Copper alloy tubes
Copper alloy tubes are prized for their thermal conductivity, corrosion resistance, and durability, making them ideal for many applications.
Since the Industrial Revolution, copper and its alloys have proven invaluable across industries for their unique combination of mechanical and physical properties. This blend of high conductivity and flexibility offers exceptional corrosion and wear resistance, making copper the go-to material for power, process, and marine engineering.
Choosing the right copper product is crucial and requires a thorough assessment of the application’s environment. Given the variability in water and operating conditions, the performance of our copper and copper alloy tubes must be evaluated based on specific local factors identified by your engineering team.
Once you’ve provided this information to our sales department, we can offer a detailed quote within one business day or often within a few hours.
OUR COPPER ALLOY PRODUCTS
We manufacture the following copper alloys:
C12200 – DHP copper –
ISO Cu-DHP
These tubes offer high thermal conductivity and resistance to corrosion.
C44300 – Admiralty brass –
ISO CuZn28Sn1
The anti-corrosive properties of Admiralty brass are well-suited to use with contaminated water.
C68700 – Aluminum brass –
ISO CuZn22AI2
Strong corrosion resistance makes this alloy excellent for use with high cooling water velocities.
C70600 – CuNi 90-10% –
ISO CuNi10Fe1Mn
Superior durability and corrosion resistance for optimal results in marine applications.
C71500 – CuNi 70-30% –
ISO CuNi30Mn1Fe
The highest durability among all copper alloys, for use in the most demanding conditions.
Frequently asked questions about copper alloy tubes
What is the difference between pure copper and copper alloy?
Pure copper is nearly unalloyed metal prized for its high electrical and thermal conductivity but is relatively soft. Copper alloys mix copper with other elements (e.g., zinc, tin, nickel) to boost strength, wear resistance, or corrosion performance, at the cost of some conductivity.
What are the two most widely used copper alloys?
Brass (copper-zinc) and bronze (primarily copper-tin) are the most common. Brass is valued for machinability and a golden appearance; bronze offers greater hardness and wear resistance.
What is the difference between ASTM B88 and B280?
ASTM B88 covers copper tubes used in plumbing and HVAC systems, while ASTM B280 is specific to copper tubes for air conditioning and refrigeration. B280 requires tighter manufacturing tolerances and cleaner internal surfaces to meet refrigeration-grade standards.
Will copper alloy rust?
Copper alloys do not rust (iron oxide), but they can oxidize or corrode in certain environments. They may form surface oxides or patinas, and some alloys can undergo selective leaching, but they won’t develop “rust” like steel.
What is copper alloy tubing?
Tubing made from a copper-based alloy rather than pure copper, chosen to meet particular needs (e.g., higher strength, better resistance in seawater or chemicals). Examples include cupronickel for marine systems or aluminum-bronze for wear-prone service.
What is nickel copper alloy called?
A copper-nickel mixture is known as cupronickel. Depending on nickel content (e.g., 10–30%), it combines good thermal conductivity with strong corrosion resistance, especially in seawater applications.