ASTM B171/B171M-18

Standard Specification for Copper-Alloy Plate and Sheet for Pressure Vessels, Condensers, and Heat Exchangers

ABSTRACT
This specification establishes the requirements for plates, sheets, and circles cut from plates and sheets made of UNS C36500, C44300, C44400, C44500, C46400, C46500, C61300, C61400, C63000, C63200, C70600, C70620, C71500, C71520, or C72200 copper alloy. These materials are recommended for use in pressure vessels, condensers, and heat exchangers. The materials are manufactured by either hot rolling or forging and finished by such cold working and annealing to produce products of the required dimensions and properties. Tempers available under this specification are as hot rolled and hot rolled and annealed. The products manufactured for ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel code applications must be certified to the hot rolled and annealed temper while all other products can either have hot rolled or hot rolled and annealed temper. This specification also contains information on the required material chemical compositions, densities, and tensile properties.
SCOPE
1.1 This specification2 establishes the requirements for copper-alloy plate, sheet, and circles cut from plate and sheet for pressure vessels, condensers, and heat exchangers. The following alloys are covered:    
Copper Alloy  
Previously Used Designation  
C36500  
Leaded Muntz Metal  
C44300  
Admirality, Arsenical  
C44400  
Admirality, Antimonial  
C44500  
Admirality, Phosphorized  
C46400  
Naval Brass, Uninhibited  
C46500  
Naval Brass, Arsenical  
C61300  
Aluminum Bronze  
C61400  
Aluminum Bronze D  
C63000  
10 % Aluminum-Nickel Bronze  
C63200  
9 % Aluminum-Nickel Bronze  
C70600  
90-10 Copper Nickel  
C70620  
90-10 Copper Nickel-(modified for welding)  
C71500  
70-30 Copper Nickel  
C71520  
70-30 Copper Nickel-(modified for welding)  
C72200  
. . .  
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 may not be exact equivalents; therefore, each system shall be used independently of the other. Combining values from the two systems may result in non-conformance with the standard.  
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-2018
• ICS: 77.150.30 - Copper products
• Technical Committee: B05 - Copper and Copper Alloys
• Drafting Committee: B05.01 - Plate, Sheet, and Strip

Relations

• Replaces: ASTM B171/B171M-12 - Standard Specification for Copper-Alloy Plate and Sheet for Pressure Vessels, Condensers, and Heat Exchangers
• Effective Date: 01-Oct-2018
• Replaces: ASTM B171M-96 - Standard Specification for Copper-Alloy Plate and Sheet for Pressure Vessels, Condensers and Heat Exchangers [Metric] (Withdrawn 1999)
• Effective Date: 01-Jan-1996
• 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 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 B248-12 - Standard Specification for General Requirements for Wrought Copper and Copper-Alloy Plate, Sheet, Strip, and Rolled Bar
• Effective Date: 01-Apr-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 E8/E8M-11 - Standard Test Methods for Tension Testing of Metallic Materials
• Effective Date: 01-Dec-2011
• Refers: ASTM B846-11a - Standard Terminology for Copper and Copper Alloys
• Effective Date: 01-Jun-2011
• Refers: ASTM B846-11 - Standard Terminology for Copper and Copper Alloys
• Effective Date: 01-Jan-2011
• Refers: ASTM B846-09a - Standard Terminology for Copper and Copper Alloys
• Effective Date: 15-Nov-2009
• Refers: ASTM B846-09 - Standard Terminology for Copper and Copper Alloys
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2009

Overview

ASTM B171/B171M-18 is the standard specification established by ASTM International for copper-alloy plate and sheet materials intended for use in pressure vessels, condensers, and heat exchangers. The standard covers the requirements for manufacturing, chemical composition, mechanical properties, tolerances, testing, certification, and marking for a range of copper-alloy grades, ensuring that materials used in critical applications meet stringent industry needs. This specification is widely referenced by industries where reliability, corrosion resistance, and mechanical strength are essential for safety and performance.

Key Topics

Alloy Coverage

• Applies to a variety of copper-alloy grades, including but not limited to:
  • C36500 (Leaded Muntz Metal)
  • C44300, C44400, C44500 (Admiralty Alloys)
  • C46400, C46500 (Naval Brass)
  • C61300, C61400 (Aluminum Bronze)
  • C63000, C63200 (Aluminum-Nickel Bronze)
  • C70600, C70620, C71500, C71520, C72200 (Copper-Nickel Alloys)
• These alloys are selected for their strength, corrosion resistance, and suitability for forming and welding.

