ASTM B251M-97(2003)

Standard Specification for General Requirements for Wrought Seamless Copper and Copper-Alloy Tube [Metric]

ABSTRACT
This specification covers a group of general requirements for wrought seamless copper and copper alloy tube. The material shall be produced by either hot or cold working operations, or both, and shall be finished, unless otherwise specified, by such cold working and annealing or heat treatment as necessary to meet the properties specified. Dimensional requirements such as wall thickness are specified. The sampling requirements including lot size, portion size, and selection of sample pieces are given. Requirements for chemical analysis, and tension, microscopical examination, Rockwell hardness, grain size, expansion (pin), mercurous nitrate, and electrical resistivity tests are detailed. The material shall conform to the prescribed chemical composition, hardness, electrical resistivity, tensile strength, yield strength, elongation, and grain size.
SCOPE
1.1 This specification covers a group of general requirements common to several wrought product specifications. Unless otherwise specified in the purchase order, or in an individual specification, these general requirements shall apply to copper and copper-alloy tube supplied under Specifications B 68, B 75, B 135, and B 466.
Note 1—This specification is the metric companion of Specification B 251.

General Information

• Status: Historical
• Publication Date: 30-Sep-2003
• ICS: 23.040.15 - Non-ferrous metal pipes
• ICS: 77.120.30 - Copper and copper alloys
• Technical Committee: B05 - Copper and Copper Alloys
• Drafting Committee: B05.04 - Pipe and Tube

Relations

• Replaces: ASTM B251M-97 - Standard Specification for General Requirements for Wrought Seamless Copper and Copper-Alloy Tube [Metric]
• Effective Date: 01-Oct-2003
• Replaced By: ASTM B251M-10 - Standard Specification for General Requirements for Wrought Seamless Copper and Copper-Alloy Tube [Metric] (Withdrawn 2017)
• Effective Date: 01-Oct-2010

Standards Content (Sample)

NOTICE: This standard has either been superseded and replaced by a new version or withdrawn.
Contact ASTM International (www.astm.org) for the latest information
Designation: B251M – 97 (Reapproved 2003)
Standard Specification for
General Requirements for Wrought Seamless Copper and
Copper-Alloy Tube (Metric)
This standard is issued under the fixed designation B251M; 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 Department of Defense.
1. Scope B643 Specification for Copper-Beryllium Alloy Seamless
Tube
1.1 This specification covers a group of general require-
E3 Guide for Preparation of Metallographic Specimens
ments common to several wrought product specifications.
E8 Test Methods for Tension Testing of Metallic Materials
Unless otherwise specified in the purchase order, or in an
E18 Test Methods for Rockwell Hardness of Metallic Ma-
individual specification, these general requirements shall apply
terials
to copper and copper-alloy tube supplied under Specifications
E29 Practice for Using Significant Digits in Test Data to
B68, B75, B135, and B466/B466M.
Determine Conformance with Specifications
NOTE 1—This specification is the metric companion of Specification
E53 Test Method for Determination of Copper in Unalloyed
B251.
Copper by Gravimetry
E62 Test Methods for Chemical Analysis of Copper and
2. Referenced Documents
Copper Alloys (Photometric Methods)
2.1 The following documents of the issue in effect on date
E112 Test Methods for Determining Average Grain Size
of material purchase form a part of this specification to the
E255 Practice for Sampling Copper and Copper Alloys for
extent referenced herein:
the Determination of Chemical Composition
2.2 ASTM Standards:
E478 TestMethodsforChemicalAnalysisofCopperAlloys
B68 Specification for Seamless Copper Tube, Bright An-
nealed
3. Terminology
B75 Specification for Seamless Copper Tube
3.1 Definitions:
B135 Specification for Seamless Brass Tube
3.1.1 average diameter (for round tubes only)—the average
B153 Test Method for Expansion (Pin Test) of Copper and
ofthemaximumandminimumoutsidediameters,ormaximum
Copper-Alloy Pipe and Tubing
and minimum inside diameters, whichever is applicable, as
B154 Test Method for Mercurous Nitrate Test for Copper
determined at any one cross section of the tube.
