ASTM B122/B122M-20

Standard Specification for Copper-Nickel-Tin Alloy, Copper-Nickel-Zinc Alloy (Nickel Silver), and Copper-Nickel Alloy Plate, Sheet, Strip, and Rolled Bar

ABSTRACT
This specification establishes the requirements for copper-nickel-tin, copper-nickel-zinc, and copper-nickel alloy plates, sheets, strips, and rolled bars made from UNS C70600, C70620, C71000, C71500, C71520, C72200, C72500, C73500, C74000, C74500, C75200, C76200, or C77000 alloy. Each product should be manufactured by hot or cold working, and annealed if required, to produce a uniform wrought structure that meets the specified temper properties. This specification also contains information on the standard tempers for and tensile strengths of hot-rolled, cold-rolled, and annealed tempers. In case of disagreements, the chemical composition is determined following appropriate methods listed here. Grain size is the standard requirement for all products in the annealed tempers.
SCOPE
1.1 This specification establishes the requirements for copper-nickel-tin alloy, copper-nickel-zinc alloy (nickel silver), and copper-nickel alloy plate, sheet, strip, and rolled bar. The following alloys are covered:    
Nominal Composition, %    
Copper Alloy  
Previously Used  
Chro-  
UNS No.2  
Designation  
Copper  
Nickel  
Zinc  
Tin  
mium  
C70600  
...  
90  
10  
...  
...  
...  
C70620  
...  
90  
10  
...  
...  
...  
C71000  
6  
80  
20  
...  
...  
...  
C71500  
5  
70  
30  
...  
...  
...  
C71520  
...  
70  
30  
...  
...  
...  
C72200  
...  
85  
15  
...  
...  
0.5  
C72500  
...  
89  
9  
...  
2  
...  
C73500  
1  
72  
18  
10  
...  
...  
C74000  
9  
70  
10  
20  
...  
...  
C74500  
3  
65  
10  
25  
...  
...  
C75200  
2  
65  
18  
17  
...  
...  
C76200  
8  
59  
12  
29  
...  
...  
C77000  
4  
55  
18  
27  
...  
...
Note 1: Plates of copper-nickel alloy Copper Alloy UNS Nos. C70600, C70620, C71500, C71520, and C72200 for use as tube plates in surface condensers and heat exchangers are covered by Specification B171/B171M.  
1.2 Units—The values stated in either inch-pound units or SI units are to be regarded separately as standard. Within the text, SI units are shown in brackets. The values stated in each system are not necessarily exact equivalents; therefore, to ensure conformance with the standard, each system shall be used independently of the other, and values from the two systems shall not be combined.  
1.3 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.

General Information

• Status: Published
• Publication Date: 30-Sep-2020
• ICS: 77.150.30 - Copper products
• Technical Committee: B05 - Copper and Copper Alloys
• Drafting Committee: B05.01 - Plate, Sheet, and Strip

Relations

• Refers: ASTM E8/E8M-24 - Standard Test Methods for Tension Testing of Metallic Materials
• Effective Date: 01-Jan-2024
• Refers: ASTM B846-19a - Standard Terminology for Copper and Copper Alloys
• Effective Date: 01-Aug-2019
• Refers: ASTM B846-19 - Standard Terminology for Copper and Copper Alloys
• Effective Date: 01-Jan-2019
• Refers: ASTM B601-18a - Standard Classification for Temper Designations for Copper and Copper Alloys—Wrought and Cast
• Effective Date: 01-Oct-2018
• Refers: ASTM B171/B171M-18 - Standard Specification for Copper-Alloy Plate and Sheet for Pressure Vessels, Condensers, and Heat Exchangers
• Effective Date: 01-Oct-2018
• Refers: ASTM B601-18 - Standard Classification for Temper Designations for Copper and Copper Alloys—Wrought and Cast
• Effective Date: 01-Mar-2018
• Refers: ASTM B601-16 - Standard Classification for Temper Designations for Copper and Copper Alloys—Wrought and Cast
• Effective Date: 01-Oct-2016
• Refers: ASTM E8/E8M-16 - Standard Test Methods for Tension Testing of Metallic Materials
• Effective Date: 15-Jul-2016
• Refers: ASTM E8/E8M-15 - Standard Test Methods for Tension Testing of Metallic Materials
• Effective Date: 01-Feb-2015
• Refers: ASTM E8/E8M-13 - Standard Test Methods for Tension Testing of Metallic Materials
• Effective Date: 01-Jun-2013
• Refers: ASTM E112-12 - Standard Test Methods for Determining Average Grain Size
• Effective Date: 15-Nov-2012
• Refers: ASTM B171/B171M-12 - Standard Specification for Copper-Alloy Plate and Sheet for Pressure Vessels, Condensers, and Heat Exchangers
• Effective Date: 15-Oct-2012
• Refers: ASTM B601-12 - Standard Classification for Temper Designations for Copper and Copper Alloys—Wrought and Cast
• Effective Date: 01-Oct-2012
• Refers: ASTM B248M-12 - Standard Specification for General Requirements for Wrought Copper and Copper-Alloy Plate, Sheet, Strip, and Rolled Bar (Metric)
• Effective Date: 01-Apr-2012
• Refers: ASTM B248-12 - Standard Specification for General Requirements for Wrought Copper and Copper-Alloy Plate, Sheet, Strip, and Rolled Bar
• Effective Date: 01-Apr-2012

