TP2 vs T2 vs TU1 Copper Tube

TP2 copper tube contains 0.015%-0.040% phosphorus added during smelting. This small addition eliminates hydrogen embrittlement, making it significantly easier to weld than T2. If your application involves frequent welding (such as air conditioning refrigerant lines or gas circuit pipes), TP2 is the practical choice.

Copper content: ≥99.90%

Key advantage: Excellent weldability

Common uses: AC refrigerant lines, stove gas pipes, electric heating pipes, plumbing, heat exchangers

T2 is pure copper with ≥99.90% copper content and no phosphorus addition. When your priority is electrical conductivity rather than weldability, T2 is the preferred choice. It is widely used in electrical wiring, electronic components, and telecommunications equipment.

T2 costs less than TU1 but offers similar conductivity for most applications. Only upgrade to TU1 if you need ultra-low oxygen content.

TU1 is oxygen-free copper with ≥99.97% copper content and phosphorus below 0.002%. The higher price comes from vacuum melting and stricter production controls. It is worth the cost when you need:

Superior ductility for flared (trumpet mouth) connections

Uniform grain structure for consistent processing

Reliable sealing in critical connection pipes

Highest purity for high-end electronics, medical devices, or specialized industrial equipment

If your application involves flaring, TU1 provides more stable and leak-free seals than TP2 or T2.

TP2: Air conditioning lines, gas circuits, electric heating pipes, plumbing, heat exchangers

T2: Electrical wiring, electronic components, circuit boards, telecommunications

TU1: High-end electronics, medical devices, specialized equipment, flared connection pipes

Q1: What is the typical lead time for a TP2 copper tube order?
Standard lead time for TP2 copper tube is 7-15 days after order confirmation and deposit. Custom sizes may take 15-25 days. Ask your supplier for a written confirmation before placing the order.

Q2: What is the minimum order quantity (MOQ) for T2 copper tube?
MOQ for T2 copper tube depends on diameter and wall thickness. Common sizes may have MOQ starting at 500 kg. Contact your supplier with your exact dimensions for a specific MOQ quote.

Q3: How much more expensive is TU1 copper tube compared to TP2?
TU1 copper tube is priced significantly higher than TP2 due to vacuum melting and purity controls. Request a quote from 2-3 suppliers with the same size and quantity to compare actual prices.

Q4: Can I get a sample of TU1 copper tube before placing a bulk order?
Yes, many suppliers provide samples (typically 300-500mm length) for a nominal fee. The sample fee is often refundable upon a production order. Specify the grade, diameter, and wall thickness when requesting.

Q5: What payment methods are accepted for copper tube orders?
Most suppliers accept T/T (bank transfer) and L/C. Payment terms (e.g., 30% deposit, 70% against BL copy) can be negotiated. Always confirm payment terms in writing before proceeding.

Q6: Do you ship TP2 copper tubes internationally?
Yes. Most suppliers ship worldwide via sea, air, or land. Sea freight is most common for copper tubes. Ask for shipping cost and estimated delivery time to your port before ordering.

Q7: What documents are provided with a T2 copper tube shipment?
You should receive a Mill Test Certificate (MTC) showing chemical composition and mechanical properties, a packing list, a commercial invoice, and a bill of lading. Request these documents before shipment.

Q8: Can you provide custom lengths for TU1 copper tubes instead of standard 6m?
Yes, custom lengths are available for TU1 copper tubes. However, custom sizes may increase the MOQ and lead time. Provide your exact length requirement when requesting a quote.

Check Today's Stock & Lead Time

Each batch of TP2, T2, and TU1 copper tubes undergoes the following independent quality checks:

Chemical composition analysis (verified against the standards above)

Mechanical property testing (tensile strength, yield strength, elongation)

Flaring (trumpet mouth) test (especially critical for TU1 grade)

Hydrogen embrittlement test (for TP2 and TU1 grades)

Dimensional accuracy check (outer diameter, wall thickness, length)

Eddy current non-destructive testing (available upon request)

Mill Test Certificate (MTC) is provided with each shipment

Standard export seaworthy package (wooden boxes or crates)

Waterproof paper and plastic end caps to prevent moisture ingress during sea freight

Bundled with steel straps for smaller diameter tubes

Clear labels on each package showing grade (TP2/T2/TU1), size, heat number, and quantity

Custom packaging available upon request (e.g., shrink wrap, individual plastic bags)

The manufacturing facility is equipped with specialized machinery:

Continuous casting furnaces with precise phosphorus addition control (for TP2 grade)

Vacuum melting furnaces (for oxygen-free TU1 production)

Extrusion presses for forming tube billets

Cold rolling and drawing lines for achieving precise dimensions

Annealing furnaces to produce soft, half-hard, and full-hard tempers

Online eddy current testers for real-time flaw detection

CNC cutting and deburring machines for custom lengths

Automatic flaring test equipment for quality validation