Copper Pipe
Why Choose Copper Pipe?
Copper has been the standard material for plumbing, HVAC, and refrigeration systems for nearly a century. Alternative materials like PEX, CPVC, and aluminum have emerged, but copper remains specified for critical applications where failure is not an option.
Key Advantages of Copper
| Advantage | What It Means for You |
|---|---|
| Service life 50+ years | Copper pipes installed in the 1930s are still working. Plastic pipes degrade from UV, chlorine, and heat. |
| Withstands high pressure | R410A refrigerant operates at 600 psi. Copper handles it. PEX and aluminum do not. |
| Wide temperature range | From -300°F (cryogenic) to 250°F (hot water). No embrittlement in cold. No creep in heat. |
| Oxygen barrier | Copper is completely impermeable. No oxygen gets into hydronic heating systems to rust boilers and pumps. |
| Antimicrobial | Kills Legionella, E. coli, and other pathogens on contact. Required for hospitals and food processing. |
| Fire safe | Does not burn. Does not emit toxic smoke. Non-combustible rating for plenum spaces. |
| 100% recyclable | Copper scrap retains full value. Green building credits available. |
| Multiple joining methods | Braze, solder, press, flare, compression, push-fit. One material covers all installation methods. |
The Bottom Line
Copper costs more upfront than plastic. But total ownership cost is lower when you account for:
Zero callbacks from failed fittings
No rodent damage (plastic pipes get chewed through)
Withstands freeze-thaw cycles better
Scrap value at end of service life
Passes inspection every time
For refrigerant lines, medical gas, boiler loops, high-rise water, and any system where failure means expensive damage – copper is the right choice.
We supply copper tube that arrives ready to install. No rework. No delays. No surprises.
What We Solve For You
Consistent wall thickness every time
Your tube will measure within ±0.03mm for diameters up to 1 inch and ±0.05mm for larger diameters. Every tube is checked by ultrasonic gauges. Your Mill Test Certificate shows actual measured values, not nominal ranges. You will never guess if the tube can handle system pressure.
Clean inner surface, ready for refrigerant
ACR tubes come dehydrated and oil-free. Residual oil is 0.003 g/m² or less. Moisture dew point is -40°C or lower. Both ends are capped and the tube is charged with dry nitrogen. You can braze directly into the system without cleaning or purging.
The exact temper your job needs
Soft annealed (O60) in coils for jobs that require bending around obstacles. Half-hard (H80) in straight lengths for general plumbing. Hard drawn (H58) in straight lengths for headers and risers that run straight. We confirm your application before shipping.
Properly packaged for ocean freight
Each tube has plastic caps on both ends and nitrogen fill at 0.2 bar. Coils come in moisture barrier bags with desiccant. Hexagonal bundles are steel-strapped and palletized. Tubes arrive bright and oxidation-free, even after weeks in a container.
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Full traceability for inspection
Every shipment includes an EN 10204 Type 3.1 Mill Test Certificate with heat numbers traceable to cast lots. Chemical composition and mechanical properties are documented. SGS, BV, or Intertek inspection can be arranged.
OD that fits standard fittings
1/2 inch tube measures 0.500 inches, not under-tolerance 0.495. You will never struggle to insert tube into flare nuts, press fittings, or swage joints. Works with Mueller, Nibco, Viega, SharkBite, and all major fitting brands.
Low MOQ for trial orders
Standard mixed sizes ship at 1 ton. Smaller trial quantities are accepted for first-time customers. Samples are free with freight collect.
Stock ready to ship
Common sizes are stocked at 500+ tons. Standard items dispatch within 3 days. No waiting weeks for mill production.
Product Classification
By Manufacturing Method: Seamless vs. Welded
Seamless Copper Tube
Made from a solid copper billet that is pierced, extruded, and drawn to size. No weld seam exists anywhere on the tube. This is the standard for pressure applications. Seamless tube is required for refrigerant lines (ASTM B280), medical gas, fire sprinkler, and most potable water systems. It can be bent, flared, and swaged without risk of splitting at a seam.