Overview

ASTM B122/B122M-20 is the standard specification developed by ASTM International for copper-nickel-tin alloys, copper-nickel-zinc alloys (commonly referred to as nickel silver), and copper-nickel alloys in the form of plate, sheet, strip, and rolled bar. This specification covers a wide range of alloys, including UNS C70600, C70620, C71000, C71500, C71520, C72200, C72500, C73500, C74000, C74500, C75200, C76200, and C77000.

Products manufactured under this standard are required to be produced through hot or cold working processes, with annealing used if necessary, to achieve uniform wrought structures and specified temper properties. ASTM B122/B122M-20 establishes key requirements for chemical composition, mechanical properties, grain size for annealed materials, and dimensional tolerances, making it essential for quality assurance in the production and application of copper-nickel alloy products.

Key Topics

• Alloy Coverage: Specifies chemical and mechanical properties for a variety of copper-nickel, copper-nickel-tin, and copper-nickel-zinc (nickel silver) alloys, identified by their respective UNS numbers.
• Product Forms: Applies to plates, sheets, strips, and rolled bars for a range of industrial applications.
• Manufacturing Methods:
  • Products can be made by hot or cold working.
  • Annealing promotes a uniform wrought structure and meets required tempers.
• Temper and Mechanical Properties:
  • Provides standard tempers for hot-rolled, cold-rolled, and annealed conditions.
  • Specifies tensile strength and, for information purposes, corresponding Rockwell hardness values.
• Grain Size and Appearance:
  • For annealed tempers, average grain size requirements ensure material performance and consistency.
  • Emphasizes adequate workmanship, finish, and lack of defects unsuitable for intended application.
• Ordering Guidelines:
  • Outlines essential ordering information such as alloy type, temper, dimensions, quantity, and edge type.
• Testing and Inspection:
  • Defines procedures for sampling, chemical analysis, and tensile testing.
  • Reference to ASTM test methods ensures validity and reproducibility.
• Units: The standard permits the use of either inch-pound or SI units but requires each to be used independently to avoid inconsistency.

Applications

Copper-nickel and related alloys specified in ASTM B122/B122M-20 are chosen for their excellent corrosion resistance, mechanical strength, and durability. Typical applications include:

• Marine Engineering: Hulls, piping systems, and seawater-fueled equipment due to their resistance to biofouling and seawater corrosion.
• Heat Exchangers & Condensers: Plates and tube sheets for efficient thermal conductivity and longevity in corrosive environments (note: specific requirements for tube plates are covered by ASTM B171/B171M).
• Electrical & Electronics: Components requiring stable mechanical and conductive properties.
• Industrial Equipment: Plates, strips, and bars for chemical processing, food industry machinery, and pressure vessels.
• Architectural & Decorative: Nickel silver alloys are favored for aesthetic applications in architecture, musical instruments, and jewelry.