Product Forms and Manufacturing

• Covers plates, sheets, and circles cut from plate or sheet.
• Material may be manufactured by hot rolling or forging, followed by cold working and annealing to achieve required properties.
• Standard tempers include as hot rolled, hot rolled and annealed, hot forged and annealed, and as hot forged-air cooled.

Chemical and Mechanical Requirements

• Detailed chemical composition requirements for each alloy designation.
• Mechanical properties such as tensile strength and yield strength must be verified according to specified requirements.
• Adherence to both thickness and flatness tolerances is mandated to ensure proper fit and function in finished applications.

Testing, Certification, and Marking

• Specifies procedures for sampling, testing, and retesting for quality assurance.
• Certification and test reports are required for compliance, especially for ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code uses.
• Detailed marking requirements ensure traceability and proper identification of materials.

Applications

ASTM B171/B171M-18 copper-alloy plates and sheets are critical components in:

• Pressure vessels: Used in high-pressure environments, especially where corrosion resistance is paramount, such as in the chemical and petrochemical industries.
• Condensers and heat exchangers: Essential in power generation, marine, and HVAC applications due to their superior thermal conductivity and resistance to seawater and industrial fluids.
• Marine environments: Many specified alloys, including naval brass and copper-nickel types, are specifically tailored for marine use, with proven resistance to biofouling and saltwater corrosion.
• Industrial equipment: Broadly used wherever durable, non-ferrous plates and sheets are needed for fabrication, repair, or construction.

Related Standards

For further detail on requirements for copper and copper-alloy materials, consider the following relevant standards:

• 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-Wrought and Cast
• ASTM B846: Terminology for Copper and Copper Alloys
• ASTM E8/E8M: Test Methods for Tension Testing of Metallic Materials

These related standards ensure comprehensive guidance when specifying, testing, and using copper-alloy plates and sheets in industrial applications.

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Keywords: copper-alloy plate, copper-alloy sheet, pressure vessels, condensers, heat exchangers, ASTM B171/B171M-18, admiralty metal, naval brass, aluminum bronze, copper-nickel, non-ferrous metals, industrial standards.