Welded Copper Tube
Made from copper strip that is roll-formed into a tube shape and welded along the longitudinal seam. The weld line is a potential weak point. Welded tube is used for low-pressure, non-critical applications such as drain lines, decorative architectural elements, and certain industrial heat transfer where pressure is minimal. Welded tube is not approved for refrigerant, medical gas, or potable water under most codes.
By Standard
ASTM B88 – North American Plumbing Standard
This is the standard for potable water, hydronic heating, and other plumbing applications in the United States and countries that follow US specifications. ASTM B88 defines three wall thickness grades within the same standard: Type K, Type L, and Type M. All three are seamless tube. The difference is only wall thickness. Type K is thickest (green color code), Type L is standard (blue), Type M is thin wall (red). We supply all three.
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ASTM B280 – North American HVAC Standard
This is the standard for refrigerant lines in air conditioning and refrigeration systems. ASTM B280 tube is seamless and has stricter requirements for internal cleanliness and dehydration than plumbing tube. It is always capped and nitrogen-charged. ACR tube is available in soft annealed coil and hard drawn straight lengths. Common sizes range from 1/4 inch to 4-1/8 inch OD.
02
EN 1057 – European Plumbing Standard
This is the standard for water and gas tube in Europe and other metric markets. EN 1057 defines three tempers: R220 (soft annealed, coil), R250 (half-hard, straight), and R290 (hard, straight). Sizes are metric from 6mm to 267mm OD. We supply EN 1057 tube for customers in Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and Asia.
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JIS H3300 C1220T – Japanese Standard
This is the standard for copper tube in Japan and projects following Japanese specifications. C1220T is phosphorus deoxidized copper, equivalent to ASTM C12200. It is used for plumbing, heating, and general engineering. We supply JIS H3300 tube for customers who require Japanese certification.
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By Temper
Supplied as coil. Can be bent by hand. Used for refrigerant lines, radiant floor heat, and any installation with multiple bends.
Soft annealed (O60 / R220)
Supplied as straight lengths. Can be bent with a hand bender. Used for general plumbing where some bending is needed.
Half-hard (H80 / R250)
Supplied as straight lengths. Rigid, cannot be bent without a mechanical bender. Used for long straight headers and risers.
Hard drawn (H58 / R290)
By Form
Straight Tube
Straight tube is cut to fixed lengths of 3m, 6m, or 20ft and shipped in bundles. It is available in half-hard (H80) or hard drawn (H58) temper. The rigid form is used for main water lines, building risers, mechanical room headers, and any installation where the tube runs straight and is supported at regular intervals. Bundles are hexagonally shaped, steel-strapped, and each tube is end-capped and nitrogen-filled.
Coil
Coil is continuous length of soft annealed (O60) tube wound into a circular bundle. Standard lengths are 15m, 30m, 50m, and 100m. The soft temper allows hand bending around obstacles without kinking. Coil is used for refrigerant line sets, radiant floor heating loops, and long water runs where eliminating joints reduces leak risks. Coils are wrapped in moisture barrier bags with desiccant, end-capped, and nitrogen-charged.
