What is C70600 Copper?
C70600 Copper, commonly known as Copper-Nickel 90/10, is a copper alloy with 10% nickel, delivering excellent resistance to seawater corrosion, biofouling, and erosion. This alloy is a preferred choice for marine, offshore, and desalination industries due to its durability and high resistance to pitting and crevice corrosion.

Key Features of C70600 Copper
Superior Corrosion Resistance: Exceptional resistance to seawater and marine environments.
High Thermal Stability: Maintains mechanical strength and corrosion resistance at elevated temperatures.
Anti-Biofouling Properties: Inhibits the growth of marine organisms on its surface.
Good Weldability and Fabricability: Easily welded, formed, and fabricated, making it versatile for various industrial applications.
Extended Durability: Ideal for harsh environments due to its resilience and longevity.
Product Specifications for C70600 Copper
| Product Type | Standard | Available Sizes | Typical Applications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sheets and Plates | ASTM B122 | Thickness: 1mm–50mm, Width: up to 1500mm, Length: up to 3000mm | Marine engineering, condenser plates |
| Pipes and Tubes | ASTM B466 | Diameter: 6mm–500mm, Length: up to 6m | Heat exchangers, seawater piping systems |
| Bars and Rods | ASTM B151 | Diameter: 3mm–200mm | Industrial machinery, marine fittings |
| Angles and Channels | Custom | Custom sizes available | Structural supports in marine applications |
| Beams | Custom | Custom configurations available | Shipbuilding, marine platforms |
| Fittings | Custom | Standard and custom sizes | Fluid handling, plumbing systems |
Physical Properties of C70600 Copper
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Density | 8.94 g/cm³ |
| Modulus of Elasticity | 130 GPa |
| Melting Point | 1170°C |
| Thermal Expansion | 16.5 µm/m-°C |
| Thermal Conductivity | 51 W/m-K |
| Electrical Conductivity | 12% IACS |
Mechanical Properties of C70600 Copper
| Property | Value (Annealed) | Value (Hard) |
|---|---|---|
| Tensile Strength | 275 MPa | 350 MPa |
| Yield Strength | 110 MPa | 140 MPa |
| Elongation | 35% | 20% |
| Hardness (Rockwell) | B55 | B70 |
Electrical Properties of C70600 Copper
| Electrical Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Electrical Conductivity | 12% IACS |
| Electrical Resistivity | 1.45 x 10^-7 Ω·m |
Thermal Properties of C70600 Copper
| Thermal Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Thermal Conductivity | 51 W/m-K |
| Specific Heat Capacity | 0.377 J/g-K |
| Thermal Expansion | 16.5 µm/m-°C |
Processing Properties of C70600 Copper
| Process | Suitability |
|---|---|
| Machining | Good |
| Welding | Excellent (especially with proper filler metals) |
| Forming | Good |
| Annealing | Suitable for softening |
Component Elements Properties of C70600 Copper
| Element | Percentage (%) |
|---|---|
| Copper (Cu) | 88.7 – 91.2% |
| Nickel (Ni) | 9.0 – 11.0% |
| Iron (Fe) | 1.0 – 1.8% |
Comparison: C70600 Copper vs. Other Copper Alloys
| Material | Corrosion Resistance | Thermal Conductivity | Applications |
|---|---|---|---|
| C70600 Copper | Excellent (Seawater) | Moderate | Marine systems, desalination plants |
| C71500 Copper (70/30) | Very High | Moderate | Heat exchangers, seawater applications |
| C11000 Copper (ETP) | Moderate | High | Electrical wiring, conductive components |
Price List for C70600 Copper
| Product Type | Price Range (USD/kg) |
|---|---|
| C70600 Copper Sheets & Plates | $18.0 – $22.0 |
| C70600 Copper Pipes & Tubes | $19.0 – $23.0 |
| C70600 Copper Bars & Rods | $17.0 – $20.0 |
| C70600 Copper Angles & Channels | $18.5 – $21.0 |
| C70600 Copper Beams | $19.0 – $22.0 |
FAQ
Q1: What does ASTM B111 C70600 mean?
A: ASTM B111 is the standard specification for seamless copper alloy condenser tubes. C70600 is the UNS designation for 90/10 copper-nickel alloy. So ASTM B111 C70600 refers to seamless 90/10 copper-nickel tube specifically for heat exchangers and condensers.
Q2: What is the difference between ASTM B111 C70600 and ASTM B111 C71500?
A: ASTM B111 C70600 (90/10 Cu-Ni) has 10% nickel, lower cost, and better biofouling resistance. ASTM B111 C71500 (70/30 Cu-Ni) has 30% nickel, higher strength, and better erosion resistance at water velocities above 3.5 m/s.
Q3: What sizes of ASTM B111 C70600 tube does GNEE supply?
A: GNEE supplies ASTM B111 C70600 tube in OD range 6mm to 219mm (1/4" to 8"), wall thickness 0.5mm to 20mm, and lengths 1m to 15m. Custom sizes available.
Q4: Is ASTM B111 C70600 tube suitable for salt water service?
A: Yes. ASTM B111 C70600 is specifically designed for salt water service. It has excellent resistance to seawater corrosion, biofouling, and impingement attack at velocities up to 3.5 m/s.
Q5: Can ASTM B111 C70600 tube be welded to stainless steel?
A: Yes, ASTM B111 C70600 tube can be welded to stainless steel using ERNiCu-7 filler metal. However, galvanic corrosion protection (e.g., coated flanges) is recommended for seawater service.
Q6: What is the hardness of ASTM B111 C70600 tube?
A: Annealed (O61) ASTM B111 C70600 tube has a Rockwell 30T hardness of approximately 26-30. Hard temper (H55) has Rockwell 30T of approximately 65-75.
Q7: Does ASTM B111 C70600 require cathodic protection?
A: No, ASTM B111 C70600 typically does not require cathodic protection in seawater. Its natural protective oxide film provides excellent corrosion resistance.
Q8: What is the difference between ASTM B111 C70600 and ASTM B466 C70600?
A: ASTM B111 C70600 is for heat exchanger and condenser tubes (tighter tolerances, eddy current tested). ASTM B466 C70600 is for seamless pipe used in general seawater piping (larger diameters, thicker walls, hydrostatic tested).
Q9: How is ASTM B111 C70600 tube tested for leaks?
A: ASTM B111 C70600 tube is tested using eddy current (ASTM E243) for 100% non-destructive testing. For certain applications, hydrostatic testing is performed instead.
Q10: What is the elongation of annealed ASTM B111 C70600 tube?
A: Annealed (O61) ASTM B111 C70600 tube has a minimum elongation of 42% (in 254mm gauge length), making it suitable for bending and flaring.
Q11: Can ASTM B111 C70600 tube be used for U-bends?
A: Yes, annealed ASTM B111 C70600 tube can be bent into U-bends. After bending, stress relief annealing at 550-650°C is recommended to reduce residual stresses.
Q12: What is the price of ASTM B111 C70600 tube per kg?
A: Pricing for ASTM B111 C70600 tube depends on quantity, size, wall thickness, and temper. Contact GNEE for a current quote.
Q13: Is ASTM B111 C70600 tube magnetic?
A: ASTM B111 C70600 tube has very low magnetic permeability (1.01-1.69). It is considered non-magnetic for most engineering purposes.
Q14: What is the corrosion rate of ASTM B111 C70600 in seawater?
A: ASTM B111 C70600 has a general corrosion rate of 0.0025-0.025 mm per year in clean flowing seawater.
Q15: What are the equivalent standards to ASTM B111 C70600?
A: Equivalent standards to ASTM B111 C70600 include: ASME SB111, DIN 2.0872, EN 12449 CW352H, BS 2871 CN102, JIS H3300 C7060T, and MIL-T-16420K.
Quality Inspection for ASTM B111 C70600 Tube
GNEE performs the following inspections on ASTM B111 C70600 tube:
| Inspection Item | Method | Acceptance Criteria |
|---|---|---|
| Chemical composition | Optical emission spectrometer | Cu 88.6-90.4%, Ni 9-11%, Fe 1.0-1.8%, Mn ≤1.0% |
| Tensile strength | Universal testing machine | ≥275 MPa (annealed), ≥310 MPa (drawn) |
| Yield strength (0.5% offset) | Universal testing machine | ≥105 MPa (annealed), ≥240 MPa (drawn) |
| Elongation | Universal testing machine | ≥42% (annealed), ≥10% (drawn) |
| Flattening test | Hydraulic press | No cracks when flattened to specified gap |
| Expansion test (annealed) | Tapered mandrel | No cracks when expanded 30% |
| Eddy current test | ECT equipment (ASTM E243) | 100% inspection, no defect signals above reference |
| Dimensional check | Micrometer, pin gauge | OD ±0.05mm, WT ±10%, length ±3mm |
| Visual inspection | Borescope + naked eye | No scratches, pits, cracks, or internal defects |