Alloys
3.1.2 coil—a length of the product wound into a series of
B170 Specification for Oxygen-Free Electrolytic Copper—
connected turns. The unqualified term “coil” as applied to tube
Refinery Shapes
usually refers to a bunched coil.
B193 Test Method for Resistivity of Electrical Conductor
3.1.2.1 bunched—a coil in which the turns are bunched and
Materials
held together such that the cross section of the bunched turns
B428 Test Method for Angle of Twist in Rectangular and
is approximately circular.
Square Copper and Copper Alloy Tube
3.1.2.2 double layer flat—a coil in which the product is
B466/B466M Specification for Seamless Copper-Nickel
spirally wound into two connected disk-like layers such that
Pipe and Tube
one layer is on top of the other. (Sometimes called “double
layer pancake coil” or “double layer spirally wound coil.”)
ThisspecificationisunderthejurisdictionofASTMCommitteeB05onCopper 3.1.2.3 level or traverse wound—a coil in which the turns
and CopperAlloys and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee B05.04 on Pipe
are wound into layers parallel to the axis of the coil such that
and Tube.
successive turns in a given layer are next to one another.
Current edition approved Oct. 1, 2003. Published November 2003. Originally
(Sometimes called “helical coil.”)
approved in 1979. Last previous edition approved in 1997 as B251M – 97. DOI:
10.1520/B0251M-97R03.
3.1.2.4 level or traverse wound on a reel or spool—a coil in
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
which the turns are positioned into layers on a reel or spool
contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM
parallel to the axis of the reel or spool such that successive
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
turns in a given layer are next to one another.
the ASTM website.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959, United States.
B251M – 97 (2003)
3.1.2.5 single layer flat—a coil in which the product is 3.1.5.1 tube, automotive and general service—a seamless
spirally wound into a single disk-like layer. (Sometimes called copper tube of small diameter conforming to a standard series
a“ pancake coil” or “single layer spirally wound coil.”) of sizes commercially known as Automotive and General
Service Tube.
3.1.2.6 stagger wound—a coil in which the turns are posi-
3.1.5.2 tube, seamless—a tube produced with a continuous
tioned into layers approximately parallel to the axis of the coil,
periphery in all stages of the operations.
but not necessarily with the fixed regularity of a level or
traverse wound coil.
4. Materials and Manufacture
3.1.3 lengths—straight pieces of the product.
4.1 The material shall be of such quality and purity that the
3.1.3.1 ends—straight pieces, shorter than the nominal
finished product shall have the properties and characteristics
length, left over after cutting the product into mill lengths,
prescribed in the applicable product specification listed in
stock lengths, or specific lengths.They are subject to minimum
Section 1.
length and maximum weight requirements.
4.2 The material shall be produced by either hot or cold
3.1.3.2 mill—straight lengths, including ends, that are con-
working operations, or both. It shall be finished, unless
veniently manufactured in the mills. Full-length pieces are
otherwise specified, by such cold working and annealing or
usually 3000, 4000, or 6000 mm and subject to established
heat treatment as necessary to meet the properties specified.
length tolerances.
3.1.3.3 multiple—straight lengths of integral multiples of a
5. Dimensions and Permissible Variations
base length, with suitable allowance for cutting, if and when
5.1 General:
specified.
5.1.1 The standard method of specifying wall thickness
3.1.3.4 random—run of mill lengths without any indicated
shall be in decimal fractions of a millimetre.
preferred length.
5.1.2 For the purpose of determining conformance with the
3.1.3.5 specific—straight lengths that are uniform in length,
dimensional requirements prescribed in this specification, any
as specified, and subject to established length tolerances.
measured value outside the specified limiting values for any
3.1.3.6 specific with ends—specific lengths, including ends.
dimension shall be cause for rejection.