Technical Specifications & Parameters
Dimensions Available
| Parameter | Range |
|---|---|
| Outer diameter (imperial) | 1/4" to 4" |
| Outer diameter (metric) | 6mm to 108mm |
| Wall thickness | 0.5mm to 2.0mm |
| Length (straight tube) | 3m, 6m, 20ft |
| Length (coil) | 15m, 30m, 50m, 100m |
Dimensional Tolerances
| Parameter | Tolerance |
|---|---|
| Outer diameter (≤ 2") | ±0.05mm |
| Outer diameter (> 2") | ±0.10mm |
| Wall thickness (≤ 1.5mm) | ±0.03mm |
| Wall thickness (> 1.5mm) | ±0.05mm |
| Length (straight tube) | +0mm / -3mm |
| Length (coil) | ±0.5% |
ASTM B88 Wall Thickness – Type K, L, M
| Nominal Size | OD (inch) | Type K Wall | Type L Wall | Type M Wall |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1/4" | 0.375" | 0.035" | 0.030" | 0.025" |
| 3/8" | 0.500" | 0.049" | 0.040" | 0.028" |
| 1/2" | 0.625" | 0.049" | 0.040" | 0.028" |
| 5/8" | 0.750" | 0.049" | 0.042" | 0.032" |
| 3/4" | 0.875" | 0.065" | 0.045" | 0.032" |
| 1" | 1.125" | 0.065" | 0.050" | 0.035" |
| 1-1/4" | 1.375" | 0.065" | 0.055" | 0.042" |
| 1-1/2" | 1.625" | 0.072" | 0.060" | 0.049" |
| 2" | 2.125" | 0.083" | 0.070" | 0.058" |
| 2-1/2" | 2.625" | 0.095" | 0.080" | 0.065" |
| 3" | 3.125" | 0.109" | 0.090" | 0.072" |
| 4" | 4.125" | 0.120" | 0.100" | 0.080" |
Mechanical Properties by Temper
| Temper | Tensile Strength (MPa) | Elongation (%) | Characteristic |
|---|---|---|---|
| Soft (O60 / R220) | 205 – 260 | ≥ 40 | Bend by hand |
| Half-hard (H80 / R250) | 260 – 310 | ≥ 25 | Hand bender |
| Hard (H58 / R290) | ≥ 290 | ≥ 12 | Mechanical bender |
Physical Properties
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Density | 8.94 g/cm³ |
| Melting point | 1083°C (1981°F) |
| Thermal conductivity | 401 W/(m·K) |
| Coefficient of thermal expansion | 17.0 × 10⁻⁶ /K |
| Modulus of elasticity | 115 GPa |
Application Scenarios
HVAC & Refrigeration
Soft annealed ACR coil is used for split system air conditioners and heat pumps. The tube bends by hand around obstacles, eliminating fittings that could leak. Common sizes are 1/4" and 3/8" for the liquid line, and 1/2", 5/8", or 3/4" for the suction line. Hard drawn ACR straight lengths are used for VRF systems and commercial central AC. The rigid tube runs straight through mechanical rooms and up building risers. Sizes range from 3/8" to 2-1/8" depending on system capacity. Insulated line sets, with both tubes pre-wrapped in closed-cell foam, are used for mini-split installations to save field labor.
Plumbing & Potable Water
Type L (blue color code) is the standard choice for interior residential and commercial water lines. It handles typical city pressure (40-80 psi) and hot water temperatures up to 180°F. Type K (green) has thicker wall and is used for underground water mains, fire sprinkler lines, and any tube embedded in concrete. The extra wall thickness provides corrosion allowance and resists mechanical damage during backfill. Type M (red) is used for low-pressure drainage and closed-loop hydronic systems where local code permits.
Hydronic Heating & Solar Thermal
Soft annealed coil is used for radiant floor heating loops. The continuous length (up to 100m) eliminates joints under the slab. The same coil is used for solar thermal systems, where copper's high thermal conductivity (401 W/m·K) efficiently transfers heat from the collector to storage. Half-hard straight lengths are used for boiler room headers and distribution piping to fan coil units or radiators.
Medical Gas & Compressed Air
C12200 copper tube with strict internal cleanliness is specified for oxygen, nitrous oxide, and medical compressed air in hospitals and dental clinics. The tube must be free of oil, particulate, and moisture to prevent contamination of the gas supply. We supply this tube with end caps, nitrogen charge, and mill certificates traceable to each heat.
Industrial & Heat Exchanger
Hard drawn straight tube is used for shell-and-tube heat exchangers, condensers, and evaporators in power plants, chemical processing, and refrigeration skids. For seawater applications, we supply copper-nickel alloy (90/10 or 70/30) which resists saltwater corrosion.
Fire Sprinkler Systems
Type K copper tube is approved for fire sprinkler systems in residential and light hazard commercial occupancies. Copper does not rust internally like steel pipe, so sprinkler heads remain clear. Installation requires no threading equipment – brazed joints are faster and have lower pressure drop.
End Processing & Customization
Plain End
Tube is cut to specified length with square cut. No further processing. Used when the installer will cut and prepare ends on site. Standard for most straight tube shipments.
