What is TP1/C12000 copper?
TP1 is a type of phosphorus-deoxidized copper. During the copper smelting process, trace amounts of phosphorus are added as a deoxidizing agent to remove oxygen from the molten copper, thereby improving its toughness and corrosion resistance. Compared to pure copper, TP1 purple copper has a higher recrystallization temperature, meaning it maintains better strength and shape stability at elevated temperatures, along with enhanced resistance to high-temperature oxidation. The silver content in it further improves its creep resistance, making it less prone to plastic deformation under prolonged heat and stress. TP1 purple copper is particularly suitable for manufacturing components that operate in high-temperature environments.
TP1 (C12000) Equivalent Grade
| Standard / Region | Equivalent Grade | Main Characteristics |
|---|---|---|
| China (GB/T 5231) | TP1 (C12000) | Phosphorus-deoxidized copper, low residual phosphorus (0.004–0.012%) |
| USA (ASTM/UNS) | C12000 | Phosphorus-deoxidized copper, low residual P |
| Europe (EN) | CW024A | Deoxidized copper with low phosphorus content |
| Japan (JIS) | C1201 | Phosphorus-deoxidized copper |
| International (ISO) | Cu-DHP | Deoxidized high residual phosphorus copper (Note: TP1 is closer to the low-P end of DHP range) |
| Common Industry Name | Phosphorus-Deoxidized Copper (DHP, Low-P Grade) | Low-oxygen, good conductivity and weldability |
Inquire about TP1 Tube Pricing & Samples
We provide TP1/C12000 copper pipes
Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Industry: This is one of the largest application markets for purple copper tubes. Due to the excellent thermal conductivity of copper, ease of bending and connecting, and resistance to refrigerant corrosion, it is an ideal material for manufacturing tubes that connect compressors to condensers and evaporators in refrigerators, air conditioners, and other equipment. The good heat resistance of TP1 copper tubes also adapts to the operating temperatures inside air conditioning systems.
Heat Exchangers and Radiators: In heat exchange equipment in industries such as power generation, chemicals, and shipbuilding, purple copper tubes are used as heat transfer elements. They efficiently transfer heat between fluids. Copper tubes are also commonly used in car radiators and power plant condensers.
Water Supply and Gas Systems: Purple copper tubes are antibacterial, corrosion-resistant, and have a long service life, making them the preferred material for cold and hot water pipes and gas pipelines in high-end buildings. Their smooth inner walls prevent scaling, ensuring smooth water flow.
Industrial Piping: In industries such as chemicals, food, and pharmaceuticals, where specific media require special piping materials, purple copper tubes are used due to their corrosion resistance and non-toxicity.
Other Industrial Uses: Purple copper tubes are also used in manufacturing bearings, bushings, hydraulic system pipelines, and various electrical components requiring high electrical and thermal conductivity.
TP1 (C12000) vs. TP2 (C12200) – Complete Comparison
| Aspect | TP1 (C12000) | TP2 (C12200) |
| Common Name | Phosphorus Deoxidized Copper, Low Residual P (DHP) | Phosphorus Deoxidized Copper, High Residual P (DHP) |
| UNS Designation | C12000 | C12200 |
| Phosphorus (P) Content | 0.004–0.012% (Low Residual) | 0.015–0.040% (Higher Residual) |
| Key Metallurgical Role | Deoxidizer – removes oxygen to prevent embrittlement. | Stronger deoxidizer – ensures excellent brazability and weldability. |
| Electrical Conductivity (IACS) | ~85% (Good) | ~80% (Slightly lower due to higher P) |
| Thermal Conductivity | Excellent | Very Good |
| Weldability & Brazability | Very Good (can be welded/brazed without flux for Cu-Cu joints). | Excellent (superior for brazing; phosphorus aids capillary flow). |
| Corrosion Resistance | Excellent in most environments (water, atmosphere). | Excellent, similar to TP1. |
| Formability & Ductility | Excellent (especially in annealed temper). | Excellent. |
| Typical Product Forms | Tubes, pipes, sheets, plates, busbars, rods. | Primarily tubes & pipes for plumbing/HVAC. |
| Primary Applications | Heat exchangers, condensers, electrical components, general engineering. | Plumbing systems, HVAC piping, medical gas lines, brazed assemblies. |
| Key Advantage | Balanced performance: high conductivity + good weldability. | Superior joining performance: optimized for brazing and welding. |
| Cost & Availability | Widely available; moderate cost. | Very common for tubing; cost similar to TP1. |
| Industry Standards | ASTM B75 / B280 (tube), B152 (sheet) | ASTM B75 / B88 (tube), EN 12735-1 |
How to Choose: TP1 vs. TP2
| Choose TP1 (C12000) if: | Choose TP2 (C12200) if: |
| • Electrical or thermal conductivity is a priority (e.g., busbars, heat exchangers). | • The primary requirement is ease of brazing or welding (e.g., plumbing, HVAC piping). |
| • You need a good balance of conductivity and weldability for general fabrication. | • You are installing copper tubing for potable water or refrigerant lines where leak-free joints are critical. |
| • The application is not exclusively focused on brazed plumbing joints. | • The slight loss in conductivity is acceptable for the application. |
Get Dedicated Engineer Support
FAQ
Q: Can C12000 copper be welded or brazed easily?
A: 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.
Q: What are the main applications of C12000 copper tubes?
A: It's widely used in HVAC/R (heat exchangers, condensers), plumbing, medical gas systems, industrial fluid lines, and electrical busbars.
Q: Does C12000 copper corrode in water systems?
A: 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).
Q: Is C12000 suitable for underground water lines?
A: 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.
Q: What is the difference between TP1 and TU1 copper?
A: TP1 and TU1 are both oxygen-free coppers, but they belong to different metallurgical categories: TP1 (C12000): Phosphorus-deoxidized copper (DHP). Contains trace phosphorus to remove oxygen. Suitable for welding/brazing and offers good conductivity. TU1 (C10100): Oxygen-free electronic copper (OF). Contains no deoxidizers (virtually 0% oxygen and no phosphorus). Offers the highest purity (≥99.99% Cu) and optimal electrical/thermal conductivity (~101% IACS). Used in high-vacuum electronics, superconducting applications, and high-frequency conductors. Key takeaway: TP1 is a deoxidized copper for general engineering, while TU1 is ultra-pure oxygen-free copper for high-end electronic and specialized applications.
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
Our factory is built for precision and scale in producing copper rods, tubes, plates, bars, wires, and strips. We operate advanced equipment such as upward continuous casting systems for oxygen-free copper rods, CNC-controlled pilger mills for seamless tubes, and automated strip rolling lines with real-time thickness monitoring. All products are manufactured to meet ASTM, DIN, and customer-specific standards, with process control at every stage. Our quality assurance includes metallographic analysis, conductivity testing, and surface quality inspection via optical comparators. From raw material to finished product, we ensure consistency, performance, and on-time delivery for industrial and OEM partners globally.
Get Fast Quote & Logistics Plan