3.1.3.7 standard—uniform lengths recommended in a Sim- 5.1.3 Tolerances on a given tube shall be specified with
plified Practice Recommendation or established as a Commer-
respect to any two, but not all three, of the following: outside
cial Standard. diameter, inside diameter, wall thickness.
5.1.4 When round tube is ordered by outside and inside
3.1.3.8 stock—straightlengthsthataremillcutandstoredin
diameters, the maximum plus and minus deviation of the wall
advance of orders. They are usually 3000, 4000, or 6000 mm
thickness from the nominal at any point shall not exceed the
and subject to established length tolerances.
values given in Table 1 by more than 50 %.
3.1.3.9 stock with ends—stock lengths, including ends.
3.1.4 reel or spool—a cylindrical device that has a rim at
NOTE 2—Blank spaces in the tolerance tables indicate either that the
each end and an axial hole for a shaft or spindle, and on which material is not generally available or that no tolerances have been
established.
the product is wound to facilitate handling and shipping.
3.1.5 tube—a hollow product of round or any other cross 5.2 WallThicknessTolerancesforCopperandCopper-Alloy
section, having a continuous periphery. Tube—Wall thickness tolerances applicable to Specifications
TABLE 1 Wall Thickness Tolerances for Copper and Copper-Alloy Tube
(Applicable to Specifications B68, B75, and B135)
NOTE 1—Maximum Deviation at Any Point—The following tolerances are plus and minus; if tolerances all plus or all minus are desired, double the
values given.
A
Outside Diameter, mm
Over 100 to Over 180 to
Wall Thickness, mm
0.80 to 3.0, Over 3.0 to 16, Over 16 to 25, Over 25 to 50, Over 50 to 100,
180, 250,
incl incl incl incl incl
incl incl
Up to 0.40, incl 0.05 0.03 0.04 0.05 . . .
Over 0.40 to 0.60, incl 0.08 0.05 0.05 0.06 . . .
Over 0.60 to 0.90, incl 0.08 0.06 0.06 0.08 0.10 . .
Over 0.90 to 1.5, incl 0.08 0.08 0.09 0.09 0.12 0.20 .
Over 1.5 to 2.0, incl . 0.09 0.10 0.10 0.15 0.20 0.25
Over 2.0 to 3.0, incl . 0.10 0.12 0.12 0.20 0.20 0.28
Over 3.0 to 4.0, incl . 0.12 0.15 0.15 0.20 0.25 0.30
Over 4.0 to 5.5, incl . 0.20 0.20 0.20 0.25 0.30 0.35
Over 5.5 to 7.0, incl . . 0.25 0.25 0.30 0.35 0.40
B B B B
Over 7.0 to 10, incl . . 0.30 5%5%6%6 %
B B B B
Over 10 . . . 5%5%6%6 %
A
Whenroundtubeisorderedbyoutsideandinsidediameters,themaximumplusandminusdeviationofthewallthicknessfromthenominalatanypointshallnotexceed
the values given in the table by more than 50 %.
B
Percent of specified wall expressed to the nearest 0.025 mm.
B251M – 97 (2003)
TABLE 3 Average Diameter Tolerances for Copper and Copper-
B68, B75, and B135 for round tubes only shall be in accor-
A
Alloy Tube
dance with Table 1. Wall thickness tolerances for rectangular
(Applicable to Specifications B68, B75, and B135)
including square tube applicable to B75 and B135 shall be in
Tolerance, plus and minus,
accordance with Table 2. Specified Diameter, mm
mm
5.3 Diameter or Distance between Parallel Surfaces, Toler-
Up to 3.0, incl 0.05
ances for Copper and Copper-Alloy Tube—Diameter toler-
Over 3.0 to 16, incl 0.05
ances applicable to Specifications B68, B75, and B135 for Over 16 to 25, incl 0.06
Over 25 to 50, incl 0.08
round tubes only shall be in accordance with Table 3.Toler-
Over 50 to 75, incl 0.10
ances on distance between parallel surfaces for rectan-gular
Over 75 to 100, incl 0.12
including square tube applicable to Specifications B75 and Over 100 to 125, incl 0.15
Over 125 to 150, incl 0.18
B135 shall be in accordance with Table 4.
