What is C12000 copper?
UNS C12000 is a copper alloy composed of copper, iron, and manganese. This alloy possesses excellent mechanical properties and is used in a variety of applications due to its corrosion resistance, heat resistance, and machinability. It is also relatively easy to weld, making it a common material in many industries. Below, we will take a detailed look at the composition, properties, uses, corrosion resistance, heat resistance, heat treatment, and machining of C120 copper.
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C120 copper composition
UNS C12000 is composed of 99% copper and small amounts of iron (0.4%) and manganese (0.2%). It exhibits excellent mechanical properties; after cold working, its tensile strength ranges from 25 kSi to 35 kSi, and its yield strength ranges from 15 kSi to 25 kSi. It also has relatively high electrical conductivity, ranging from 17-21% IACS.
| nominal | minimum | maximum | |
|---|---|---|---|
| copper | - | 99.90 | - |
| phosphorus | .004-.012 | - | - |
Chemical properties of C120 copper
When seeking a specific set of chemical properties, UNS C12000 is an excellent choice. It offers excellent electrical and thermal conductivity, as well as superior formability and corrosion resistance. It also exhibits good strength properties under pressure, making it ideal for applications requiring such properties. Its malleability makes it easy to work with; copper C120 sheets can be cut and formed into a variety of different shapes without sacrificing any of its properties. Its oxidation resistance ensures a long service life and makes copper C120 suitable for outdoor applications that may be exposed to moisture or extreme temperatures. In conclusion, this alloy is an excellent choice for those seeking strong chemical properties in their applications.
Mechanical properties of C120 copper
UNS C12000 is a copper grade whose superior properties make it highly attractive for both industrial and residential applications. With a minimum copper content of 98%, it not only possesses extremely high corrosion resistance but also exhibits excellent ductility and tensile strength at room temperature, making it particularly suitable for manufacturing processes requiring precision welding. Furthermore, its high electrical conductivity makes it a preferred material for power transmission components and electrical connectors. The thermal stability of this copper also offers other advantages, such as enhanced fire safety during hot working operations.
| Size Section | Temper | Tensile Strength psi | Yield Strength (.5% Extension Under Load) psi | Reduction of Area % | Elongation in 2" % | Rockwell Hardness | Shear Stength psi | Fatigue Strength | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| F | B | 30T | psi | Million Cycles | |||||||
| Flat Products | |||||||||||
| 0.040 in. | 0.050 mm | 32,000 | 10,000 | - | 45 | 40 | - | - | 22,000 | - | - |
| 0.025 mm | 34,000 | 11,000 | - | 45 | 45 | - | - | 23,000 | 11,000 | 100 | |
| Eighth Hard | 36,000 | 28,000 | - | 30 | 60 | 10 | 25 | 25,000 | - | - | |
| Quarter Hard | 38,000 | 30,000 | - | 25 | 70 | 25 | 36 | 25,000 | - | - | |
| Half Hard | 42,000 | 36,000 | - | 14 | 84 | 40 | 50 | 26,000 | 13,000 | 100 | |
| Hard | 50,000 | 45,000 | - | 6 | 90 | 50 | 57 | 28,000 | 13,000 | 100 | |
| Spring | 55,000 | 50,000 | - | 4 | 94 | 60 | 63 | 29,000 | 14,000 | 100 | |
| Extra Spring | 57,000 | 53,000 | - | 4 | 95 | 62 | 64 | 29,000 | - | - | |
| As Hot Rolled | 34,000 | 10,000 | - | 45 | 45 | - | - | 23,000 | - | - | |
| 0.250 mm | 0.050 mm | 32,000 | 10,000 | - | 50 | 40 | - | - | 22,000 | - | - |
| Eighth Hard | 36,000 | 28,000 | - | 40 | 60 | 10 | - | 25,000 | - | - | |
| Quarter Hard | 38,000 | 30,000 | - | 35 | 70 | 25 | - | 25,000 | - | - | |
| Hard | 50,000 | 45,000 | - | 12 | 90 | 50 | - | 28,000 | - | - | |
| As Hot Rolled | 32,000 | 10,000 | - | 50 | 40 | - | - | 22,000 | - | - | |
| 1.0 in. | Hard | 45,000 | 40,000 | - | 20 | 85 | 45 | - | 26,000 | - | - |
C120 copper physical properties
UNS C12000 is a copper alloy renowned for its exceptional physical properties. This special alloy possesses many desirable characteristics, such as high strength, impressive electrical and thermal conductivity, and good ductility. Copper C120's incredible elasticity allows it to withstand the most extreme temperatures and conditions without losing its integrity, making it ideal for applications such as electrical wiring, automotive brake cables, marine systems, and others requiring materials that can withstand harsh conditions. Furthermore, this copper alloy's superior machinability makes it invaluable for manufacturing complex components with precise dimensions.