Related Standards

• ASTM B171/B171M: Specification for copper-alloy plate and sheet in pressure vessels and heat exchangers.
• ASTM B248/B248M: General requirements for wrought copper and copper-alloy plate, sheet, strip, and rolled bar.
• ASTM B601: Classification for temper designations for copper and copper alloys.
• ASTM B846: Terminology for copper and copper alloys.
• ASTM E8/E8M: Test methods for tension testing of metallic materials.
• ASTM E112: Test methods for determining average grain size.
• ASTM E478: Test methods for chemical analysis of copper alloys.
• ASTM E527: Practice for numbering metals and alloys in the Unified Numbering System (UNS).

Practical Value

ASTM B122/B122M-20 is essential for manufacturers, engineers, and procurement specialists seeking to ensure the correct specification, performance, and reliability of copper-nickel alloy products for industrial, marine, and commercial use. Adhering to this standard facilitates regulatory compliance, material traceability, and international quality consistency. It directly supports critical applications where mechanical integrity, corrosion resistance, and precise material properties are paramount.

Standards Content (Sample)

This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
Designation:B122/B122M −20
Standard Specification for
Copper-Nickel-Tin Alloy, Copper-Nickel-Zinc Alloy (Nickel
Silver), and Copper-Nickel Alloy Plate, Sheet, Strip, and
Rolled Bar
This standard is issued under the fixed designation B122/B122M; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year
of original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval.
A superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
This standard has been approved for use by agencies of the U.S. Department of Defense.
1. Scope* 1.3 This international standard was developed in accor-
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
1.1 This specification establishes the requirements for
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
copper-nickel-tin alloy, copper-nickel-zinc alloy (nickel
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
silver), and copper-nickel alloy plate, sheet, strip, and rolled
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
bar. The following alloys are covered:
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
Nominal Composition, %
Previously
2. Referenced Documents
Copper Alloy Used Chro-
UNS No. Designation Copper Nickel Zinc Tin mium 3
2.1 ASTM Standards:
B171/B171M Specification for Copper-Alloy Plate and
C70600 . 90 10 . . .
C70620 . 90 10 . . .
Sheet for Pressure Vessels, Condensers, and Heat Ex-
C71000 6 80 20 . . .
changers
C71500 5 70 30 . . .
B248 Specification for General Requirements for Wrought
C71520 . 70 30 . . .
C72200 . 85 15 . . 0.5
Copper and Copper-Alloy Plate, Sheet, Strip, and Rolled
C72500 . 89 9 . 2 .
Bar
C73500 1 72 18 10 . .
B248M SpecificationforGeneralRequirementsforWrought
C74000 9 70 10 20 . .
C74500 3 65 10 25 . .
Copper and Copper-Alloy Plate, Sheet, Strip, and Rolled
C75200 2 65 18 17 . .
Bar (Metric)
C76200 8 59 12 29 . .
B601 Classification forTemper Designations for Copper and
C77000 4 55 18 27 . .
Copper Alloys—Wrought and Cast
NOTE 1—Plates of copper-nickel alloy Copper Alloy UNS Nos.
B846 Terminology for Copper and Copper Alloys
C70600, C70620, C71500, C71520, and C72200 for use as tube plates in
surface condensers and heat exchangers are covered by Specification E8/E8M Test Methods for Tension Testing of Metallic Ma-
B171/B171M.
terials
E112 Test Methods for Determining Average Grain Size
1.2 Units—The values stated in either inch-pound units or
E255 Practice for Sampling Copper and Copper Alloys for
SI units are to be regarded separately as standard. Within the
the Determination of Chemical Composition
text, SI units are shown in brackets. The values stated in each
E478 Test Methods for ChemicalAnalysis of CopperAlloys
system are not necessarily exact equivalents; therefore, to
E527 Practice for Numbering Metals and Alloys in the
ensure conformance with the standard, each system shall be
Unified Numbering System (UNS)
used independently of the other, and values from the two
systems shall not be combined.
3. General Requirements
3.1 The following sections of Specification B248 or Speci-