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:B171/B171M −18
Standard Specification for
Copper-Alloy Plate and Sheet for Pressure Vessels,
Condensers, and Heat Exchangers
This standard is issued under the fixed designation B171/B171M; 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* 2. Referenced Documents
2.1 ASTM Standards:
1.1 This specification establishes the requirements for
B248 Specification for General Requirements for Wrought
copper-alloy plate, sheet, and circles cut from plate and sheet
Copper and Copper-Alloy Plate, Sheet, Strip, and Rolled
for pressure vessels, condensers, and heat exchangers. The
Bar
following alloys are covered:
B248M SpecificationforGeneralRequirementsforWrought
Copper Alloy Previously Used Designation
Copper and Copper-Alloy Plate, Sheet, Strip, and Rolled
C36500 Leaded Muntz Metal Bar (Metric)
C44300 Admirality, Arsenical
B846 Terminology for Copper and Copper Alloys
C44400 Admirality, Antimonial
E8/E8M Test Methods for Tension Testing of Metallic Ma-
C44500 Admirality, Phosphorized
C46400 Naval Brass, Uninhibited
terials
C46500 Naval Brass, Arsenical
E29 Practice for Using Significant Digits in Test Data to
C61300 Aluminum Bronze
Determine Conformance with Specifications
C61400 Aluminum Bronze D
C63000 10 % Aluminum-Nickel Bronze
E54 Test Methods for ChemicalAnalysis of Special Brasses
C63200 9 % Aluminum-Nickel Bronze
and Bronzes (Withdrawn 2002)
C70600 90-10 Copper Nickel
E62 Test Methods for Chemical Analysis of Copper and
C70620 90-10 Copper Nickel-(modified for welding)
C71500 70-30 Copper Nickel
CopperAlloys (Photometric Methods) (Withdrawn 2010)
C71520 70-30 Copper Nickel-(modified for welding)
E255 Practice for Sampling Copper and Copper Alloys for
C72200 . . .
the Determination of Chemical Composition
1.2 Units—The values stated in either inch-pound units or
E478 Test Methods for ChemicalAnalysis of CopperAlloys
SI units are to be regarded separately as standard. Within the
E527 Practice for Numbering Metals and Alloys in the
text, SI units are shown in brackets. The values stated in each
Unified Numbering System (UNS)
system may not be exact equivalents; therefore, each system
shall be used independently of the other. Combining values 3. Terminology
from the two systems may result in non-conformance with the
3.1 For definitions of terms related to copper and copper
standard.
alloys, refer to Terminology B846.
1.3 This international standard was developed in accor-
4. Ordering Information
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
4.1 Include the following specified choices when placing
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
orders for product under this specification, as applicable:
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical 4.1.1 ASTM designation and year of issue;
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
4.1.2 Whether inch-pound or SI units are applicable (see
1.2);
4.1.3 Copper [Alloy] UNS. No. (see Section 6, Table 1);
ThisspecificationisunderthejurisdictionofASTMCommitteeB05onCopper
andCopperAlloysandisthedirectresponsibilityofSubcommitteeB05.01onPlate,
Sheet, and Strip. For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
Current edition approved Oct. 1, 2018. Published October 2018. Originally contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM
approved in 1942. Last previous edition approved in 2012 as B171/B171M–12. Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
DOI: 10.1520/B0171_B0171M–18. the ASTM website.
2 4
For ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code applications, see related Specifi- The last approved version of this historical standard is referenced on
cation SB-171 in Section II of that Code. www.astm.org.
*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
B171/B171M−18
TABLE 1 Chemical Requirements
Composition, % max (Unless Shown as a Range)
Copper Alloy
A Copper, incl Manganese, Other Named
UNS No.
Tin Nickel, incl Cobalt Lead Iron Zinc Aluminum Chromium
Silver max Elements
B
C36500 58.0-61.0 0.25 . . . . . . 0.25-0.7 0.15 remainder . . . . . . . . .
B
C44300 70.0-73.0 0.8-1.2 . . . . . . 0.07 0.06 remainder . . . . . . 0.02-0.06 As
B
C44400 70.0-73.0 0.8-1.2 . . . . . . 0.07 0.06 remainder . . . . . . 0.02-0.10 Sb
B
C44500 70.0-73.0 0.8-1.2 . . . . . . 0.07 0.06 remainder . . . . . . 0.02-0.10 P
B
C46400 59.0-62.0 0.50-1.0 . . . . . . 0.20 0.10 remainder . . . . . . . . .
B
C46500 59.0-62.0 0.50-1.0 . . . . . . 0.20 0.10 remainder . . . . . . 0.02-0.06 As
C D
C61300 remainder 0.20-0.50 0.15 0.20 0.01 2.0-3.0 0.10 6.0-7.5 . . . 0.10 Si
0.015 P
C61400 remainder . . . . . . 1.0 0.01 1.5-3.5 0.20 6.0-8.0 . . . 0.015 P
C63000 remainder 0.20 4.0-5.5 1.5 . . . 2.0-4.0 0.30 9.0-11.0 . . . 0.25 Si
E E
C63200 remainder . . . 4.0-4.8 1.2-2.0 0.02 3.5-4.3 . . . 8.7-9.5 . . . 0.10 Si
D D
C70600 remainder . . . 9.0-11.0 1.0 0.05 1.0-1.8 1.0 . .
C70620 86.5 min . . . 9.0-11.0 1.0 0.02 1.0-1.8 0.50 . . . . . . 0.05 C
0.02 P
0.02 S
D D
C71500 remainder . . . 29.0-33.0 1.0 0.05 0.40-1.0 1.0 . .
C71520 65.0 min . . . 29.0-33.0 1.0 0.02 0.40-1.0 0.50 . . . . . . 0.05 C
