What is TP1/C12000 copper?
C12000 accounts for over 40% of copper tube usage, with a typical residential air conditioning system requiring 8–12 meters of tubing per unit. Its excellent formability and welding performance maintain its irreplaceable status in the refrigeration industry, with a global annual consumption of approximately 800,000 tons. C12000 is a low-phosphorus deoxidized copper under the ASTM standard. By precisely controlling phosphorus (P) content (0.004%–0.012%), it achieves efficient deoxidation while maximizing the retention of copper's electrical and thermal conductivity. It is a high-purity, balanced material positioned between pure copper (C11000) and conventional phosphorus-deoxidized copper (C11700).
Core Advantages
Welding and Processing Performance:
Weldability: Phosphorus deoxidation prevents porosity, making it suitable for flame welding and argon arc welding (weld seam strength ≥ 90% of the base material).
Cold and Hot Forming: Soft-state elongation ≥ 45%, enabling deep drawing into complex components (e.g., bellows, heat exchanger fins).
Corrosion and Hydrogen Embrittlement Resistance:
Resistance to high-temperature steam (200°C): Oxidation rate is 50% lower than that of T2 copper, making it suitable for boiler water pipes.
No risk of hydrogen embrittlement in hydrogen environments (e.g., annealing furnaces), unlike ordinary copper, which is prone to cracking due to the reaction between Cu₂O and H₂.
Cost and Practicality:
Price is 20–30% lower than that of oxygen-free copper (TU1), making it suitable for high-volume industrial components with moderate electrical/thermal conductivity requirements.
Typical Application
Heat Exchange Systems:
Air Conditioning Copper Tubes: Phosphorus-deoxidized copper tubes (wall thickness 0.3–0.5 mm) withstand pressures ≥ 3 MPa and resist chloride ion corrosion.
Automotive Radiator Fins: No surface cracks after forming, with thermal conductivity retention > 95%.
Construction and Engineering:
Building Water Supply Pipes: Resistant to cold/hot water corrosion, with a service life > 30 years (compliant with GB/T 18033 standard).
Fire Sprinkler Systems: Welded joints pass 1.5 times working pressure hydrostatic tests (no leakage).
Electrical and Energy Applications:
Transformer Cooling Fins: Welded into honeycomb structures, improving heat dissipation efficiency by 30%.
Solar Collector Flow Channels: Withstand temperatures up to 150°C, with a cycle life > 100,000 cycles.
Copper C12000 Tubes Chemical Composition
| Grade | Cu | Ph |
| C12000 | Including Ag | 0.004 – 0.012 |
Mechanical Properties of Copper C12000 Tubes
| Density (lb / cu. in.) | Electrical Resistivity (microhm-cm (at 68 Deg F)) | Melting Point (Deg F) | Mean Coeff Thermal Expansion | Modulus of Elasticity Tension |
| 0.323 | 10.6 | 1981 | 9.4 | 17000 |
Equivalents of UNS C12000 Copper
| Standard | Designation | Name / Description | Key Similarities |
|---|---|---|---|
| UNS (USA) | C12000 | Phosphorus Deoxidized, Low Residual Phosphorus (DLP) | Base Standard |
| ASTM (USA) | B152, B124 | C12000 | |
| CDA (USA) | 120 | - | Industry Standard |
| ISO | Cu-DLP | Copper - DLP (Chemical Symbol) | Closest ISO Chemical Designation |
| EN (Europe) | Cu-DLP (EN 1412) CW024A (EN 13599) | Copper - DLP | Chemical Composition Equivalent |
| JIS (Japan) | C1201 | Phosphorus Deoxidized Copper | Nearly Identical |
| GB (China) | TP1 | Phosphorus Deoxidized Copper | Note: TP1 is generally considered the closest match, though phosphorus content may differ slightly. |
| DIN (Germany) | SF-Cu (DIN 1708) | Deoxidized Copper with Low Residual Phosphorus | |
| BS (UK) | C106 | Phosphorus Deoxidized Copper for General Purposes |
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
| Category | Key Products | Standards | Typical Applications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Copper Tubes & Pipes | Seamless copper tubes, medical gas pipes (ASTM B819), ACR tubes, capillary tubes, large-diameter pipes, plumbing tubes (Type K/L/M) | ASTM B68, B75, B88, B280, B819, EN1057 | HVAC, refrigeration, plumbing, medical gas systems, industrial pipelines |
| Copper Sheets & Plates | Pure copper sheets, copper alloy plates (brass, bronze), perforated sheets, embossed sheets, clad sheets | ASTM B152, B465, EN1652 | Architectural cladding, electrical components, heat exchangers, decorative arts |
| Copper Bars & Rods | Round bars, square bars, hexagonal bars, flat bars, copper alloy rods (brass, bronze) | ASTM B187, B301, EN12163/12164 | Machined parts, connectors, fasteners, electrodes, forgings |
| Copper Wires & Strands | Bare copper wires, tinned copper wires, braided wires, stranded conductors, enameled wires | ASTM B1, B3, B174, IEC 60228 | Electrical wiring, power transmission, cables, windings, grounding systems |
| Copper Foils | Rolled copper foils, electrolytic copper foils, flexible copper strips | ASTM B370, IPC-4562 | Printed circuit boards (PCBs), electromagnetic shielding, batteries, decorative laminates |
Our factory
Our factory is equipped with state-of-the-art production lines for extrusion, rolling, drawing, and finishing. We specialize in producing a full range of copper and copper alloy products, including tubes, plates, bars, wires, and foils, serving the global HVAC, construction, electrical, medical, and automotive industries.
We are committed to quality and precision, strictly adhering to international standards including ASTM, EN, DIN, and JIS, and maintaining ISO 9001 certification. Our in-house laboratories conduct rigorous testing-from chemical composition and mechanical properties to pressure and cleanliness verification-ensuring end-to-end traceability and compliance for our products.
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