Over 150 to 200, incl 0.20
5.4 Roundness (Applicable to SpecificationsB75,B135, and
Over 200 to 250, incl 0.25
B466/B466M)—For drawn unannealed tube in straight
A
Applicable to inside or outside diameter.
lengths, the roundness tolerances shall be as follows:
t/D Roundness Tolerance as Percent of Out-
(Ratio of Nominal Wall Thickness to side Diameter (Expressed to the Nearest 5.6 Squareness of Cut (Applicable to Specifications B68,
Outside Diameter) 0.025 mm)
B75, B135, and B466/B466M)—For tube in straight lengths,
the departure from squareness of the end of any tube shall not
0.01 to 0.03, incl 1.5
Over 0.03 to 0.05, incl 1.0 exceed the following:
Over 0.05 to 0.10, incl 0.8 or 0.05 mm, whichever is greater
5.6.1 Round Tube:
Over 0.10 0.7 or 0.05 mm, whichever is greater
Specified Outside Diameter, mm Tolerance
5.4.1 Compliance with the roundness tolerances shall be
Up to 16, incl 0.25 mm
determined by taking measurements on the outside diameter
Over 16 0.016 mm/mm of diameter
only, irrespective of the manner in which the tube dimensions
5.6.2 Rectangular and Square Tube:
are specified. The deviation from roundness is measured as the
Specified Distance Between Major Out-
differencebetweenmajorandminordiametersasdeterminedat
Tolerance
side Parallel Surfaces, mm
any one cross section of the tube. The major and minor
diameters are the diameters of two concentric circles just
Up to 15.9 incl 0.40 mm
Over 15.9 0.025 mm/mm of distance between out-
enclosing the outside surface of the tube at the cross section.
side parallel surfaces
5.4.2 No tolerances have been established for as-extruded
tube, redraw tube, annealed tube, any tube furnished in coils or 5.7 Straightness Tolerances:
drawn tube whose wall thickness is under 0.40 mm. 5.7.1 Round Tubes—For round tubes of any drawn temper,
5.5 Length Tolerances: 6 to 100 mm in outside diameter, inclusive, but not redraw
5.5.1 Straight Lengths—Length tolerances, straight lengths, tube, extruded tube, or any annealed tube, the straightness
applicable to Specifications B68, B75, B135, and B466/ tolerances applicable to Specifications B75, B135, and B466/
B466M shall be in accordance with Table 5. B466M shall be in accordance with Table 7.
5.5.2 Schedule of Tube Lengths—Specific and stock lengths 5.7.2 Rectangular and Square Tubes—For rectangular and
oftubewithends,applicabletoSpecificationsB68,B75,B135, square tubes of any drawn temper, the straightness tolerance
and B466/B466M, shall be in accordance withTable 6.Tube in applicable to Specifications B75 and B135 shall be 12 mm
straight lengths shall be furnished in stock lengths with ends, maximum curvature (depth of arc) in any 2000-mm portion of
unless the order requires specific lengths or specific lengths the total length. (Not applicable to extruded tube, redraw tube,
with ends. or any annealed tube.)
TABLE 2 Wall Thickness Tolerances for Copper and Copper-Alloy Rectangular and Square Tube
(Applicable to Specifications B75 and B135)
NOTE 1— Maximum Deviation at Any Point—The following tolerances are plus and minus; if tolerances all plus or all minus are desired, double the
values given.
A
Distance Between Outside Parallel Surface, mm
Wall Thickness, mm
0.80 to 3.0, 3.0 to 16, incl 16 to 25, incl 25 to 50, incl 50 to 100, 100 to 180, 180 to 250,
incl incl incl incl
Up to 0.40, incl 0.05 0.05 0.06 0.08 . . .
Over 0.40 to 0.60, incl 0.08 0.06 0.08 0.09 . . .
Over 0.60 to 0.90, incl 0.09 0.09 0.09 0.10 0.15 . .