ThisspecificationisunderthejurisdictionofASTMCommitteeB05onCopper
fication B248M constitute a part of this specification:
andCopperAlloysandisthedirectresponsibilityofSubcommitteeB05.01onPlate,
3.1.1 Terminology
Sheet, and Strip.
3.1.2 Materials and Manufacture
Current edition approved Oct. 1, 2020. Published October 2020. Originally
approved in 1939. Last previous edition approved in 2016 as B122/B122M – 16.
DOI: 10.1520/B0122_B0122M-20.
2 3
The UNS system for copper and copper alloys (see Practice E527) is a simple For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
expansion of the former standard designation system accomplished by the addition contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM
of a prefix “C” and a suffix “00.” The suffix can be used to accommodate Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
composition variations of the base alloy. the ASTM website.
*A Summary of Changes section appears at the end of this standard
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
B122/B122M−20
3.1.3 Workmanship, Finish, and Appearance 5.2 The following options are available but may not be
3.1.4 Sampling—except for chemical analysis included unless specified at the time of placing of the order,
3.1.5 Number of Tests and Retests when required:
3.1.6 Specimen Preparation 5.2.1 Heat identification or traceability details,
3.1.7 Test Methods
5.2.2 Certification,
3.1.8 Significance of Numerical Limits
5.2.3 Test Report, and
3.1.9 Inspection
5.2.4 If product is purchased for agencies of the U.S.
3.1.10 Rejection and Rehearing
government (see the Supplementary Requirements of Specifi-
3.1.11 Certification
cation B248 or Specification B248M for additional require-
3.1.12 Test Report
ments).
3.1.13 Packaging and Package Marking
3.1.14 Supplementary Requirements
6. Materials and Manufacture
3.2 In addition, when a section with a title identical to that
6.1 Materials:
referenced in 3.1, above, appears in this specification, it
6.1.1 The material of manufacture shall be a form (cast bar,
contains additional requirements that supplement those appear-
cake, slab, et cetera) of Copper Alloy UNS No. C70600,
ing in Specification B248 or Specification B248M.
C70620, C71000, C71500, C71520, C72200, C72500,
C73500, C74000, C74500, C75200, C76200, or C77000 of
4. Terminology
such purity and soundness as to be suitable for processing into
4.1 For definitions of terms related to copper and copper
the products prescribed herein.
alloys, refer to Terminology B846.
6.1.2 When specified in the contract or purchase order that
heat identification or traceability is required, the purchaser
5. Ordering Information
shall specify the details desired.
5.1 Include the following specified choices when placing
NOTE 2—Due to the discontinuous nature of the processing of castings
orders for product under this specification, as applicable:
into wrought products, it is not always practical to identify a specific
5.1.1 ASTM designation and year of issue;
casting analysis with a specific quantity of finished material.
5.1.2 Copper [Alloy] UNS No. designation;
6.2 Manufacture:
5.1.3 Temper (Section 8);
6.2.1 The product shall be manufactured by such hot
5.1.4 Dimensions, thickness and width (Section 11);
working, cold working, and annealing processes as to produce
5.1.5 How furnished: straight lengths or coils;
a uniform wrought structure in the finished product.
5.1.6 Quantity—Total weight or total length or number of
6.2.2 Theproductshallbehotorcoldworkedtothefinished
pieces of each size;
size, and subsequently annealed when required, to meet the
5.1.7 Type of edge (slit, sheared, sawed, square corners,
temper properties specified.
round corners, rounded edges, or full rounded edges), if
6.3 Edges:
required;
5.1.8 Length (Section 11); and 6.3.1 Slit edges shall be furnished unless otherwise speci-
5.1.9 Intended application. fied in the contract or purchase order.
TABLE 1 Chemical Requirements
Composition, %
Copper
Copper, Nickel, Other
Alloy
Lead, Iron, Manganese, Chro-
incl incl Zinc Tin Named
UNS No.
max max max mium
Silver Cobalt Elements
A B B B
C70600 remainder 9.0–11.0 0.05 1.0–1.8 1.0 1.0 max . .
C
C70620 86.5 min 9.0–11.0 0.02 1.0–1.8 1.0 0.50 max . .
B B B
C71000 remainder 19.0–23.0 0.05 1.0 max 1.0 1.0 max . .
