What is C12000 copper?
C12000 copper, also known as oxygen-free copper, is a high-purity representative of the copper alloy family. Its copper content is over 99.95%, and the total impurities are strictly controlled to within 0.05%, mainly consisting of trace elements such as oxygen, sulfur, and phosphorus. This near-pure chemical composition endows C12000 copper with excellent physical and chemical properties.
In terms of performance, C12000 copper exhibits extremely high electrical and thermal conductivity, making it an ideal choice for power transmission and heat exchange. Its electrical conductivity is close to the theoretical limit, effectively reducing energy loss; simultaneously, its excellent thermal conductivity ensures rapid heat transfer, making it suitable for applications requiring efficient heat dissipation. Furthermore, this material possesses good machinability and weldability, easily formed through hot and cold processing to meet the manufacturing needs of complex structural components. Strong corrosion resistance is also a significant feature, maintaining long-term stability in various environments and extending its service life.
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Chemical Compostion
(%max., unless shown as range or min.)
| CU (1) | ZR | |
|---|---|---|
|
Min./Max. |
99.90 Min |
0.004-0.012 |
|
Nominal |
– |
0.008 |
Applicable Specifications
| Product | Specification |
|---|---|
|
Shapes |
SAE J461, J463 |
|
Shapes, Bus |
ASTM B187 |
Common Specifications
Blanking, Coining, Coppersmithing, Drawing, Etching, Forming and Bending, Heading and Upsetting, Hot Forging and Pressing, Piercing and Punching, Roll Threading and Knurling, Shearing, Spinning, Squeezing and Swaging, Stamping
Fabrication Properties
| Joining Technique | Suitability |
|---|---|
|
Soldering |
Excellent |
|
Brazing |
Excellent |
|
Oxyacetylene Welding |
Fair |
|
Gas Shield Arc Welding |
Excellent |
|
Coated Metal Arc Welding |
Not Recommended |
|
Spot Weld |
Not Recommended |
|
Seam Weld |
Not Recommended |
|
Butt Weld |
Good |
|
Capacity for being Cold Worked |
Excellent |
|
Capacity for being Hot Formed |
Excellent |
|
Forgeability Rating |
65 |
|
Machineability Rating |
20 |
Physical Properties
| US Customary | Metric | |
|---|---|---|
|
Melting Point – Liquids |
1981 F |
1083 C |
|
Melting Point – Solidus |
1981 F |
1083 C |
|
Density |
0.323 LB/IN3 @ 68 F |
8.94 GM/CM3 @ 20 C |
|
Specific Gravity |
8.94 |
8.94 |
|
Electrical Resistivity |
10.6 OHMS–CMIL/FT @ 68 F |
1.76 MICROHM–CM @ 20 C |
|
Electrical Conductivity * |
98% ACS @ 68 F |
0.573 MEGASIEMENS/CM @ 20 C |
|
Thermal Conductivity |
223.0 BTU · FT/(HR · FT2·OF) @ 68 F |
386.0 W/M · OK AT 20 C |
|
Coefficient of Thermal Expansion |
9.4 ·10–6 PER OF (68–212 F) |
16.9 ·10–6 PER OC (20–100 C) |
|
Coefficient of Thermal Expansion |
9.6 ·10–6 PER OF (68–392 F) |
17.3 ·10–6 PER OC (20–200 C) |
|
Coefficient of Thermal Expansion |
9.8 ·10–6 PER OF (68–572 F) |
17.6 ·10–6 PER OC (20–300 C) |
|
Specific Heat Capacity |
0.092 BTU/LB/OF @ 68 F |
393.5 J/KG · OK AT 293 K |
|
Modulas of Elasticity in Tension |
18700 KSI |
129000 MPa |
|
Modulas of Rigidity |
6400 KSI |
44130 MPA |
Industrial Applications of C12000 Copper Tubing
Heat Exchange and Piping Systems
C12000 occupies a core position in the field of thermal management:
Heat Exchange Components: Used in air conditioning refrigeration copper tubing, solar collector channels, industrial boiler heat exchange tubes, and automotive radiator cores, relying on its high thermal conductivity and corrosion resistance.
Fluid Transport Piping: Including gas transmission pipes, medical gas pipelines, underfloor heating coils, and chemical equipment linings. Its weldability and cold bending characteristics ensure the sealing and durability of complex piping systems.
FAQ
Q: What standards cover C12000 copper tubes?
A: ASTM B75 (seamless), B280 (ACR tubes), EN 12735-1, and JIS H3300 are key standards for tubing. ASTM B152 covers sheet/plate forms.
Q: What tempers are available for C12000 tubing?
A: Common tempers are annealed (soft, O60), drawn (hard, H58), and light-drawn (H55). Annealed offers maximum formability; drawn provides higher strength.
Q: Can C12000 be used in oxygen service or medical gas systems?
A: 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.
Q: How does phosphorus affect conductivity in C12000?
A: 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.
Q: Is C12000 susceptible to stress corrosion cracking (SCC)?
A: 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.
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Dimensional Range Table
In plumbing and HVAC standards, copper tubing is commonly classified into three main types based on wall thickness: Type K, Type L, and Type M.
Type K: Has the thickest wall. It is the strongest and most durable, primarily used for underground burial, high-pressure applications, and where the highest level of protection is required.
Type L: Has a medium wall thickness. It is the most common and versatile type, widely used for residential and commercial water supply lines (hot and cold) and for many HVAC applications.
Type M: Has the thinnest wall. It is suitable for above-ground, low-pressure residential water supply lines and some drainage applications, offering a cost-effective solution where conditions allow.
The outside diameter (OD) is the same for all three types within a given nominal size. The difference lies in the inner diameter (ID), which decreases as the wall gets thicker.
| Nominal Size (inches) | Type K | Type L | Type M |
|---|---|---|---|
| Outside Diameter (OD) | Same for all types | ||
| Wall Thickness | Thickest | Medium | Thinnest |
| Inside Diameter (ID) | Smallest | Medium | Largest |
| 1/2" | OD: 0.625" ID: 0.527" Wall: 0.049" |
OD: 0.625" ID: 0.545" Wall: 0.040" |
OD: 0.625" ID: 0.569" Wall: 0.028" |
| 3/4" | OD: 0.875" ID: 0.745" Wall: 0.065" |
OD: 0.875" ID: 0.785" Wall: 0.045" |
OD: 0.875" ID: 0.811" Wall: 0.032" |
| 1" | OD: 1.125" ID: 0.995" Wall: 0.065" |
OD: 1.125" ID: 1.025" Wall: 0.050" |
OD: 1.125" ID: 1.055" Wall: 0.035" |
Our factory
We provide a full range of copper products-rods, tubes, plates, bars, wires, and strips-tailored to international specifications including ASTM, BS, and JIS. Our manufacturing capabilities feature horizontal continuous casting for large-diameter bars, rotary piercing mills for high-precision tubes, and multi-roll finishing mills for ultra-thin strips. To ensure superior quality, we implement comprehensive testing protocols: chemical analysis via XRF, mechanical property verification on universal testing machines, and non-destructive testing (ultrasonic and eddy current) for internal and surface integrity. With integrated production, rigorous inspection, and flexible customization, we deliver high-performance copper materials for electrical, HVAC, machinery, and construction industries worldwide.
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