C11000 (ETP Copper): The "pure" standard. Best known for its unmatched electrical conductivity. It contains a small amount of oxygen and is susceptible to hydrogen embrittlement.
C12200 (DHP Copper): The "tough" welder. Contains phosphorus as a deoxidizing agent, making it ideal for welding and brazing operations without the risk of failure.
C11000: Electrolytic Tough Pitch (ETP) Copper
C11000 is often considered the benchmark for pure copper, consisting of a minimum of 99.90% copper.
Key Characteristics:
High Conductivity: It boasts approximately 101% IACS (International Annealed Copper Standard), making it the premier choice for electrical applications where minimal energy loss is paramount.
Composition: It contains 99.90% Cu and a small, controlled amount of oxygen (0.02% to 0.04%). This oxygen is present as cuprous oxide within the copper matrix.
Excellent Ductility and Formability: It can be easily drawn, stamped, and bent, making it versatile for fabrication.
Thermal Conductivity: It also has excellent thermal conductivity, making it suitable for heat exchangers and other thermal management systems.
The oxygen content in C11000 is its Achilles' heel. When exposed to a hydrogen-containing atmosphere at high temperatures (e.g., during brazing or welding), the hydrogen reacts with the internal oxygen to form steam (water vapor). This steam, trapped within the metal's structure, creates pressure, leading to micro-cracks, porosity, and catastrophic failure. This phenomenon is known as "hydrogen embrittlement."
Primary Applications:
Electrical conductors (busbars, wire, cables, windings)
Electrical connectors and terminals
Waveguides
Roofing and architectural elements
Components where high formability and conductivity are required, and no high-temperature welding is involved.
C12200: Phosphorus Deoxidized Copper (DHP)
Key Characteristics:
Excellent Weldability and Brazability: This is its defining feature. The phosphorus acts as a powerful deoxidizer, eliminating free oxygen from the alloy. This completely prevents hydrogen embrittlement, making C12200 the safe choice for any joining process involving high heat in a potentially hydrogen-containing environment.
Good Conductivity: The addition of phosphorus does reduce electrical and thermal conductivity. C12200 has about 85-90% IACS, which is still very good but significantly lower than C11000.
Superior Creep Resistance: It performs better than C11000 under constant stress at elevated temperatures.
Good Corrosion Resistance: It offers excellent resistance to various environments, including seawater.
Primary Applications:
Plumbing tubes, fittings, and valves
Heat exchangers and condensers
Radiator cores
Refrigeration components
Any application requiring reliable welding, brazing, or soldering.
Comparison Table
| Feature | C11000 (ETP Copper) | C12200 (DHP Copper) |
|---|---|---|
| Common Name | Electrolytic Tough Pitch | Phosphorus Deoxidized |
| Primary Alloying Element | Oxygen (O) | Phosphorus (P) |
| Copper Content | 99.90% min. | 99.90% min. |
| Electrical Conductivity | Excellent (~101% IACS) | Good (~85-90% IACS) |
| Thermal Conductivity | Excellent | Good |
| Weldability / Brazability | Poor (susceptible to hydrogen embrittlement) | Excellent (resistant to embrittlement) |
| Formability | Excellent | Good |
| Key Advantage | Unmatched electrical conductivity | Superior weldability and joining reliability |
| Primary Applications | Electrical conductors, busbars, wiring | Plumbing, heat exchangers, refrigeration |
How to Choose: C11000 or C12200?
Choose C11000 (ETP Copper) when:
Maximum Electrical Conductivity is the #1 Priority: For power transmission, electrical motors, and any component where energy efficiency is critical.
The application involves no high-temperature welding or brazing.
High thermal conductivity is needed for non-welded assemblies.
Choose C12200 (DHP Copper) when:
The component will be welded, brazed, or soldered. This is the most crucial deciding factor.
The application is for plumbing, HVAC, or refrigeration systems.
Good electrical conductivity is acceptable, but the integrity of a joined assembly is non-negotiable.
why choose us
why choose our products
We are a leading manufacturer and exporter specializing in a comprehensive range of high-quality copper products, including copper tubes, copper plates/sheets, copper bars, copper rods, copper wires, and copper strips. Our advanced manufacturing facilities are equipped with state-of-the-art continuous casting lines, extrusion presses, cold rolling mills, and drawing machines to ensure precision and consistency. Rigorous quality control is integral to our process, conducted through spectrometers for material verification, tensile testers, eddy current testers, and hydrostatic pressure testers, guaranteeing that all our products meet international standards for performance and durability.
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