A B B B
C71500 remainder 29.0–33.0 0.05 0.40–1.0 1.0 1.0 max . .
C
C71520 65.0 min 29.0–33.0 0.02 0.40–1.0 1.0 0.50 max . .
B B B, D
C72200 remainder 15.0–18.0 0.05 0.50–1.0 1.0 1.0 . 0.30–0.7
C72500 remainder 8.5–10.5 0.05 0.6 0.20 0.50 max 1.8–2.8 . .
C73500 70.5–73.5 16.5–19.5 0.09 0.25 max 0.50 remainder . . .
C74000 69.0–73.5 9.0–11.0 0.05 0.25 max 0.50 remainder . . .
C74500 63.5–66.5 9.0–11.0 0.09 0.25 max 0.50 remainder . . .
C75200 63.0–66.5 16.5–19.5 0.05 0.25 max 0.50 remainder . . .
C76200 57.0–61.0 11.0–13.5 0.09 0.25 max 0.50 remainder . . .
C77000 53.5–56.5 16.5–19.5 0.05 0.25 max 0.50 remainder . . .
A
Copper plus elements with specific limits, 99.5 % min.
B
When the product is for subsequent welding applications and so specified by the purchaser, zinc shall be 0.50 % max, lead 0.02 % max, phosphorus 0.02 % max, sulfur
0.02 % max, and carbon 0.05 % max.
C
Phosphorus at 0.02 % max, sulfur at 0.02 % max, and carbon at 0.05 % max.
D
Silicon and titanium each at 0.03 % max.
B122/B122M−20
7. Chemical Composition 10.1.1 Product furnished under this specification shall con-
form to the tensile requirements prescribed in Table 2 when
7.1 The material shall conform to the chemical composition
tested in accordance with Test Methods E8/E8M.
requirements in Table 1 for the copper [alloy] UNS No.
10.1.2 Acceptance or rejection based on mechanical prop-
designation specified in the ordering information.
erties shall depend only on tensile strength.
7.2 These composition limits do not preclude the presence
10.1.3 The tension test specimens shall be taken so that the
ofotherelements.Byagreementbetweenthemanufacturerand
longitudinal axis of the specimens is parallel to the direction of
purchaser, limits may be established and analysis required for
rolling.
unnamed elements.
10.2 Rockwell Hardness:
7.3 For alloys in which copper is listed as “remainder,”
10.2.1 The approximate Rockwell hardness values given in
copper is the difference between the sum of results of all
Tables 2 and 4 are for general information and assistance in
elements determined and 100 %. When all elements in Table 1
testing, and shall not be used as a basis for product rejection.
are determined, the sum of results shall be as shown in the
NOTE 3—The Rockwell hardness test offers a quick and convenient
following table:
method of checking for general conformity to the specification require-
Copper Plus Named
ments for temper, tensile strength, and grain size.
Copper Alloy UNS No.
Elements, % min
11. Dimensions, Mass, and Permissible Variation
C70600 99.5
11.1 The dimensions and tolerances for product described
C70620 99.5
C71000 99.5
by this specification shall be as specified in Specification B248
C71500 99.5
or Specification B248M.
C71520 99.5
C72200 99.8
11.2 Thickness—WhenspecialthicknesstolerancesforCop-
C72500 99.8
perAlloy UNS No. C72500 are required, see appropriate table.
7.4 For alloys in which zinc is listed as “remainder,” either
11.3 Width:
copper or zinc may be taken as the difference between the sum
11.3.1 Slit Metal and Slit Metal with Rolled Edges.
of results of all other elements determined and 100 %. When
11.3.2 Square Sheared Metal.
all elements in Table 1 are determined, the sum of the results
11.3.3 Sawed Metal.
shall be as shown in the following table:
11.4 Length:
Copper Plus Named
Copper Alloy UNS No.
Elements, % min
11.4.1 Specific and Stock Lengths With and Without Ends.
11.4.2 Schedule of Lengths (Specific and Stock) with Ends.
C73500 99.5
11.4.3 Length Tolerance for Square Sheared Metal.
C74000 99.5
C74500 99.5
11.4.4 Length Tolerance for Sawed Metal.
C75200 99.5
11.5 Straightness:
C76200 99.5
C77000 99.5
11.5.1 Slit Metal or Slit Metal Either Straightened or Edge
Rolled.
8. Temper
11.5.2 Square Sheared Metal.
8.1 The standard tempers for products described in this 11.5.3 Sawed Metal.
specification are given in Tables 2 and 3.
11.6 Edges Contours:
8.1.1 Hot rolled temper M20.
11.6.1 Square Corners.
8.1.2 Cold rolled tempers H01 to H14.
11.6.2 Rounded Corners.
8.1.3 Annealed tempers OS015 to OS070.
11.6.3 Rounded Edges.
11.6.4 Full-Rounded Edges.
9. Grain Size for Annealed Tempers
12. Workmanship, Finish, and Appearance
9.1 Grain size shall be the standard requirement for all
12.1 The product shall be free of defec
...

