What is C12000 copper?
C12000 Phosphorus-Deoxidized Copper is a copper alloy that undergoes deoxidation treatment by adding a trace amount of phosphorus (0.004%–0.012%). Its unique composition design retains high electrical and thermal conductivity while significantly improving welding and processing performance, making it a critical material in industrial applications.
We provide TP1/C12000 copper pipes
Inquire about C12000 Tube Pricing & Samples
Core Characteristics: Performance and Advantages
Composition and Physical Properties
C12000 is based on high purity, with a copper-silver (Cu+Ag) content of ≥99.90% and phosphorus (P) strictly controlled within the range of 0.004%–0.012%. The addition of trace phosphorus effectively eliminates the adverse effects of oxygen (oxygen content ≤0.015%), preventing "hydrogen embrittlement" (hydrogen-induced cracking in high-temperature reducing atmospheres) while refining the grain structure to enhance mechanical properties. Its density is 8.96 g/cm³, melting point is 1080°C–1085°C, electrical conductivity reaches 98% IACS (International Annealed Copper Standard), thermal conductivity is 380 W/(m·K), and thermal expansion coefficient is 17.3×10⁻⁶/°C. Its comprehensive performance is superior to that of ordinary pure copper.
Mechanical and Processing Characteristics
Strength and Plasticity: Mechanical properties vary significantly with the processing state. In the soft state (O60), tensile strength is 210–250 MPa, elongation ≥35%, and hardness is 45–65 HV; in the hard state (H04), tensile strength is 300–360 MPa, elongation ≥3%, and hardness is 100–130 HV. This wide range of adjustability allows it to meet diverse requirements, from deep drawing to spring components.
Processing Adaptability: It exhibits excellent cold and hot working performance, supporting operations such as stamping, bending, and welding. Its brazing fluidity is 20% higher than that of ordinary copper, making it suitable for flame welding, induction welding, and other processes. Additionally, it poses no risk of "hydrogen embrittlement" in reducing atmospheres (though it is limited in oxidizing atmospheres).
Industrial Applications
Heat Exchange and Piping Systems
C12000 holds a central position in thermal management:
Heat Exchange Components: Used in copper tubes for air conditioning and refrigeration, flow channels for solar collectors, heat exchanger tubes for industrial boilers, and automotive radiator cores, relying on its high thermal conductivity and corrosion resistance.
Fluid Transport Piping: Includes gas supply pipes, medical gas pipelines, underfloor heating coils, and chemical equipment lining pipes. Its welding performance and cold-bending characteristics ensure the sealing and durability of complex piping systems.
Electrical and High-End Equipment
Conductive Components: Suitable for motor brushes, busbars, and integrated circuit lead frames, balancing electrical conductivity requirements (98% IACS) with structural strength.
Special Scenarios: Resists corrosion in seawater pipelines for ships and brewing equipment; provides lightweight, high-strength solutions for aerospace fasteners and artistic structural components.
Construction and Transportation
As building water supply and drainage pipes, train carriage components, and copper decorative materials, it combines functionality with long service life, adapting to harsh outdoor environments.
Processing and Optimization: Key Technical Treatments
Heat Treatment Specifications
Annealing Process: 500°C–600°C holding for 1 hour (requires a protective atmosphere) to eliminate work hardening.
Stress Relief Annealing: 300°C holding for 2 hours to stabilize dimensions and properties.
Surface Strengthening
Enhances corrosion resistance through chromate passivation or improves wear and oxidation resistance via tin or nickel electroplating, expanding its application boundaries in chemical and marine environments.
FAQ
| 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. |
| 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. |
Check Today's Stock & Lead Time
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.
Get Fast Quote & Logistics Plan