Deburred / Beveled
Burrs are removed from both ends after cutting. The inner edge is slightly beveled. This allows immediate insertion into press fittings or push-fit fittings (SharkBite, Viega, Nibco) without field preparation. Saves installation time.
Grooved
A rolled groove is formed near the tube end to accept mechanical couplings (Victaulic type). Used for large diameter copper tube in fire sprinkler and cooling water systems where bolted couplings are preferred over brazing.
Threaded (NPT or BSP)
Threads are cut into the tube end for screw fittings. Available for thicker wall tubes (Type K or L only). Not available for Type M or thin wall tube because threads would not hold.
Flared
Tube end is expanded outward into a cone shape using a flaring tool. Used with flare nuts for refrigerant connections in split ACs. Flared joints are removable, unlike brazed joints. Standard flare angles are 45° (typical for refrigeration) or 37° (for instrumentation).
Swaged / Expanded
One tube end is expanded so another tube of the same OD can slide inside for brazed coupling joints. Eliminates the need for a separate coupling fitting. Common in large diameter refrigerant and water lines.
U-Bend
Tube is bent into a U shape for heat exchanger bundles. Both legs are parallel. Radius is specified by customer. Bends are made on a mandrel bender to prevent kinking or ovality.
Pre-Insulated Line Set
Two ACR tubes (liquid and suction) are bonded together with closed-cell foam insulation and wrapped in UV-resistant PE or PVC jacket. Standard insulation thickness is 13mm or 19mm. Standard jacket color is black. Tube ends are left bare for 300mm on each end to allow brazing. Optional: factory-installed flare nuts. Lengths from 5m to 50m.
Quality & Testing
Every shipment of copper tube undergoes multiple inspections before leaving our factory. We do not rely on mill certificates alone. Each batch is tested in-house, and third-party inspection can be arranged at your request.
Testing Methods
| Test | Purpose | Standard |
|---|---|---|
| Eddy current testing (ECT) | Detects pinholes, cracks, and inclusions along the tube length | ASTM E243 |
| Pneumatic pressure test | Verifies no gross leaks at 2.5 MPa (360 psi) | – |
| Expansion test | Flares the tube end 30% to check ductility | ASTM B828 |
| Flattening test | Compresses tube to 2/3 of original OD to check for cracking | ASTM B968 |
| Tensile test | Measures ultimate and yield strength | ASTM E8 |
| Hardness test | Confirms temper (soft / half-hard / hard) | ASTM E18 |
| Cleanliness test (ACR only) | Checks residual oil and particulate levels | ASTM B280 |
Documentation Provided with Every Shipment
| Document | Content |
|---|---|
| Mill Test Certificate (EN 10204 Type 3.1) | Heat number, chemical analysis, mechanical test results, dimensions tested |
| Packing list | Quantities, lengths, bundle weights, total net and gross weight |
| Commercial invoice | Value, quantity, specifications for customs |
| Bill of lading | Ocean freight details, vessel name, container number |
Packaging & Logistics
Tube End Protection
Both ends of every tube are sealed with plastic caps. The caps keep moisture, dust, and debris out of the tube interior. For ACR tube, we add a dry nitrogen charge at 0.2 bar pressure before capping. The positive pressure prevents humid air from being drawn in during temperature changes in ocean freight.
Straight Tube Bundling
Straight tubes are formed into hexagonal bundles. The hexagonal shape nests tightly and resists shifting during transport. Bundle sizes vary by tube diameter:
| Tube OD | Pieces per bundle |
|---|---|
| 1/4" to 1/2" | 61 pieces |
| 5/8" to 7/8" | 37 pieces |
| 1" to 1-5/8" | 19 pieces |
| 2" and above | 7 or 10 pieces |
Bundles are wrapped with woven polypropylene fabric or PE film. Steel straps (two or three per bundle) secure the wrapping. Each bundle has a label showing size, temper, length, quantity, and heat number.