This document is not an ASTM standard and is intended only to provide the user of an ASTM standard an indication of what changes have been made to the previous version. Because
it may not be technically possible to adequately depict all changes accurately, ASTM recommends that users consult prior editions as appropriate. In all cases only the current version
of the standard as published by ASTM is to be considered the official document.
Designation: B122/B122M − 16 B122/B122M − 20
Standard Specification for
Copper-Nickel-Tin Alloy, Copper-Nickel-Zinc Alloy (Nickel
Silver), and Copper-Nickel Alloy Plate, Sheet, Strip, and
Rolled Bar
This standard is issued under the fixed designation B122/B122M; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year
of original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval.
A superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
This standard has been approved for use by agencies of the U.S. Department of Defense.
1. Scope*
1.1 This specification establishes the requirements for copper-nickel-tin alloy, copper-nickel-zinc alloy (nickel silver), and
copper-nickel alloy plate, sheet, strip, and rolled bar. The following alloys are covered:
Nominal Composition, %
Previously
Copper Alloy Used Chro-
UNS No. Designation Copper Nickel Zinc Tin mium
C70600 . 90 10 . . .
C70620 . 90 10 . . .
C71000 6 80 20 . . .
C71500 5 70 30 . . .
C71520 . 70 30 . . .
C72200 . 85 15 . . 0.5
C72500 . 89 9 . 2 .
C73500 1 72 18 10 . .
C74000 9 70 10 20 . .
C74500 3 65 10 25 . .
C75200 2 65 18 17 . .
C76200 8 59 12 29 . .
C77000 4 55 18 27 . .
NOTE 1—Plates of copper-nickel alloy Copper Alloy UNS Nos. C70600, C70620, C71500, C71520, and C72200 for use as tube plates in surface
condensers and heat exchangers are covered by Specification B171/B171M.
1.2 Units—The values stated in either inch-pound units or SI units are to be regarded separately as standard. Within the text, SI
units are shown in brackets. The values stated in each system mayare not benecessarily exact equivalents; therefore, to ensure
conformance with the standard, each system shall be used independently of the other. Combiningother, and values from the two
systems may result in non-conformance with the standard.shall not be combined.
1.3 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization
established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued
by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
This specification is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee B05 on Copper and Copper Alloys and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee B05.01 on Plate,
Sheet, and Strip.
Current edition approved April 1, 2016Oct. 1, 2020. Published April 2016October 2020. Originally approved in 1939. Last previous edition approved in 20112016 as
B122/B122M – 11.B122/B122M – 16. DOI: 10.1520/B0122_B0122M-16.10.1520/B0122_B0122M-20.
The UNS system for copper and copper alloys (see Practice E527) is a simple expansion of the former standard designation system accomplished by the addition of a
prefix “C” and a suffix “00.” The suffix can be used to accommodate composition variations of the base alloy.
*A Summary of Changes section appears at the end of this standard
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
B122/B122M − 20
2. Referenced Documents
2.1 ASTM Standards:
B171/B171M Specification for Copper-Alloy Plate and Sheet for Pressure Vessels, Condensers, and Heat Exchangers
B248 Specification for General Requirements for Wrought Copper and Copper-Alloy Plate, Sheet, Strip, and Rolled Bar
B248M Specification for General Requirements for Wrought Copper and Copper-Alloy Plate, Sheet, Strip, and Rolled Bar
(Metric)
B601 Classification for Temper Designations for Copper and Copper Alloys—Wrought and Cast
B846 Terminology for Copper and Copper Alloys
E8/E8M Test Methods for Tension Testing of Metallic Materials
E112 Test Methods for Determining Average Grain Size
E255 Practice for Sampling Copper and Copper Alloys for the Determination of Chemical Composition
E478 Test Methods for Chemical Analysis of Copper Alloys
E527 Practice for Numbering Metals and Alloys in the Unified Numbering System (UNS)
3. General Requirements
