What is TP1/C12000 copper?
TP1 Phosphorus Deoxidized Copper, also known as DHP Copper (Deoxidized High Phosphorus Copper), is a copper alloy characterized by the addition of phosphorus to reduce oxygen content, thereby improving its workability and welding properties. TP1 copper exhibits excellent electrical conductivity, thermal conductivity, and welding performance, making it widely used in many fields for manufacturing tubes, pipes, and other related products.
We provide TP1/C12000 copper pipes
|
Component |
Cu+Ag |
Pb |
Sb |
Bi |
P |
Fe |
S |
Other Impurities |
|
Content (%) |
≥99.90 |
≤0.005 |
≤0.002 |
≤0.001 |
0.005-0.012 |
≤0.005 |
≤0.005 |
≤0.05 |
Physical Properties
|
Property |
Value |
|
Density |
8.9 g/cm³ |
|
Conductivity |
90-93% IACS |
|
Thermal Conductivity |
350 W/(m·K) |
|
Thermal Expansion Coefficient |
17.7×10⁻⁶/K |
|
Elastic Modulus |
132 GPa |
|
Melting Point |
1083°C |
Mechanical Properties
|
State |
Tensile Strength (MPa) |
Elongation (%) |
Vickers Hardness (HV) |
|
Hard (Y) |
≥275 |
≥5 |
80-110 |
|
Annealed (M) |
≥200 |
≥40 |
50-70 |
The characteristics and application areas of TP1 phosphorus deoxidized copper include:
Thermal Conductivity: TP1 copper offers excellent thermal conductivity, making it widely used in the manufacturing of radiators, cooling devices, and heat exchangers.
Welding Performance: Due to the addition of phosphorus, TP1 copper has low oxygen content and good welding performance. This makes it highly suitable for manufacturing pipes, pipe connections, and welded components.
Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Systems: Owing to its thermal conductivity and welding properties, TP1 copper is commonly used in refrigeration and air conditioning systems to manufacture components such as condensers, evaporators, and connecting pipes.
Plumbing Systems: TP1 copper's corrosion resistance and welding performance make it an ideal choice for manufacturing water pipes, fittings, and valves in plumbing systems.
Industrial Equipment: TP1 copper is also used in the manufacturing of industrial equipment, chemical equipment, and energy equipment, such as pipes, valves, and heat exchangers.
Construction Industry: TP1 copper is commonly used in the construction industry to manufacture heating systems, piping systems, and sanitary equipment.
Automotive Manufacturing: In the automotive manufacturing sector, TP1 copper is used to manufacture components such as cooling systems and brake pipes.
Copper TP1 Equivalent Designation
| Standard / Country | Equivalent Designation | Notes / Grade Name |
|---|---|---|
| China (GB/T) | TP1 (Commonly used name) | Same as TU1 in practice |
| ISO | Cu-OF | Oxygen-Free Copper (High Conductivity) |
| ASTM (USA) | C12000 | Oxygen-Free Electronic (OFE) Copper |
| EN (Europe) | Cu-OF1 (CW009A) | Oxygen-Free Copper, ≥ 99.99% Cu |
| JIS (Japan) | C1011 | Oxygen-Free Copper |
| DIN (Germany) | OF-Cu (2.0070) | Oxygen-Free Copper |
| Common Name | OFE Copper (Oxygen-Free Electronic) | Highest purity grade for electronic applications |
Comparison of TP1 Copper vs. TU2 Copper
| Feature | TP1 Copper (Phosphorus Deoxidized) | TU2 Copper (Oxygen-Free Copper) |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Standard (GB/T) | TP1 / C12000 | TU2 / C1020 |
| Type / Common Name | DHP Copper (Deoxidized High Phosphorus) | OF Copper (Oxygen-Free, Standard Grade) |
| Key Alloying Element | Phosphorus (P) – residual ~0.015-0.04% | None – residual elements minimized. |
| Oxygen Content | Very low (effectively removed by P) | Extremely low (≤ 0.001%) |
| Primary Characteristics | Excellent brazing and welding (no hydrogen embrittlement risk). Good hot/workability. Slightly lower conductivity. | Excellent electrical/thermal conductivity. High ductility. Susceptible to hydrogen embrittlement in reducing atmospheres. |
| Electrical Conductivity | ~85-90% IACS (Lower due to P content) | ~100% IACS or higher (Very high, pure copper standard) |
| Thermal Conductivity | Good, but lower than pure copper. | Excellent, among the highest for metals. |
| Resistance to Hydrogen Embrittlement | Excellent – Phosphorus prevents "hydrogen disease." | Poor – Not suitable for high-temperature reducing atmospheres (e.g., hydrogen). |
| Common Applications | Plumbing tubes, heat exchangers, refrigeration lines, brazed assemblies, fuel gas lines, general piping. | High-conductivity busbars, waveguides, vacuum tube parts, electrical conductors, magnetron components. |
| Forming & Joining | Superior for welding, brazing, and soldering. Easier to fabricate without embrittlement concerns. | Excellent cold workability. Requires careful atmosphere control (e.g., inert gas) for high-temperature welding to avoid embrittlement. |
| Cost & Availability | Generally lower cost, most widely used copper tube/pipe for plumbing. Highly available. | Typically higher cost than TP1, used for more specialized electrical applications. |
How to Choose: Quick Decision Guide
Choose TP1 Copper (DHP) when:
Application: Plumbing, HVAC (heating, ventilation, air conditioning), refrigeration tubing, fuel gas lines.
Key Process: The component will be joined by brazing, soldering, or welding (especially with a torch in air).
Environment: Service involves exposure to moisture, combustion gases, or reducing atmospheres where hydrogen embrittlement is a risk.
Priority: Cost-effective, reliable, and easy-to-fabricate tubing is needed.
Choose TU2 Copper (OFC) when:
Application: Electrical busbars, high-frequency conductors, vacuum electronic components, high-power magnetrons, specialized heat sinks.
Key Property: Maximum electrical or thermal conductivity is the primary design requirement.
Environment: Used in high-vacuum or controlled inert atmospheres where hydrogen is not present.
Priority: Absolute purity and minimal electrical loss are critical; joining will be done with controlled processes (e.g., inert gas welding).
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FAQ
Q: What tempers are available for C12000 tubing?
A: Common tempers are annealed (soft, O60), drawn (hard, H58), and light-drawn (H55). Annealed offers maximum formability; drawn provides higher strength.
Q: How does phosphorus affect conductivity in C12000?
A: 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.
Q: Which is better for brazing: TP1 or TP2?
A: TP2 (C12200) is generally preferred for brazing due to its higher phosphorus content, which enhances flux-free brazing performance and improves capillary flow in copper-to-copper joints. TP1 can also be brazed but may require more careful process control.
Q: Can TP1 and TU1 be used interchangeably in electrical applications?
A: Not always. TU1 (OF copper) is required for applications demanding maximum conductivity and purity, such as high-frequency cables, magnet windings, or vacuum tubes. TP1 is suitable for general electrical busbars, connectors, and power transmission where very high purity is not critical.
Q: How do I choose between TP1, TP2, and TU1 for my project?
A: Choose TP1 (C12000) for balanced properties: good conductivity, weldability, and corrosion resistance (e.g., heat exchangers, plumbing tubes). Choose TP2 (C12200) if welding/brazing is the primary concern (e.g., piping systems, HVAC joints). Choose TU1 (C10100) for extreme purity and conductivity needs (e.g., semiconductor components, aerospace electronics, high-energy physics).
Our factory
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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