What is TP1/C12000 copper?
The C12000 copper alloy, also known as oxygen-free phosphorus-deoxidized copper, is a type of deoxidized copper alloy primarily composed of copper (Cu) with a small amount of phosphorus (P). During the smelting process, phosphorus is added as a deoxidizer to eliminate oxygen from the copper, thereby enhancing its electrical conductivity and mechanical properties. The C12000 copper alloy is widely used in the electrical and electronics industries and is a highly important industrial material.
C12000 copper Physical Properties
|
Property |
Value |
|
Density (g/cm³) |
8.94 |
|
Melting Point (°C) |
1083 |
|
Electrical Conductivity (%IACS) |
98 – 100 |
|
Thermal Conductivity (W/m·K) |
391 (at 20°C) |
Composition
|
Element |
Cu |
P |
Pb |
Fe |
Zn |
Others |
|
Weight % |
≥ 99.9 |
0.004–0.012 |
≤ 0.005 |
≤ 0.005 |
≤ 0.005 |
≤ 0.1 |
Applications of C12000
Electrical wires and cables: Due to its high electrical conductivity and flexibility, the C12000 copper alloy is widely used in the manufacturing of various electrical wires and cables.
Electronic components: In electronic components, the C12000 copper alloy is commonly used to manufacture connectors and terminals, ensuring excellent electrical contact performance.
Heat exchange equipment: Thanks to its outstanding thermal conductivity, the C12000 copper alloy plays a crucial role in the manufacturing of heat exchangers, radiators, and cooling devices.
The C12000 copper alloy possesses the following unique advantages:
High electrical conductivity: Although its conductivity is slightly lower than that of oxygen-free copper, it still achieves a high electrical conductivity of 85% IACS, meeting the requirements of most electrical applications.
Excellent workability: Due to the addition of phosphorus, the C12000 copper alloy performs exceptionally well during hot and cold working processes, making it easy to stretch, stamp, and weld.
Resistance to hydrogen embrittlement: The C12000 copper alloy exhibits good resistance to hydrogen embrittlement, making it safer and more reliable for use in hydrogen-rich environments.
Corrosion resistance: In atmospheric and marine environments, the C12000 copper alloy demonstrates excellent corrosion resistance, making it suitable for use in various harsh conditions.
Product Applications
Electrical connectors and terminals.
Heat exchangers and cooling systems.
Busbars and power transmission components.
Plumbing fittings and HVAC systems.
Semiconductor lead frames.
Equivalent Grades Table for C12000 Copper
| Standard System | Equivalent Grade | Name / Description |
|---|---|---|
| UNS (USA) | C12000 | The defining standard. Phosphorus-deoxidized copper. |
| ASTM (USA) | B152, B124 | Specification standards for sheet/strip and rod/bar forms. |
| CDA (USA) | Alloy 120 | Copper Development Association designation. |
| Common Name | DHP Copper | Deoxidized High Phosphorus - the universal industry name. |
| EN (Europe) | Cu-DHP | Modern European designation (EN 1652, 12449). |
| ISO | Cu-DHP | International Standard (ISO 431). |
| JIS (Japan) | C1201 | The direct Japanese equivalent. |
| BS (UK - Old) | C106 | Former British Standard for tubes (BS 2875). |
| China GB | TP1 | The closest functional Chinese equivalent. Phosphorus-deoxidized copper for tubes/pipes. |
FAQ
| What's the difference between C11000 (ETP) and C12000 (DHP)? C11000 (ETP – Electrolytic Tough Pitch) contains oxygen and may suffer from hydrogen embrittlement in reducing atmospheres. C12000 is deoxidized with phosphorus, making it suitable for brazing, welding, and high-temperature applications without embrittlement risk. |
| Can C12000 copper be welded or brazed easily? Yes, C12000 is highly weldable and brazeable due to its deoxidized nature. Autogenous welding and brazing can be performed without flux when joining copper-to-copper. |
| 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. |
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.
Get Fast Quote & Logistics Plan
