ASTM A252 is a widely recognized standard issued by the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM), covering welded and seamless steel pipes used in structural applications such as piling, foundation supports, and infrastructure development. This specification ensures that the steel pipes meet stringent requirements for mechanical strength, weldability, and long-term durability.
Spiral Submerged Arc Welded (SSAW) pipes manufactured under ASTM A252 are especially suited for bearing and casing applications, including bridge foundations, marine piling, and underground structures. The helical weld seam enhances their pressure resistance and load-bearing capacity, offering a cost-effective alternative to seamless pipes without compromising structural integrity. Here is an overview of ASTM A252 SSAW steel pipe.
Union Steel Industry Co., Ltd is professional SSAW steel pipe manufacturer, for more details, please contact:sales@union-steels.com
Leading ASTM A252 SSAW Steel Pipe Manufacturers (2025)
Selecting a reliable manufacturer is essential to ensure consistent quality, full compliance with ASTM A252 standards, and extended service life. Below are some of the top SSAW steel pipe producers in 2025:
1. Union Steel Industry Co., Ltd
Over 30 years of experience in steel pipe manufacturing
Operates 13 production lines for spiral welded pipes ranging from Φ219–Φ3500mm
Certified to ASTM A252, API 5L, and ISO 9001 standards
Annual production capacity: 400,000 tons
Offers various custom coatings: FBE, 3LPE, cement mortar lining
2. American SpiralWeld Pipe Company (USA)
A leading U.S. manufacturer specializing in ASTM A252-compliant pipes
Supplies steel pipes for large-scale infrastructure and foundation projects
3. Jindal SAW Ltd (India)
A key supplier of large-diameter welded steel pipes
Serves foundation piling and structural markets worldwide
4. ArcelorMittal (Europe)
One of the largest global steel producers
Manufactures ASTM A252-certified pipes for construction and industrial sectors
5. Welspun Corp Ltd (India)
A major manufacturer of spiral welded pipes
Serves marine piling, bridge construction, and underground support projects
ASTM A252 Spiral Welded Pipevs Other Pipe Standards
Feature
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ASTM A252 Spiral Welded Pipe
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API 5L Welded Pipe
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ASTM A53 Welded Pipe
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EN 10219 Structural Pipe
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Manufacturing Process
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Helical Submerged Arc Welding (HSAW)
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SAW or ERW
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SAW or ERW
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Cold-formed HSAW
|
Strength & Durability
|
High for structural applications
|
High for oil & gas
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Moderate
|
High for structural use
|
Pressure Resistance
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Excellent
|
Superior
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Moderate
|
Moderate
|
Corrosion Resistance
|
Can be enhanced with coatings
|
Requires coatings
|
Requires coatings
|
Requires coatings
|
Cost
|
Cost-effective
|
Moderate
|
Moderate
|
Cost-effective
|
Size Availability
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Large diameter (up to 3500mm)
|
Large diameter
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Limited diameter
|
Large diameter
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Application
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Piling, foundations, marine structures
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Oil & gas, industrial pipelines
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Water transmission, construction
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Structural, bridges, offshore
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Why Choose ASTM A252 SSAW Steel Pipes?
ASTM A252 spiral welded steel pipes are widely preferred in structural engineering due to their reliable performance and cost-effectiveness. Key advantages include:
High Strength and Durability
Designed to withstand heavy loads, these pipes are ideal for demanding piling applications.
Cost-Effective for Large-Diameter Projects
Compared to seamless pipes, spiral welded pipes offer a more economical solution for large-scale infrastructure work.
Ideal for Challenging Applications
Perfectly suited for bridge foundations, marine piling, and underground structural supports.
Excellent Weldability and Easy Installation
Their consistent weld quality and formability make them easy to install on-site, even in complex environments.
ASTM A252 Spiral Welded Pipe: Welding Process & Manufacturing
The production of ASTM A252 spiral welded pipes involves rigorous quality control to ensure high mechanical strength, dimensional accuracy, and compliance with international piling standards. Below is a step-by-step overview of the manufacturing process:
1. Steel Coil Selection
High-quality carbon steel coils are chosen based on ASTM A252 material specifications.
Common steel grades include Grade 1, Grade 2, and Grade 3, with Grade 3 being the strongest and most frequently used.
