What is TP1/C12000 copper?
C12000 is a high-performance phosphorus-deoxidized copper material characterized by excellent electrical conductivity, thermal conductivity, and workability. It is widely used in electrical, electronic, mechanical manufacturing, and architectural decoration fields. Through the phosphorus deoxidation process, the oxygen content is significantly reduced, eliminating the risk of hydrogen embrittlement. It also offers good weldability and corrosion resistance, making it an ideal copper alloy choice for industrial applications.
Chemical Composition
The chemical composition of C12000 strictly complies with standards, with main components as follows (mass percentage):
Copper (Cu): ≥ 99.9%
Phosphorus (P): 0.004% ~ 0.012%
Sum of other impurities: ≤ 0.1% (including trace elements such as iron, lead, tin, etc.)
The low phosphorus content ensures deoxidation effectiveness while maximizing copper purity and electrical conductivity, meeting the manufacturing requirements for high-precision components.
Physical and Mechanical Properties
Electrical Conductivity: Conductivity at room temperature ≥ 98% IACS (Annealed Copper Standard), close to the level of pure copper, suitable for high-conductivity devices.
Thermal Conductivity: Thermal conductivity ≥ 350 W/(m·K), offering excellent heat dissipation efficiency, commonly used in heat exchanger components.
Mechanical Properties:
Tensile Strength: 200 ~ 250 MPa (Soft State); 300 ~ 400 MPa (Hard State)
Elongation: ≥ 40% (Soft State); ≥ 10% (Hard State)
Hardness: 40 ~ 100 HV (Adjustable based on processing state)
Corrosion Resistance: Stable performance in dry air, freshwater, and non-oxidizing acids, with oxidation resistance superior to ordinary pure copper.
Workability and Applicability
Formability: C12000 copper rods and sheets possess superior ductility, supporting cold and hot working processes such as stamping, bending, and forging, making them suitable for forming complex structural parts.
Weldability: Compatible with various processes including brazing and gas-shielded welding, producing high-strength welds with low risk of cracking.
Surface Treatment: Compatible with processes such as electroplating and polishing, meeting both decorative and functional surface requirements.
Typical Application Fields
Electrical Industry: Busbars, terminals, relay components, and other conductive elements.
Electronic Equipment: Heat sinks, lead frames, high-frequency circuit substrates.
Industrial Components: Valves, bearings, heat exchanger tubing.
Architectural Decoration: Vintage copper ornaments, artistic sculptures, and high-end hardware.
Equivalent Grade Tables
| Standard System | Designation | Name / Description |
|---|---|---|
| UNS (USA) | C12000 | The defining standard. |
| ASTM (USA) | B152, B124 | Specification for Sheet/Strip & Rod/Bar forms. |
| SAE (USA) | SAE J461 | Lists C12000 as a standard material. |
| CDA (Copper Dev. Assoc.) | Alloy 120 | Often called "Copper No. 120" or "Alloy 120". |
| EN (European) - Old | CW024A | Common former European designation. |
| EN (European) - New | Cu-DHP | The modern EN standard name (EN 1652, 12449). |
| ISO | Cu-DHP | ISO 431/1981 designation. |
| JIS (Japan) | C1201 | Very close equivalent. |
FAQ
| What are the main applications of C12000 copper tubes? It's widely used in HVAC/R (heat exchangers, condensers), plumbing, medical gas systems, industrial fluid lines, and electrical busbars. |
| Does C12000 copper corrode in water systems? It has excellent corrosion resistance in clean, non-aggressive water. However, like all copper, it can be affected by acidic water, high-velocity flow, or certain chemicals (e.g., ammonia, sulfides). |
| Is C12000 suitable for underground water lines? Yes, especially when using Type K thick-walled tubing for burial. Its corrosion resistance and strength make it a durable choice for direct burial when soil conditions are non-aggressive. |
| What standards cover C12000 copper tubes? ASTM B75 (seamless), B280 (ACR tubes), EN 12735-1, and JIS H3300 are key standards for tubing. ASTM B152 covers sheet/plate forms. |
| What tempers are available for C12000 tubing? Common tempers are annealed (soft, O60), drawn (hard, H58), and light-drawn (H55). Annealed offers maximum formability; drawn provides higher strength. |
| Can C12000 be used in oxygen service or medical gas systems? Yes, after proper cleaning and degreasing, C12000 tubes are widely used in medical gas (oxygen, nitrous oxide) and high-purity gas systems due to their cleanliness and non-permeability. |
| How does phosphorus affect conductivity in C12000? The low residual phosphorus slightly reduces electrical conductivity (~85% IACS) compared to pure C11000 (~101% IACS), but it remains excellent for most thermal and electrical applications. |
| Is C12000 susceptible to stress corrosion cracking (SCC)? Copper alloys are generally less prone to SCC than brasses, but in environments with ammonia, amines, or nitrites, SCC can occur. Proper design and avoiding sustained tensile stress in such environments are recommended. |
Inquire about C12000 Pricing & Samples
Our product range
| Product Category | Key Product Forms | Common Standards (Examples) | Typical Applications / Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Copper Rods & Bars | Round Rods, Square Bars, Hexagonal Bars | ASTM B187, C11000, C10200; EN 12163-66; JIS H3250 | Electrical conductors, machined parts, connectors, hardware. Available in various tempers (soft, hard). |
| Copper Tubes & Pipes | Seamless Tubes, Straight Lengths, Coils (for flexible tubes) | ASTM B75, B280, B88; EN 12735; JIS H3300 | Plumbing, HVAC/R, heat exchangers, medical gas lines, hydraulic systems. |
| Copper Plates & Sheets | Plates (>6mm thickness), Sheets (<6mm thickness) | ASTM B152, C11000; EN 1652; JIS H3100 | Architectural cladding, industrial fabrication, grounding plates, chemical processing. |
| Copper Strips & Foils | Strips, Rolls, Precision Foils | ASTM B272, C11000; EN 1652; JIS H3100 | Electrical contacts, transformers, shielding, gaskets, decorative inlays. |
| Copper Wires | Bare Copper Wire, Stranded Wire, Busbars | ASTM B1, B3, B187; EN 13601; JIS H3260 | Windings, cables, busbars, fasteners, welding electrodes. |
Our factory
We are a specialized manufacturer of premium copper products, including rods, tubes, plates, bars, wires, and strips. Our factory strictly adheres to international standards such as ASTM, EN, JIS, and GB, ensuring material compliance for global markets. Equipped with modern production lines-including continuous casting for rods, cold drawing machines for tubes, and precision rolling mills for strips-we maintain tight control over dimensions and tolerances. Every batch undergoes rigorous in-house testing using spectrometers for chemical composition, tensile testers for mechanical properties, and eddy current testers for defect detection. Our dedicated quality lab guarantees traceable, reliable products for electrical, automotive, and engineering applications worldwide.
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