Over 0.90 to 1.5, incl 0.10 0.10 0.12 0.12 0.20 0.25 .
Over 1.5 to 2.0, incl . 0.12 0.15 0.20 0.20 0.25 0.30
Over 2.0 to 3.0, incl . 0.20 0.20 0.25 0.25 0.30 0.35
Over 3.0 to 4.0, incl . 0.25 0.25 0.28 0.30 0.36 0.40
Over 4.0 to 5.5, incl . 0.28 0.30 0.33 0.38 0.45 0.50
Over 5.5 to 7.0, incl . . 0.38 0.40 0.45 0.50 0.55
A
In the case of rectangular tube the major dimension determines the thickness tolerance applicable to all walls.
B251M – 97 (2003)
TABLE 4 Tolerances on Distance Between Parallel Surfaces for Copper and Copper-Alloy Rectangular and Square Tube
(Applicable to Specifications B75 and B135)
NOTE 1—The following tolerances are plus and minus; if tolerances all plus or all minus are desired, double the values given.
Dimension a or b (see sketches), mm Tolerances, mm
Up to 3.0, incl 0.08
Over 3.0 to 16, incl 0.10
Over 16 to
...

This document is not anASTM standard and is intended only to provide the user of anASTM 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:B251M–97 Designation: B 251M – 97 (Reapproved 2003)
Standard Specification for
General Requirements for Wrought Seamless Copper and
Copper-Alloy Tube [Metric](Metric)
This standard is issued under the fixed designation B 251M; 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 Department of Defense.
1. Scope
1.1 This specification covers a group of general requirements common to several wrought product specifications. Unless
otherwise specified in the purchase order, or in an individual specification, these general requirements shall apply to copper and
copper-alloy tube supplied under Specifications B 68, B 75, B 135, and B 466.
NOTE 1—This specification is the metric companion of Specification B 251.
2. Referenced Documents
2.1 The following documents of the issue in effect on date of material purchase form a part of this specification to the extent
referenced herein:
2.2 ASTM Standards:
B 68 Specification for Seamless Copper Tube, Bright Annealed
B 75 Specification for Seamless Copper Tube
B 135 Specification for Seamless Brass Tube
B 153 Test Method for Expansion (Pin Test) of Copper and Copper-Alloy Pipe and Tubing
B 154 Test Method for Mercurous Nitrate Test for Copper and Copper Alloys
B 170 Specification for Oxygen-Free Electrolytic Copper—Refinery Shapes
B 193 Test Method for Resistivity of Electrical Conductor Materials
B 428 Test Method for Angle of Twist in Rectangular and Square Copper and Copper Alloy Tube
B 466 Specification for Seamless Copper-Nickel Pipe and Tube
B 643 Specification for Copper-Beryllium Alloy Seamless Tube
E 3 Methods of Preparation of Metallographic Specimens
E 8 Test Methods for Tension Testing of Metallic Materials
E 18 Test Methods for Rockwell Hardness and Rockwell Superficial Hardness of Metallic Materials
E 29 Practice for Using Significant Digits in Test Data to Determine Conformance with Specifications
E53Test Methods for Chemical Analysis of Copper 53 Test Methods for Determination of Copper in Unalloyed Copper by
Gravimetry
E 62 Test Methods for Chemical Analysis of Copper and Copper Alloys (Photometric Methods)
E 112 Test Methods for Determining Average Grain Size
E 255 Practice for Sampling Wrought Nonferrous Metals Copper and Copper Alloys for Determination of Chemical
Composition
E62Test Methods for Chemical Analysis of Copper and Copper Alloys (Photometric Methods)
E112Test Methods for Determining Average Grain Size
E478Test Methods for Chemical Analysis of Copper Alloys 478 Test Methods for Chemical Analysis of Copper Alloys
3. Terminology
3.1 Definitions:
This specification is under the jurisdiction ofASTM Committee B05 on Copper and CopperAlloys and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee B05.04 on Pipe and
Tube.
Current edition approved Feb. 10, 1997. Published April 1997. Originally published as B251M–79. Last previous edition B251M–93.
