What is C12000 copper?
C12000 Copper Alloy, classified under the Unified Numbering System (UNS), is a phosphorus-deoxidized copper. It contains a controlled amount of phosphorus, which provides excellent oxidation resistance during welding and heating processes. This alloy typically consists of approximately 99.9% copper and 0.004% to 0.012% phosphorus. This unique composition gives it specific physical and chemical properties, making it highly useful in many industrial applications.
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Properties
Good Electrical Conductivity: Although C12000 has slightly lower conductivity than C11000 electrolytic copper, it still offers excellent electrical performance suitable for most electrical applications.
Excellent Corrosion Resistance: The addition of phosphorus enhances the copper's corrosion resistance, allowing C12000 to perform better in certain corrosive environments.
Good Workability and Weldability: C12000 can be processed using conventional metalworking techniques and exhibits reduced porosity during welding, resulting in improved weld quality.
Oxidation Resistance: The phosphorus content provides C12000 with good oxidation resistance during heating, especially when processed in unprotected atmospheres.
Corrosion Resistance Mechanism of C12000 Copper Alloy
The high corrosion resistance of C12000 copper alloy is attributed to the special role of phosphorus. Phosphorus not only improves the alloy's oxidation resistance but also helps form a robust protective film on the alloy surface. The specific mechanisms are as follows:
Formation of Protective Phosphorus Oxide Film
In high-temperature and corrosive environments, phosphorus reacts with oxygen to form a phosphorus-rich oxide film. This film effectively isolates the copper matrix from external corrosive agents, preventing further reactions. Compared to other copper alloys, the oxide film on C12000 copper alloy is more stable and has a longer service life.
Resistance to Acid and Alkali Corrosion
The addition of phosphorus gives C12000 copper alloy strong corrosion resistance in both acidic and alkaline environments. For example, in chemical processing, C12000 alloy can resist corrosion from various acidic solutions, such as sulfuric acid and chlorides. It is particularly outstanding in resisting saltwater in marine environments.
Self-Healing Mechanism
If the protective film on the alloy surface is damaged under extreme conditions, the presence of phosphorus enables the film to self-repair. Phosphorus in the damaged area rapidly reacts with surrounding oxygen to reform a protective layer. This self-healing mechanism further enhances the corrosion resistance of C12000 copper alloy.
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 |
Application Industries for Copper C12000 Tubes
Plumbing and HVAC
Marine
Architecture
Interior Design
Automotive
Electrical and Fuel Gas
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 |
C12000 vs C10200
| Feature | UNS C12000 | UNS C10200 |
|---|---|---|
| Common Name | Phosphorus Deoxidized, Low Residual P (DLP) | Oxygen-Free Copper (OF) |
| Key Composition | Cu ≥99.90%, P: 0.004-0.012% | Cu ≥99.95%, O ≤0.0005% |
| Oxygen Content | Very Low | Extremely Low (Virtually Zero) |
| Deoxidizer | Phosphorus | None (Process-controlled) |
| Electrical Conductivity | Very High (~100% IACS) | Highest (~101%+ IACS) |
| Thermal Conductivity | Very High | Slightly Higher |
| Formability & Ductility | Excellent | Superior (especially in annealed state) |
| Weldability & Brazability | Excellent (due to P deoxidation) | Excellent (requires inert atmosphere) |
| Resistance to Hydrogen Embrittlement | Poor (in reducing atmospheres) | Very Good (no Cu₂O to react) |
| Typical Applications | High-conductivity busbars, heat exchangers, tubing | High-vacuum electronics, glass-metal seals, waveguides, sputtering targets |
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Dimensional Range Table
| Product Category | Standard / Grade | Typical Sizes (Outer Diameter) | Wall Thickness | Available Forms | Common Applications |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Seamless Copper Tube | ASTM B68, B75, B88, B280, B819, EN1057, etc. | 3 mm ~ 300 mm (1/8" ~ 12") |
Light gauge to Schedule K (Customizable per standard) |
Straight Lengths, Coils | Plumbing, HVAC, Medical Gas, Industrial Pipelines |
| Capillary Tube | ASTM B360 | 0.5 mm ~ 12 mm (0.02" ~ 1/2") |
Ultra-thin walls (As per drawing) |
Straight Lengths, Coils | Instrumentation, Refrigeration, Heat Exchangers |
| Copper Pipe for Plumbing | ASTM B88 (Type K, L, M) | 6 mm ~ 254 mm (1/4" ~ 10") |
Type M (thin), L (standard), K (thick) | Straight Lengths (20ft), Coils | Potable Water Systems, Heating, Cooling |
| ACR Tube (Refrigeration) | ASTM B280 | 6.35 mm ~ 158.8 mm (1/4" ~ 6-1/8") |
ACR standard wall | Straight Lengths, Bundled Coils | Refrigeration, Air Conditioning |
| Medical Gas Copper Tube | ASTM B819, ISO 7396-1 | 6 mm ~ 108 mm (1/4" ~ 4-1/4") |
Cleaned & degreased Oxygen service grade |
Straight Lengths, Capped Ends | Oxygen, Medical Air, Vacuum Systems |
| Large Diameter Copper Pipe | Custom Drawn | Up to 457 mm (18") | Heavy wall, custom schedules | Straight Lengths (custom cut) | Industrial Process Lines, Marine, Specialty Applications |
Our factory
Our production facility is a modern, vertically integrated copper products factory equipped with state-of-the-art extrusion, drawing, annealing, and cleaning production lines. We specialize in producing seamless copper tubes of various sizes, from capillary tubes to large-diameter industrial pipes, all conforming to international standards such as ASTM, EN, and DIN. The factory strictly adheres to a quality management system (ISO 9001 certified) and utilizes advanced testing equipment, including spectrometers, hydrostatic testing machines, and oxygen pipeline cleanliness testing systems. With an annual production capacity exceeding 15,000 tons, we have a reliable supply record in industries such as HVAC, piping, medical gases, and shipbuilding, and are committed to providing high-precision, fully traceable, and on-time delivered products.
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