Steel tubing can be used in a variety of applications. While it may seem one-dimensional on the surface, the world of steel tubing is vast and complex.  This article will provide information on DOM tubes, a specific type of steel tubing. We will discuss how and why it is made so you can decide if it is the right fit for your project.

What does DOM stand for?

Drawn Over Mandrel is a welding technique that creates high-quality steel tubes using 1020/1026 electrical resistance. DOM tubing is a term that describes a high-strength steel tube. However, DOM tubing doesn't refer to the actual steel tube, but rather the process of making the tube. You can refer to webcotube.com/cold-drawn-welded to find a wide range of DOM tubing.

How is DOM tubing made?

Making DOM tubes is the same process as making any other electric resistance welded tubes. First, steel coils are cut to the desired size. Then, an electric resistance welding machine uses pressure to join the edges, creating the desired shape. The tube is then tested to ensure that it upholds industry standards and is cut to shape and size.  This is the end of an ERW steel tube, but DOM tubing goes one step further.

After the ERW steps have been completed, the entire flash weld is then removed and the tube is cold drawn over a mandrel, hence the name "Drawn Over Mandrel" tubing. Treating the metal again at a cooler temperature improves the shape, orientation, and grain size of the crystal lattice structure of the metal, making it longer. Close dimensional accuracy is established through tight control of both outside and inside diameters.