Copper Tube is a high-quality, corrosion-resistant metal tube manufactured from pure copper or copper alloys. It is widely used in plumbing, HVAC, refrigeration, gas distribution, electrical systems, and industrial heat-transfer applications.
Copper tubes are valued for their outstanding thermal conductivity, excellent corrosion resistance, long service life, and ease of forming and joining.
Chemical Composition (C12200 – DHP Copper)
| Element | Typical % |
|---|---|
| Copper (Cu) | ≥ 99.90 |
| Phosphorus (P) | 0.015 – 0.040 |
| Oxygen | Nil |
| Other impurities | < 0.01 |
Physical Properties
| Property | Typical Value |
|---|---|
| Density | 8.94 g/cm³ |
| Melting Point | ~1083 °C |
| Electrical Conductivity | 80 – 101% IACS |
| Thermal Conductivity | 385 – 401 W/m·K |
| Coefficient of Thermal Expansion | 16.5 × 10⁻⁶ /°C |
| Magnetic Behavior | Non-magnetic |
| Crystal Structure | FCC (Face-Centered Cubic) |
Mechanical Properties
| Property | Annealed (Soft) | Half-Hard | Hard |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tensile Strength | 200 – 220 MPa | 250 – 300 MPa | 350 – 420 MPa |
| Yield Strength | ~70 MPa | ~200 MPa | ~350 MPa |
| Elongation | 35 – 45% | 10 – 20% | 2 – 5% |
| Hardness (HV) | 40 – 55 | 70 – 95 | 100 – 120 |
Soft copper tubes are preferred for bending and coiling, while hard tubes are used for straight-line installations.
Strengthening & Metallurgical Behavior
Copper tubes have a single-phase FCC crystal structure, providing excellent ductility and toughness. Strength is controlled through cold working, while annealing restores flexibility.
❌ No precipitation or age hardening — copper tubes rely on work hardening only.
Key Characteristics
✔ Outstanding thermal conductivity
✔ Excellent corrosion resistance
✔ Antimicrobial surface properties
✔ High pressure and temperature resistance
✔ Easy bending, brazing, and soldering
✔ Leak-tight joints
✔ Service life exceeding 50 years
Refining & Processing
Copper is smelted, fire-refined, electrolytically refined, and alloyed if required. Tubes are produced by extrusion, pilger rolling, cold drawing, and annealing.
✔ Excellent dimensional accuracy
✔ Smooth internal surface
✔ Low fluid friction
✔ High heat-transfer efficiency
Available Forms
Straight tubes (hard / half-hard)
Coiled tubes (annealed)
Capillary tubes
Pancake coils
Level wound coils (LWC)
Inner-grooved tubes (HVAC)
Outer diameter: 4 mm – 159 mm
Wall thickness: 0.5 mm – 10+ mm
Applications
HVAC & Refrigeration
Air-conditioning lines,
refrigerant piping,
heat exchanger tubing
Plumbing & Water Systems
Hot and cold water supply,
gas distribution,
solar water heaters
Industrial Applications
Heat exchangers,
condensers,
hydraulic and pneumatic systems
Medical & Specialty
Medical gas pipelines,
oxygen and vacuum systems,
laboratory piping
Renewable Energy
Solar thermal collectors,
heat pump systems
Advantages
✔ Superior heat transfer efficiency
✔ Natural corrosion resistance
✔ High pressure and temperature tolerance
✔ Hygienic and antimicrobial
✔ Easy installation and repair
✔ Fully recyclable
Why Choose Copper Tubes?
Copper tubes are selected when applications demand maximum thermal efficiency, long-term corrosion resistance, safe potable water transport, and leak-free brazed joints.
Engineering Recommendation:
Copper tubes offer the lowest lifecycle cost
for HVAC, plumbing, and heat-transfer systems,
despite a higher initial material price.
Comparison with Alternative Materials
| Property | Copper Tube | Steel Tube | Plastic (PPR/PVC) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Heat Transfer | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐ |
| Corrosion Resistance | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐ |
| Pressure Handling | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐ |
| Hygiene | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐ |
| Service Life | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐ |
Sustainability & Lifecycle
100% recyclable without loss of properties
Low energy consumption during recycling
Long service life reduces material waste
Supports green building certifications