Current edition approved Oct. 1, 2003. Published November 2003. Originally approved in 1979. Last previous edition approved in 1997 as B 251M – 97.
Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vol 02.01.
ForreferencedASTMstandards,visittheASTMwebsite,www.astm.org,[e-mail]ards
volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on the ASTM website.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959, United States.
B 251M – 97 (2003)
3.1.1 average diameter (for round tubes only)— the average of the maximum and minimum outside diameters, or maximum
and minimum inside diameters, whichever is applicable, as determined at any one cross section of the tube.
3.1.2 coil—alengthoftheproductwoundintoaseriesofconnectedturns.Theunqualifiedterm“coil”asappliedtotubeusually
refers to a bunched coil.
3.1.2.1 bunched—a coil in which the turns are bunched and held together such that the cross section of the bunched turns is
approximately circular.
3.1.2.2 double layer flat—a coil in which the product is spirally wound into two connected disk-like layers such that one layer
is on top of the other. (Sometimes called “double layer pancake coil” or “double layer spirally wound coil.”)
3.1.2.3 level or traverse wound—a coil in which the turns are wound into layers parallel to the axis of the coil such that
successive turns in a given layer are next to one another. (Sometimes called “helical coil.”)
3.1.2.4 level or traverse wound on a reel or spool—acoilinwhichtheturnsarepositionedintolayersonareelorspoolparallel
to the axis of the reel or spool such that successive turns in a given layer are next to one another.
3.1.2.5 single layer flat—a coil in which the product is spirally wound into a single disk-like layer. (Sometimes called a“
pancake coil” or “single layer spirally wound coil.”)
3.1.2.6 stagger wound—a coil in which the turns are positioned into layers approximately parallel to the axis of the coil, but
not necessarily with the fixed regularity of a level or traverse wound coil.
3.1.3 lengths—straight pieces of the product.
3.1.3.1 ends—straight pieces, shorter than the nominal length, left over after cutting the product into mill lengths, stock lengths,
or specific lengths. They are subject to minimum length and maximum weight requirements.
3.1.3.2 mill—straight lengths, including ends, that are conveniently manufactured in the mills. Full-length pieces are usually
3000, 4000, or 6000 mm and subject to established length tolerances.
3.1.3.3 multiple—straight lengths of integral multiples of a base length, with suitable allowance for cutting, if and when
specified.
3.1.3.4 random—run of mill lengths without any indicated preferred length.
3.1.3.5 specific—straight lengths that are uniform in length, as specified, and subject to established length tolerances.
3.1.3.6 specific with ends—specific lengths, including ends.
3.1.3.7 standard—uniform lengths recommended in a Simplified Practice Recommendation or established as a Commercial
Standard.
3.1.3.8 stock—straight lengths that are mill cut and stored in advance of orders. They are usually 3000, 4000, or 6000 mm and
subject to established length tolerances.
3.1.3.9 stock with ends—stock lengths, including ends.
3.1.4 reel or spool—a cylindrical device that has a rim at each end and an axial hole for a shaft or spindle, and on which the
product is wound to facilitate handling and shipping.
3.1.5 tube—a hollow product of round or any other cross section, having a continuous periphery.
3.1.5.1 tube, automotive and general service—aseamlesscoppertubeofsmalldiameterconformingtoastandardseriesofsizes
commercially known as Automotive and General Service Tube.
3.1.5.2 tube, seamless—a tube produced with a continuous periphery in all stages of the operations.
4. Materials and Manufacture
4.1 The material shall be of such quality and purity that the finished product shall have the properties and characteristics
prescribed in the applicable product specification listed in Section 1.
4.2 The material shall be produced by either hot or cold working operations, or both. It shall be finished, unless otherwise
specified, by such cold working and annealing or heat treatment as necessary to meet the properties specified.
5. Dimensions and Permissible Variations
5.1 General:
5.1.1 The standard method of specifying wall thickness shall be in decimal fractions of a millimetre.
5.1.2 For the purpose of determining conformance with the dimensional requirements prescribed in this specification, any
measured value outside the specified limiting values for any dimension shall be cause for rejection.