2. Spiral Forming
The steel strip is fed into a spiral forming machine, where it is rolled into a helical shape.
The spiral seam structure enhances load-bearing capacity and internal pressure resistance, making it suitable for structural piling.
3. Submerged Arc Welding (SAW)
Double Submerged Arc Welding (DSAW) is employed to achieve strong, defect-free welds.
This process ensures deep weld penetration, excellent uniformity, and high stress resistance.
4. Quality Control & Testing
Ultrasonic and X-ray testing are conducted to detect internal and external flaws.
Hydrostatic pressure tests confirm the pipe’s ability to withstand high-pressure conditions.
Dimensional inspections verify straightness, wall thickness consistency, and accurate outer diameter.
5. Coating & Corrosion Protection
Pipes can be coated with Fusion Bonded Epoxy (FBE), 3-Layer Polyethylene (3LPE), or bitumen coatings to provide resistance against corrosion, moisture, and environmental exposure.
6. Final Inspection & Certification
Each pipe undergoes a final quality inspection to ensure compliance with ASTM A252, ISO 9001, and other relevant standards.
Pipes are marked with grade, size, heat number, and manufacturer’s name for full traceability and documentation.
Common Coating Options For ASTM A252 Pipes
Coating Type
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Advantages
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Applications
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Fusion Bonded Epoxy (FBE)
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High corrosion resistance, strong adhesion
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Marine piling, underground pipelines
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3LPE (Three-Layer Polyethylene)
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Excellent impact resistance, moisture protection
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Water transmission lines, oil & gas pipelines
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Bitumen Coating
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Cost-effective, good for underground applications
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Foundations, bridge supports
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Galvanized Coating
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Corrosion-resistant, long-lasting
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Offshore structures, marine piling
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ASTM A252 Spiral Welded Pipe for Water Transmission Projects
ASTM A252 spiral welded pipes play a crucial role in water transmission infrastructure, including water supply pipelines, drainage systems, and irrigation networks. Their structural strength and adaptability make them a reliable choice for transporting large volumes of water efficiently and safely.
Why Choose ASTM A252 Pipes for Water Transmission?
Exceptional Strength and Durability
Engineered to withstand high internal pressures and continuous flow in large-scale water transport systems.
Corrosion-Resistant Coatings for Long-Term Use
Compatible with coatings such as FBE and 3LPE, providing long-lasting protection against rust, moisture, and environmental degradation.
Cost-Effective Solution
Offers a more economical option compared to seamless pipes, particularly for large-diameter and long-distance applications.
Available in Large Diameters
Ideal for bulk water conveyance in municipal and agricultural projects, reducing the need for multiple smaller pipelines.
Comparing ASTM A252 vs Other Water Transmission Pipes
Feature
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ASTM A252 Spiral Welded Pipe
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Ductile Iron Pipe
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PVC Pipe
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Strength & Load Bearing
|
High
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Very High
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Low
|
Corrosion Resistance
|
Can be enhanced with coatings
|
Naturally resistant
|
High
|
Cost
|
Cost-effective
|
Expensive
|
Cheap
|
Diameter Availability
|
Large diameter
|
Limited
|
Limited
|
Best Use Case
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Large-scale water pipelines
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Municipal water distribution
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Small plumbing systems
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FAQ: ASTM A252 Spiral Welded Pipe
Question
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Answer
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What is ASTM A252 Spiral Welded Pipe used for?
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Mainly used for piling, foundation supports, and marine structures.
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What is the strongest grade of ASTM A252?
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Grade 3 is the strongest and most commonly used for piling.
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What coatings are available?
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FBE, 3LPE, cement mortar lining, and galvanized coatings.
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How does it compare to API 5L pipes?
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ASTM A252 is designed for structural applications, while API 5L is for oil & gas pipelines.
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Who is the best supplier?
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Union Steel Industry Co., Ltd is a leading supplier with ISO & ASTM A252 certifications.
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What is the price per ton in 2025?
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Prices range from 950to950 to 950to2,900 per ton, depending on size and coating.
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How are these pipes tested?
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Ultrasonic, hydrostatic, and X-ray inspections ensure quality compliance.
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Are ASTM A252 pipes available in large diameters?
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Yes, they are available in sizes up to 3500mm in diameter.
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