
Sources and limitations
- EN 10305-1:2016 — Seamless cold drawn tubes — Scope and technical delivery conditions for seamless cold-drawn circular precision tubes.
- EN 10305-2:2016 — Welded cold drawn tubes — Scope and technical delivery conditions for welded cold-drawn circular precision tubes.
- voestalpine Rotec — precision tube products — Producer context for manufacturing routes, applications, and capability; not a normative source.
These references inform this page but do not replace the purchased standard or national adoption. Numeric chemistry, property, and tolerance requirements remain controlled standards content. The contract edition, drawing, purchase order, and applicable law govern acceptance.