5.1.3 Tolerances on a given tube shall be specified with respect to any two, but not all three, of the following: outside diameter,
inside diameter, wall thickness.
5.1.4 When round tube is ordered by outside and inside diameters, the maximum plus and minus deviation of the wall thickness
from the nominal at any point shall not exceed the values given in Table 1 by more than 50 %.
NOTE 2—Blank spaces in the tolerance tables indicate either that the material is not generally available or that no tolerances have been established.
5.2 Wall Thickness Tolerances for Copper and Copper-Alloy Tube—WallthicknesstolerancesapplicabletoSpecificationsB 68,
B 75, and B 135 for round tubes only shall be in accordance with Table 1. Wall thickness tolerances for rectangular including
square tube applicable to B75 and B135 shall be in accordance with Table 2.
5.3 Diameter or Distance between Parallel Surfaces, Tolerances for Copper and Copper-Alloy Tube—Diameter tolerances
applicable to Specifications B 68, B 75, and B 135 for round tubes only shall be in accordance withTable 3.Tolerances on distance
B 251M – 97 (2003)
TABLE 1 Wall Thickness Tolerances for Copper and Copper-Alloy Tube
(Applicable to Specifications B 68, B 75, and B 135)
NOTE 1—Maximum Deviation at Any Point—The following tolerances are plus and minus; if tolerances all plus or all minus are desired, double the
values given.
A
Outside Diameter, mm
Over 100 to Over 180 to
Wall Thickness, mm
0.80 to 3.0, Over 3.0 to 16, Over 16 to 25, Over 25 to 50, Over 50 to 100,
180, 250,
incl incl incl incl incl
incl incl
Up to 0.40, incl 0.05 0.03 0.04 0.05 . . .
Over 0.40 to 0.60, incl 0.08 0.05 0.05 0.06 . . .
Over 0.60 to 0.90, incl 0.08 0.06 0.06 0.08 0.10 . .
Over 0.90 to 1.5, incl 0.08 0.08 0.09 0.09 0.12 0.20 .
Over 1.5 to 2.0, incl . 0.09 0.10 0.10 0.15 0.20 0.25
Over 2.0 to 3.0, incl . 0.10 0.12 0.12 0.20 0.20 0.28
Over 3.0 to 4.0, incl . 0.12 0.15 0.15 0.20 0.25 0.30
Over 4.0 to 5.5, incl . 0.20 0.20 0.20 0.25 0.30 0.35
Over 5.5 to 7.0, incl . . 0.25 0.25 0.30 0.35 0.40
B B B B
Over 7.0 to 10, incl . . 0.30 5%5%6%6 %
B B B B
Over 10 . . . 5%5%6%6 %
A
Whenroundtubeisorderedbyoutsideandinsidediameters,themaximumplusandminusdeviationofthewallthicknessfromthenominalatanypointshallnotexceed
the values given in the table by more than 50 %.
B
Percent of specified wall expressed to the nearest 0.025 mm.
TABLE 2 Wall Thickness Tolerances for Copper and Copper-Alloy Rectangular and Square Tube
(Applicable to Specifications B 75 and B 135)
NOTE 1— Maximum Deviation at Any Point—The following tolerances are plus and minus; if tolerances all plus or all minus are desired, double the
values given.
A
Distance Between Outside Parallel Surface, mm
Wall Thickness, mm
0.80 to 3.0, 3.0 to 16, incl 16 to 25, incl 25 to 50, incl 50 to 100, 100 to 180, 180 to 250,
incl incl incl incl
Up to 0.40, incl 0.05 0.05 0.06 0.08 . . .
Over 0.40 to 0.60, incl 0.08 0.06 0.08 0.09 . . .
Over 0.60 to 0.90, incl 0.09 0.09 0.09 0.10 0.15 . .
Over 0.90 to 1.5, incl 0.10 0.10 0.12 0.12 0.20 0.25 .