Coil Packaging
Coils are wound onto wooden reels or formed as level-wound coils without a reel. Small diameter coils (1/4" to 5/8") are typically pancake coils wrapped in PE film. Large diameter coils (3/4" to 1-1/8") are level-wound on reels. A moisture barrier bag covers the entire coil. Desiccant packs are placed inside the bag before heat-sealing. The sealed bag prevents moisture from reaching the tube surface during high-humidity ocean transit.
Palletizing and Container Loading
Bundles and coils are loaded onto heat-treated wooden pallets (ISPM-15 certified for export). Pallets are stacked no more than 1.5 meters high to prevent crushing bottom layers. Loaded pallets are stretch-wrapped and strapped to the pallet base.
For container loading, we use 20-foot or 40-foot standard containers. A 20-foot container holds approximately 22 pallets. A 40-foot container holds approximately 44 pallets. Maximum coil diameter must fit through container door (2.28 meters wide, 2.28 meters high).
Container Loading Options
| Option | Description |
|---|---|
| FCL (Full Container Load) | You fill the entire container. Most economical for large orders. |
| LCL (Less than Container Load) | Your cargo shares a container with other shipments. Higher per-unit cost but lower minimum quantity. |
| Breakbulk | For oversize bundles or heavy coils that do not fit standard containers. Shipped on flat rack or open top. |
Lead Times
| Order type | Processing time |
|---|---|
| Standard sizes in stock | 3-5 days |
| Non-standard sizes | 15-20 days |
| Custom processing (cutting, grooving, flaring) | Add 3-5 days |
| Insulated line sets | 10-15 days |
Factory & Service Advantages
Melting & Casting
We use a 15-ton tilting melting furnace capable of melting copper cathode at 1150°C. The furnace is equipped with a phosphorus feeder to add deoxidizing agent (P) during melting. Molten copper is cast into solid billets through a horizontal continuous casting machine. Each billet is 8 meters long and 200mm in diameter. Casting speed is controlled to prevent porosity and internal cracks.
Extrusion Press
A 2,500-ton extrusion press pierces the solid billet and forms it into a hollow tube shell. The billet is heated to 850°C-900°C and pushed through a die at 8mm per second. Exit temperature is controlled to 600°C-650°C. The resulting tube shell has rough dimensions of 90mm OD and 25mm wall thickness.
Three-Roll Planetary Rolling Mill
The rough tube shell enters a three-roll planetary rolling mill. This machine reduces wall thickness from 25mm to 3mm and outer diameter from 90mm to 48mm in a single pass. The rolling speed is 15 meters per minute. An inline eddy current tester checks for surface defects immediately after rolling.
Drawing Line
We have seven draw benches of different capacities. The largest can draw tubes up to 100mm OD. Drawing reduces tube diameter and wall thickness to final dimensions through carbide dies. A typical tube goes through 3 to 6 drawing passes depending on final size. Between passes, tubes are annealed in a bell-type annealing furnace to restore ductility.
Annealing Furnaces
We operate four bell-type annealing furnaces. Each furnace can hold up to 5 tons of tube. The annealing cycle runs for 8 hours at 500°C-550°C under a protective nitrogen atmosphere. The controlled atmosphere prevents oxidation during heating. After annealing, tubes cool for 4 hours before removal. Soft temper (O60) is achieved through this process.
Coiling Equipment
For soft temper products, we use a take-up coiling machine that winds tube onto reels or forms level-wound coils. The machine operates at 20 meters per minute and can handle tube diameters from 1/4" to 1-1/8". Coil weight ranges from 50kg to 500kg depending on diameter.
Cutting & Straightening
Two flying cutters cut the continuous tube into straight lengths of 3m, 6m, or 20ft while the line is running. Cut length accuracy is ±3mm. A six-roll straightener removes curvature from hard temper tubes. Straightness tolerance is 1mm per meter.
