Originally Posted by
onehundred80
I do not see where the quality of the steel in these parts is mentioned.
I'd never consider aluminum, tube or solid.
I'd go with solid steel rather than tubular steel parts.
With a Tensile Strength (PSI) of 80,000, a Yield Strength (PSI) of 70,000 and a Rockwell Hardness of B80, DOM is more then strong enough and comparable to solid steel. Plus it weighs less and makes for stronger threads.
DOM is actually not a type of tubing, but a process that is applied to tubing after it is initially constructed. It is Drawn Over a Mandrel...which "cold works" it, giving it more exact dimensions relative to the inside and outside diameters, a smoother finish, and better alignment of the crystal lattice structure. Although it is almost always referred to as a SEAMLESS tube, technically it is NOT seamless tubing, and it started life as some sort of EW (electric welded) tubing. During the manufacturing process, the weld line becomes nearly undetectable, thus it is referred to as SEAMLESS. It is considered a high strength, high quality tube, and is normally constructed from SAE 1020 or 1026 steel. DOM is commonly used in the manufacturing of race cars and motorcycle frames. DOM is now required for a roll cage by most organizations.
Only Chromoly is stronger then DOM, and much more expensive.