Same Material, Different Standards
C12200 is the designation used under the ASTM (American) and UNS (Unified Numbering System) standards. It is widely recognized in North America and many other regions that follow ASTM specifications.
CW024A is the designation under the EN (European Norm) standard system. It is the standard grade used across Europe and in projects that follow European specifications.
Both designations refer to phosphorus deoxidized copper, commonly known in the industry as DHP (Deoxidized High Phosphorus) copper. This is the material of choice for plumbing, HVAC, refrigeration, and gas distribution systems because of its excellent weldability, corrosion resistance, and formability.
Equivalent Standards
| Standard | Grade |
|---|---|
| ASTM/UNS | C12200 |
| EN | CW024A |
| ISO | Cu-DHP |
| JIS | C1220 |
| DIN | Cu-DHP |
Chemical Composition
C12200 (per ASTM B75, B88, B280, etc.):
Copper (including silver): 99.9% minimum
Phosphorus: 0.015% – 0.040%
CW024A (per EN 1057, EN 12449, EN 1652, etc.):
Copper: 99.9% minimum
Phosphorus: 0.015% – 0.040%
Both materials are deoxidized with phosphorus to remove oxygen from the copper. This deoxidation process is critical because it prevents hydrogen embrittlement during welding and brazing-a key requirement for pipes and tubes that will be joined by heat.
The trace impurity limits are also closely aligned, with both standards ensuring the material meets the high purity levels required for reliable performance in demanding applications.
Why Phosphorus Deoxidized Copper?
Pure copper grades such as C11000 (electrolytic tough pitch copper) contain a small amount of oxygen. While this is acceptable for electrical applications, it creates a problem when the material is welded or brazed in a hydrogen-rich atmosphere. The oxygen reacts with hydrogen to form steam inside the metal, causing internal cracking-a phenomenon known as hydrogen embrittlement.
By adding a small amount of phosphorus, the oxygen is removed during refining. The resulting material can be safely welded, brazed, soldered, bent, and flared without this risk. This is why both C12200 and CW024A are the preferred choices for:
Water supply pipes
Refrigeration and air conditioning lines
Gas distribution systems
Heat exchanger tubes
Solar thermal systems
Industrial fluid transfer lines
Mechanical and Physical Properties
Because the chemical composition and manufacturing processes are essentially the same, the mechanical and physical properties of CW024A and C12200 are equivalent.
| Property | C12200 / CW024A (Typical Values) |
|---|---|
| Tensile Strength (annealed) | 220–260 MPa |
| Yield Strength (annealed) | 70–100 MPa |
| Elongation (annealed) | 45–60% |
| Electrical Conductivity | 85–95% IACS |
| Thermal Conductivity | 350–390 W/(m·K) |
| Density | 8.94 g/cm³ |
| Melting Point | 1083°C (1981°F) |
These properties make the material suitable for both rigid and flexible applications. In the annealed condition, it is highly ductile and can be bent, flared, and formed easily. In the drawn (hard) condition, it offers greater strength for applications that require structural rigidity.
Which One Should You Choose?
The choice between CW024A and C12200 is largely determined by your target market and the specifications required for your application.
| If your market or project follows... | Specify... | Applicable Standards |
|---|---|---|
| ASTM standards (USA, Canada, Latin America, many Asian markets) | C12200 | ASTM B75, B88, B280, B359, etc. |
| EN standards (Europe, Middle East, Africa, many international projects) | CW024A | EN 1057, EN 12449, EN 1652, EN 1254, etc. |
| Both or multiple markets | Dual-certified | Both ASTM and EN standards |
In most cases, either material will perform identically in service. The key is ensuring that your product documentation-mill test reports, certification, and product markings-matches what your customer expects.