3.1 The following sections of SpecificationsSpecification B248 or Specification B248M constitute a part of this specification:
3.1.1 Terminology
3.1.2 Materials and Manufacture
3.1.3 Workmanship, Finish, and Appearance
3.1.4 Sampling—except for chemical analysis
3.1.5 Number of Tests and Retests
3.1.6 Specimen Preparation
3.1.7 Test Methods
3.1.8 Significance of Numerical Limits
3.1.9 Inspection
3.1.10 Rejection and Rehearing
3.1.11 Certification
3.1.12 Test Report
3.1.13 Packaging and Package Marking
3.1.14 Supplementary Requirements
3.2 In addition, when a section with a title identical to that referenced in 3.1, above, appears in this specification, it contains
additional requirements, whichrequirements that supplement those appearing in SpecificationsSpecification B248 or Specification
B248M.
4. Terminology
4.1 For definitions of terms related to copper and copper alloys, refer to Terminology B846.
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM Standards
volume information, refer to the standard’sstandard’s Document Summary page on the ASTM website.
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5. Ordering Information
5.1 Include the following specified choices when placing orders for product under this specification, as applicable:
5.1.1 ASTM designation and year of issue,issue;
5.1.2 Copper [Alloy] UNS No. designation,designation;
5.1.3 Temper (Section 8),);
5.1.4 Dimensions, thickness and width (Section 11),);
5.1.5 How furnished: straight lengths or coils,coils;
5.1.6 Quantity—Total weight or total length or number of pieces of each size.size;
5.1.7 Type of edge, if required edge (slit, sheared, sawed, square corners, round corners, rounded edges, or full rounded edges),
if required;
5.1.8 Length (Section 11),); and
5.1.9 Intended application.
5.2 The following options are available but may not be included unless specified at the time of placing of the order, when required:
5.2.1 Heat identification or traceability details,
5.2.2 Certification,
5.2.3 Test Report, and
5.2.4 If product is purchased for agencies of the U.S. government (see the Supplementary Requirements of SpecificationsSpeci-
fication B248 or Specification B248M for additional requirements).
6. Materials and Manufacture
6.1 Materials:
6.1.1 The material of manufacture shall be a form (cast bar, cake, slab, et cetera) of Copper Alloy UNS No. C70600, C70620,
C71000, C71500, C71520, C72200, C72500, C73500, C74000, C74500, C75200, C76200, or C77000 of such purity and
soundness as to be suitable for processing into the products prescribed herein.
6.1.2 When specified in the contract or purchase order that heat identification or traceability is required, the purchaser shall specify
the details desired.
NOTE 2—Due to the discontinuous nature of the processing of castings into wrought products, it is not always practical to identify a specific casting
analysis with a specific quantity of finished material.
6.2 Manufacture:
6.2.1 The product shall be manufactured by such hot-working, cold-working, hot working, cold working, and annealing processes
as to produce a uniform wrought structure in the finished product.
6.2.2 The product shall be hot or cold worked to the finished size, and subsequently annealed,annealed when required, to meet
the temper properties specified.
6.3 Edges:
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6.3.1 Slit edges shall be furnished unless otherwise specified in the contract or purchase order.
7. Chemical Composition
7.1 The material shall conform to the chemical composition requirements in Table 1 for the copper [alloy] UNS No. designation
specified in the ordering information.
7.2 These composition limits do not preclude the presence of other elements. By agreement between the manufacturer and
purchaser, limits may be established and analysis required for unnamed elements.
7.3 For alloys in which copper is listed as “remainder,” copper is the difference between the sum of results of all elements
determined and 100 %. When all elements in Table 1 are determined, the sum of results shall be as shown in the following table:
Copper Plus Named
Copper Alloy UNS No.
Elements, % min
C70600 99.5
C70620 99.5
C71000 99.5
C71500 99.5
C71520 99.5
C72200 99.8
C72500 99.8