Packaging for ASTM B111 C70600 Tube
| Step | Action |
|---|---|
| 1 | Blow dry tube interior with compressed air |
| 2 | Apply plastic end caps (push-fit type) on both ends |
| 3 | Wrap each tube with VCI (vapor corrosion inhibitor) paper |
| 4 | Form hexagonal bundles (most stable for transport) |
| 5 | Place cardboard/foam between tube layers |
| 6 | Secure with 3-5 rust-proof steel straps |
| 7 | Wrap bundle with PE shrink film or woven polypropylene |
| 8 | Place on wooden pallet or inside wooden crate |
| 9 | Attach shipping label with alloy, standard, size, heat number, PO number |

Factory Equipment
| Stage | Equipment | Function |
|---|---|---|
| Melting | 30T induction furnace | Melts copper, nickel, iron, manganese to precise composition |
| Casting | Horizontal continuous caster | Produces hollow billets (80-200mm OD) |
| Extrusion | 2500T extrusion press | Forms tube shells from billets |
| Drawing | Cold drawing bench (5-150mm) | Reduces diameter and wall thickness through multiple passes |
| Annealing | Bright annealing furnace (protective atmosphere) | Restores ductility between draws; no surface scaling |
| Straightening | 6-roll straightener | Corrects bends and ovality |
| Cutting | Automatic saw cutter | Cuts to customer-specified lengths |
| Testing | Eddy current & hydrostatic testers | 100% non-destructive inspection |
| Quality control | ARL iSpark spectrometer + universal testing machine | Chemical and mechanical verification |