| content | Imperial units | CGS Unit |
| Melting point (liquidline) | 1981°F | 1083℃ |
| Melting point (solid line) | 1,949°F | 1,065°C |
| density | .321-.323 lbs/cubic meter. Inch @ 68°F | 8.89-8.94 g/m³ cm³ @20°C |
| proportion | 8.89-8.94 | 8.89-8.94 |
| coefficient of thermal expansion | From 68°F to 212°F, .0000094 per °F. | 0.0000170 per °C in the range of 20°C to 100°C |
| coefficient of thermal expansion | .0000096 per °F from 68°F to 392°F | Between 20°C and 200°C, 0.0000173 per °C. |
| coefficient of thermal expansion | 68°F to 572°F per °F .0000098 | 0.0000177 per °C in the range of 20°C to 300°C |
| thermal conductivity | 210 British thermal units per square foot per hour (°F @ 68°F) | 0.88 calories/square centimeter/cm/second/°C @ 20°C |
| Resistivity (annealing) | 11.0 ohms (approximately mils per foot) 0.68°F | 1.91 microohms-cm @ 20°C |
| Electrical conductivity* (annealing) | 97% IACS @ 68°F | 0.536 megohms-cm @ 20°C |
| Heat capacity (specific heat) | .092 British Heat / pound / °F @ 68°F | 0.092 calories/gram/°C @ 20°C |
| Elastic modulus (tensile strength) | 17,000,000 pounds per square inch | 12,000 kg/m² mm |
| rigid modulus | 6,400,000 lbs/square inch | 4,500 kg/m² mm |
C120 copper thermal properties
| Treatment | Minimum * | Maximum * | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| * Temperature is measured in Fahrenheit. | ||||
| annealing | 700 | 1200 | ||
| Thermal operating temperature | 1400 | 1600 | ||
C120 copper equivalent
| ASME SB111 | ASTM B152 | ASTM B359 | ASTM B506 | ASTM B716 |
| ASME SB133 | ASTM B187 | ASTM B372 | ASTM B623 | ASTM B743 |
| ASME SB359 | ASTM B188 | ASTM B395 | ASTM B638 | ASTM B75 |
| ASME SB395 | ASTM B224 | ASTM B42 | ASTM B640 | ASTM B88 |
| ASME SB42 | ASTM B272 | ASTM B442 | ASTM B641 | MIL B-18907 |
| ASME SB75 | ASTM B280 | ASTM B447 | ASTM B68 | MIL B-20292 |
| ASTM B111 | ASTM B302 | ASTM B451 | ASTM B687 | MIL T-24107 |
| ASTM B133 | ASTM B306 | ASTM B5 | ASTM B698 | MIL T-3235 |
| SAE J463 | MIL W-85 | SAE J461 |
C120 copper applications
Due to its superior performance, UNS C12000 has a wide range of applications in many different industries, including electrical engineering; it can be used as a substitute for brass or bronze in alloys, such as lead-free solder or insulated wire products like cables and connectors. Because of its corrosion resistance, it is also commonly used in marine applications and building and construction projects. Furthermore, it can be used in medical devices such as stethoscopes or surgical instruments because its good ductility and formability make it easy to mold into complex components for medical devices.
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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" |
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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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