7.4 For alloys in which zinc is listed as “remainder,” either copper or zinc may be taken as the difference between the sum of
results of all other elements determined and 100 %. When all elements in Table 1 are determined, the sum of the results shall be
as shown in the following table:
Copper Plus Named
Copper Alloy UNS No.
Elements, % min
C73500 99.5
C74000 99.5
C74500 99.5
C75200 99.5
C76200 99.5
C77000 99.5
TABLE 1 Chemical Requirements
Composition, %
Copper
Copper, Nickel, Other
Alloy
Lead, Iron, Manganese, Chro-
incl incl Zinc Tin Named
UNS No.
max max max mium
Silver Cobalt Elements
A B B B
C70600 remainder 9.0–11.0 0.05 1.0–1.8 1.0 1.0 max . .
C
C70620 86.5 min 9.0–11.0 0.02 1.0–1.8 1.0 0.50 max . .
B B B
C71000 remainder 19.0–23.0 0.05 1.0 max 1.0 1.0 max . .
A B B B
C71500 remainder 29.0–33.0 0.05 0.40–1.0 1.0 1.0 max . .
C
C71520 65.0 min 29.0–33.0 0.02 0.40–1.0 1.0 0.50 max . .
B B B, D
C72200 remainder 15.0–18.0 0.05 0.50–1.0 1.0 1.0 . 0.30–0.7
C72500 remainder 8.5–10.5 0.05 0.6 0.20 0.50 max 1.8–2.8 . .
C73500 70.5–73.5 16.5–19.5 0.09 0.25 max 0.50 remainder . . .
C74000 69.0–73.5 9.0–11.0 0.05 0.25 max 0.50 remainder . . .
C74500 63.5–66.5 9.0–11.0 0.09 0.25 max 0.50 remainder . . .
C75200 63.0–66.5 16.5–19.5 0.05 0.25 max 0.50 remainder . . .
C76200 57.0–61.0 11.0–13.5 0.09 0.25 max 0.50 remainder . . .
C77000 53.5–56.5 16.5–19.5 0.05 0.25 max 0.50 remainder . . .
A
Copper plus elements with specific limits, 99.5 % min.
B
When the product is for subsequent welding applications and so specified by the purchaser, zinc shall be 0.50 % max, lead 0.02 % max, phosphorus 0.02 % max, sulfur
0.02 % max, and carbon 0.05 % max.
C
Phosphorus at 0.02 % max, sulfur at 0.02 % max, and carbon at 0.05 % max.
D
Silicon and titanium each at 0.03 % max.
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8. Temper
8.1 The standard tempers for products described in this specification are given in Tables 2 and 3.
8.1.1 Hot rolled temper M20.
8.1.2 Cold rolled tempers H01 to H14.
8.1.3 Annealed tempers OS015 to OS070.
9. Grain Size for Annealed Tempers
9.1 Grain size shall be the standard requirement for all product in the annealed tempers.
9.2 Acceptance or rejection based upon grain size shall depend only on the average grain size of a test specimen taken from each
of two sample portions, and each specimen shall be within the limits prescribed in Table 3 when determined in accordance with
Test Methods E112.
9.3 Grain size shall be determined on a plane parallel to the flat surfaces of the product.
10. Mechanical Property Requirements
10.1 Tensile Strength Requirements:
10.1.1 Product furnished under this specification shall conform to the tensile requirements prescribed in Table 2 when tested in
accordance with Test Methods E8/E8M.
10.1.2 Acceptance or rejection based on mechanical properties shall depend only on tensile strength.
10.1.3 The tension test specimens shall be taken so that the longitudinal axis of the specimens is parallel to the direction of rolling.
10.2 Rockwell Hardness:
10.2.1 The approximate Rockwell hardness values given in Tables 2 and 4 are for general information and assistance in testing,
and shall not be used as a basis for product rejection.
NOTE 3—The Rockwell hardness test offers a quick and convenient method of checking for general conformity to the specification requirements for
temper, tensile strength, and grain size.
11. Dimensions, Mass, and Permissible Variation
11.1 The dimensions and tolerances for product described by this specification shall be as specified in SpecificationsSpecification
B248 and or Specification B248M.
11.2 Thickness—When special thickness tolerances for Copper Alloy UNS No. C72500 are required, see appropriate table.
11.3 Width:
11.3.1 Slit Metal and Slit Metal with Rolled Edges.
11.3.2 Square Sheared Metal.
11.3.3 Sawed Metal.
11.4 Length:
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TABLE 2 Tensile Strength Requirements and Approximate Rockwell Hardness Values for Rolled Temper Product
NOTE 1—Plate is generally available in only the as hot–rolled (M20) tempers. Required properties for other tempers shall be agreed upon between the
manufacturer and purchaser at the time of placing the order.
Tensile Strength,
C, D
Te
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