Over 1.5 to 2.0, incl . 0.12 0.15 0.20 0.20 0.25 0.30
Over 2.0 to 3.0, incl . 0.20 0.20 0.25 0.25 0.30 0.35
Over 3.0 to 4.0, incl . 0.25 0.25 0.28 0.30 0.36 0.40
Over 4.0 to 5.5, incl . 0.28 0.30 0.33 0.38 0.45 0.50
Over 5.5 to 7.0, incl . . 0.38 0.40 0.45 0.50 0.55
A
In the case of rectangular tube the major dimension determines the thickness tolerance applicable to all walls.
TABLE 3 Average Diameter Tolerances for Copper and Copper-
A
Alloy Tube
(Applicable to Specifications B 68, B 75, and B 135)
Tolerance, plus and minus,
Specified Diameter, mm
mm
Up to 3.0, incl 0.05
Over 3.0 to 16, incl 0.05
Over 16 to 25, incl 0.06
Over 25 to 50, incl 0.08
Over 50 to 75, incl 0.10
Over 75 to 100, incl 0.12
Over 100 to 125, incl 0.15
Over 125 to 150, incl 0.18
Over 150 to 200, incl 0.20
Over 200 to 250, incl 0.25
A
Applicable to inside or outside diameter.
between parallel surfaces for rectan-gular including square tube applicable to Specifications B 75 and B 135 shall be in accordance
with Table 4.
5.4 Roundness (Applicable to Specifications B 75, B 135, and B 466)—For drawn unannealed tube in straight lengths, the
roundness tolerances shall be as follows:
B 251M – 97 (2003)
TABLE 4 Tolerances on Distance Between Parallel Surfaces for Copper and Copper-Alloy Rectangular and Square Tube
(Applicable to Specifications B 75 and B 135)
NOTE 1—The following tolerances are plus and minus; if tolerances all plus or all minus are desired, double the values given.
Dimension a or b (see sketches), mm Tolerances, mm
Up to 3.0, incl 0.08
Over 3.0 to 16, incl 0.10
Over 16 to 25, incl 0.12
Over 25 to 50, incl 0.15
Over 50 to 100, incl 0.20
Over 100 to 120, incl 0.25
Over 150 to 200, incl 0.30
Over 200 to 250, incl 0.30
Nominal dimension a determines tolerance applicable to both a and c.
Nominal dimension b determines tolerance applicable to both b and d.
t/D Roundness Tolerance as Percent of Out-
(Ratio of Nominal Wall Thickness to side Diameter (Expressed to the Nearest
Outside Diameter) 0.025 mm)
0.01 to 0.03, incl 1.5
Over 0.03 to 0.05, incl 1.0
Over 0.05 to 0.10, incl 0.8 or 0.05 mm, whichever is greater
Over 0.10 0.7 or 0.05 mm, whichever is greater
5.4.1 Compliance with the roundness tolerances shall be determined by taking measurements on the outside diameter only,
irrespective of the manner in which the tube dimensions are specified. The deviation from roundness is measured as the difference
between major and minor diameters as determined at any one cross section of the tube. The major and minor diameters are the
diameters of two concentric circles just enclosing the outside surface of the tube at the cross section.
5.4.2 Notoleranceshavebeenestablishedforas-extrudedtube,redrawtube,annealedtube,anytubefurnishedincoilsordrawn
tube whose wall thickness is under 0.40 mm.
5.5 Length Tolerances:
5.5.1 Straight Lengths—Length tolerances, straight lengths, applicable to Specifications B 68, B 75, B 135, and B 466 shall be
in accordance with Table 5.
5.5.2 Schedule of Tube Lengths—Specific and stock lengths of tube with ends, applicable to Specifications B 68, B 75, B 135,
and B 466, shall be in accordance with Table 6. Tube in straight lengths shall be furnished in stock lengths with ends, unless the
order requires specific lengths or specific lengths with ends.
5.6 Squareness of Cut (Applicable to Specifications B 68, B 75, B 135, and B 466)— For tube in straight lengths, the de
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