Our product range
| Product Category | Key Specifications | Common Applications |
|---|---|---|
| Copper Tubes | Outer Diameter: 3–300 mm Wall Thickness: 0.5–10 mm Length: Customized Standards: ASTM B280, EN 1057, JIS H3300 |
Air conditioning, refrigeration, heat exchangers, plumbing, industrial fluid transfer |
| Copper Sheets & Plates | Thickness: 0.5–100 mm Width: up to 3000 mm Length: up to 6000 mm Standards: ASTM B152, EN 1652, GB/T 2040 |
Architectural roofing, busbars, transformer components, industrial panels, heat exchangers |
| Copper Rods & Bars | Diameter: 6–300 mm (round) Cross-section: square, hexagonal, flat Standards: ASTM B124, EN 12163, GB/T 4423 |
Electrical connectors, machining parts, switchgear, fasteners, valve stems |
| Copper Wires | Diameter: 0.1–12 mm Form: bare, tinned, stranded Standards: ASTM B3, EN 13601, IEC 60228 |
Electrical wiring, cables, grounding, automotive harnesses, transformer windings |
Our factory
Our factory is equipped with a comprehensive range of advanced production facilities dedicated to the copper processing industry. The production line includes state-of-the-art extrusion presses, precision rolling mills, high-speed drawing machines, continuous casting lines, and automated annealing furnaces, enabling us to manufacture a full spectrum of copper products-tubes, sheets, plates, rods, bars, wires, and strips-with exceptional dimensional accuracy and consistent mechanical properties. To ensure stable output and supply reliability, we operate with an annual production capacity exceeding 80000 tons and maintain a large-scale inventory system that supports just-in-time delivery. Complementing our manufacturing capabilities is a dedicated quality control center equipped with spectrometers, universal testing machines, and hardness testers, ensuring every batch meets international standards such as ASTM, EN, and GB/T. This vertically integrated production setup allows us to control quality at every stage, from raw material selection to final packaging, and to offer flexible customization in dimensions, temper, and surface finishes. With decades of technical expertise and a strong focus on continuous process improvement, we stand as a reliable, large-scale supplier serving clients across global markets.
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FAQ
1. Is CW024A the same as C12200?
Yes. CW024A (EN standard) and C12200 (ASTM/UNS standard) refer to the same phosphorus deoxidized copper (Cu-DHP). Their chemical composition, mechanical properties, and applications are essentially equivalent. The primary difference is the standard system used in different regions.
2. What is the difference between CW024A and C12200?
The main difference is the designation standard. C12200 is used under ASTM and UNS standards, while CW024A is the European EN designation. In most industrial applications, they can be used interchangeably when the required specifications are equivalent.
3. What does Cu-DHP mean?
Cu-DHP stands for Deoxidized High Phosphorus Copper. During manufacturing, phosphorus is added to remove oxygen from the copper, improving weldability and preventing hydrogen embrittlement. Cu-DHP is commonly used in plumbing, refrigeration, heat exchangers, and industrial piping.
4. Is C12200 suitable for heat exchanger tubes?
Yes. C12200 offers excellent thermal conductivity, corrosion resistance, and good formability, making it one of the most commonly specified materials for ASTM B111 heat exchanger tubes, condensers, and refrigeration systems.
5. Can C12200 be welded or brazed?
Yes. One of the biggest advantages of C12200 is its excellent weldability and brazability. Unlike oxygen-containing copper grades, phosphorus deoxidized copper greatly reduces the risk of hydrogen embrittlement during welding.
6. Is CW024A suitable for potable water systems?
Yes. CW024A is widely used in potable water piping throughout Europe because of its corrosion resistance, hygienic properties, and long service life. It complies with many European plumbing specifications when supplied according to the appropriate standards.
7. What standards are commonly used for C12200 and CW024A?
Typical standards include:
ASTM B111 – Heat Exchanger Tubes
ASTM B75 – Seamless Copper Tubes
ASTM B88 – Water Service Tubes
EN 1057 – Copper Tubes for Water and Gas
EN 12449 – Seamless Copper Tubes
EN 1254 – Copper Fittings
The applicable standard depends on the product type and intended application.
8. Is C12200 better than C11000?
Not necessarily. C11000 has higher electrical conductivity, making it ideal for electrical applications. C12200 provides much better weldability and resistance to hydrogen embrittlement, making it the preferred choice for piping, heat exchangers, refrigeration systems, and plumbing installations.
9. Can CW024A replace C12200?
Yes. In most projects, CW024A and C12200 are considered equivalent materials. However, engineers should always verify customer specifications, regional standards, certification requirements, and project documentation before substitution.