End Processing Equipment
For custom end finishing, we have the following machines:
| Equipment | Capacity | Operations |
|---|---|---|
| Deburring machine | Up to 4" OD | Removes burrs from cut ends |
| Beveling machine | Up to 4" OD | Creates 30° bevel on tube end |
| Grooving machine | 1" to 4" OD | Rolls grooves for mechanical couplings |
| Threading machine | 1/2" to 2" OD | Cuts NPT or BSP threads |
| Flaring machine | 1/4" to 1" OD | Forms 45° flare for refrigeration |
| Swaging machine | 1/4" to 2" OD | Expands tube end for coupling joints |
| Mandrel bender | 1/4" to 2" OD | Forms U-bends for heat exchangers |
FAQ
What is the difference between Type K, L, and M copper tube?
Type K has the thickest wall and is used for underground water mains, fire sprinkler, and high-pressure applications. Type L has standard wall and is the most common choice for interior plumbing. Type M has thin wall and is used for low-pressure drainage only. Color codes: Type K is green, Type L is blue, Type M is red.
What is the difference between seamless and welded copper tube?
Seamless tube is made from a solid billet with no weld seam. It is required for refrigerant lines, medical gas, and high-pressure water. Welded tube has a longitudinal weld seam and is used for low-pressure drainage, decorative applications, and some industrial uses where pressure is minimal. Welded tube cannot be used for HVAC refrigerant lines.
Can I use ACR tube for water lines?
Yes, but it costs more than plumbing tube. ACR tube meets stricter cleanliness standards, which is unnecessary for water systems. For water lines, use ASTM B88 plumbing tube (Type K, L, or M).
What temper should I order for my job?
Use soft annealed (O60) coil if you need to bend the tube around obstacles by hand. Use half-hard (H80) straight lengths for general plumbing where some bending is needed. Use hard drawn (H58) straight lengths for long straight runs where the tube will not be bent.
What is the minimum order quantity?
Standard mixed sizes: 1 ton. Small trial orders: 500kg accepted for first-time customers. Sample quantities: free, freight collect.
Do you provide samples?
Yes. Samples are free of charge. You pay only the shipping cost. Samples are typically 1 meter of tube with end caps.
What is your lead time?
Stock items dispatch within 3-5 days. Non-standard sizes require 15-20 days for production. Custom processing (cutting, grooving, flaring) adds 3-5 days.
What payment terms do you accept?
Standard terms: 30% deposit by T/T wire transfer, 70% balance against copy of bill of lading. Letter of credit (L/C at sight) is accepted for larger orders. Other terms negotiable based on order size and history.
Do you provide mill test certificates?
Yes. Every shipment includes an EN 10204 Type 3.1 Mill Test Certificate. The certificate shows chemical composition, mechanical properties, dimensions tested, and heat number for traceability.
Can I arrange third-party inspection?
Yes. We work with SGS, Bureau Veritas, and Intertek. You pay the inspection fee directly to the agency. We provide access to the factory and samples.
How is the tube packaged for ocean freight?
Straight tubes: plastic end caps, hexagonal bundles, woven fabric wrapping, steel straps. Coils: moisture barrier bag with desiccant, heat-sealed, wooden reel or level-wound. All pallets are ISPM-15 certified heat-treated wood.
How do I know what size tube I need?
Check your system specifications. For HVAC, the outdoor unit label lists required liquid and suction line sizes. For plumbing, local building codes specify minimum wall thickness based on application. We can help you confirm if you provide the system type and operating pressure.
What is the shelf life of stored copper tube?
Stored properly indoors (dry, off the ground, covered), copper tube has no shelf life limit. The material does not degrade over time. If end caps remain in place, the interior stays clean. Surface oxidation (dulling or darkening) is cosmetic and does not affect performance.
Why does my copper tube have dark spots or discoloration?
Surface oxidation occurs when tube is exposed to air and moisture. This is normal and does not weaken the tube. Light oxidation can be wiped off. Heavy oxidation (green patina) may require cleaning with a abrasive pad before brazing. If the tube was capped and nitrogen-charged, the interior should be bright.
Can copper tube freeze without bursting?
Copper tube expands slightly when water freezes. It tolerates a few freeze cycles without damage. Repeated freezing will eventually cause splitting. Plastic pipes (PEX, CPVC) are more likely to split on the first freeze because they expand asymmetrically. However, no pipe is freeze-proof – always drain systems that will be exposed to freezing temperatures.