0.02 P
0.02 S
D D
C72200 remainder . . . 15.0-18.0 1.0 0.05 0.50-1.0 1.0 . . . 0.30-0.70 0.03 Si
0.03 Ti
D
A
Designation established in accordance with Practice E527.
B
Not including silver.
C
When the product is for subsequent welding applications, and is so specified by the purchaser, chromium shall be 0.05 % max, cadmium 0.05 % max, zirconium0.05%
max and zinc 0.05 % max.
D
When the product is for subsequent welding applications, and is 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.
E
Iron content shall not exceed the nickel content.
4.1.4 Whether the alloy ordered will be used in applications 4.2.5 Heat identification or traceability details (5.1.2); and
requiring it to be welded (see Table 1, footnotes C and D for 4.2.6 Source inspection (15.2).
UNS Nos. C61300 and C72200, respectively, and UNS Nos.
5. Materials and Manufacture
C70620 and C71520 in place of UNS Nos. C70600 and
C71500);
5.1 Material:
4.1.5 Whether plate is to be machined (see 9.1.3);
5.1.1 The material of manufacture shall be cast cake of the
4.1.6 How tolerance is specified (Table 2, footnote A); and
CopperAlloy UNS No. specified in the purchase order of such
4.1.7 Weight (total for each size).
purity and soundness as to be suitable for processing into the
products prescribed herein.
4.2 The following options are available but may not be
5.1.2 When specified in the contract or purchase order that
included unless specified at the time of placing the order, when
heat identification or traceability is required, the purchaser
required.
shall specify the details desired.
4.2.1 Certification, if required (Section 17);
4.2.2 Test report, if required (Section 18);
NOTE 1—Due to the discontinuous nature of the processing of castings
4.2.3 Special marking, if required (Section 20);
into wrought products, it is not always practical to identify a specific
4.2.4 Whether yield strength 0.2 % offset is required; casting analysis with a specific quantity of finished material.
TABLE 2 Thickness Tolerances
A,B
Thickness Tolerances, Plus and Minus, in. [mm] for Diameters or Widths
Thickness, in. [mm]
36 in. [1000 mm] or Under, Over 36 to 60 in. [1000 to 1500 Over 60 to 96 in. [1500 to 2500 Over 96 to 132 in. [2500
incl mm], incl mm], incl to 3500 mm], incl
Over 0.125 to 0.250 [3.0 to 6.0 mm], incl 0.010 [0.25] 0.012 [0.30] 0.022 [0.56] 0.028 [0.71]
Over 0.250 to 0.500 [6.0 to 12.0 mm], incl 0.025 [0.64] 0.027 [0.69] 0.029 [0.74] 0.031 [0.79]
Over 0.500 to 0.750 [12.0 to 19.0 mm], incl 0.028 [0.71] 0.030 [0.76] 0.032 [0.81] 0.035 [0.89]
Over 0.750 to 1.000 [19.0 to 25.0 mm], incl 0.033 [0.84] 0.035 [0.89] 0.037 [0.94] 0.040 [1.0]
Over 1.000 to 1.500 [25.0 to 38.0], incl 0.038 [0.97] 0.040 [1.0] 0.042 [1.1] 0.045 [1.1]
Over 1.500 to 1.750 [38.0 to 44.0 mm], incl 0.043 [1.1] 0.045 [1.1] 0.047 [1.2] 0.050 [1.3]
Over 1.750 to 2.000 [44.0 to 50.0 mm], incl 0.050 [1.3] 0.055 [1.4] 0.062 [1.6] 0.065 [1.7]
Over 2.000 to 5.000 [50.0 to 127 mm], incl 0.058 [1.5] 0.062 [1.6] 0.065 [1.7] . . .
A
When tolerances are specified as all plus or all minus, double the values given.
B
See 9.1.2 for specific alloys with a difference tolerance.
B171/B171M−18
5.2 Manufacture:
Copper Alloy UNS No. Copper Plus Named Elements, % min
5.2.1 The product shall be manufactured by such hot
C61300 99.8
working, cold working, and annealing processes as to produce
C61400 99.5
a uniform wrought structure in the finished product.
C63000 99.5
C63200 99.5
5.2.2 Theproductshallbehotorcoldworkedtothefinished
C70600 99.5
size, and subsequently annealed, when required, to meet the
C70620 99.5
temper properties specified.
C71520 99.5
C71500 99.5
C72200 99.8
6. Chemical Composition
6.1 The materials shall conform to the chemical composi-
7. Temper
tional requirements specified in Table 1 for the copper [alloy]
7.1 The standard tempers for products described in this
UNS designations specified in the ordering information.
specification are given in Table 3.
6.2 These composition limits do not preclude the presence
7.1.1 As Hot Rolled Temper M20.
ofotherelements.Byagreementbetweenthemanufacturerand
7.1.2 As Hot Forged-Air Cooled M10.
purchaser, limits may be established and analysis required for
7.1.3 Hot Forged and Annealed O20.
unnamed elements.
7.1.4 Hot Rolled and Annealed O25.
6.3 For the alloys listed below, zinc is listed as “remainder,”
7.1.5 Products manufactured for ASME Boiler and Pressure
either copper or zinc, respectively, may be taken as the
Vessel Code applications must be certified to the O25 or O20
difference between the sum of all the elements analyzed and
temper.
100 %.WhenalltheelementsinTable1areanalyzedtheirsum
7.1.6 Products manufactured for other than ASME Boiler
shall be as shown below:
and Pressure Vessel Code applications may be produced in
Copper Alloy UNS No. Copper Plus Named Elements, % min either the M20, M10, O20, or O25 temper.
C36500 99.6
8. Mechanical Property Requirements
C44300 99.6
C44400 99.6
8.1 Tensile Strength Requirements:
C44500 99.6
8.1.1 Product furnished under this specification shall con-
C46400 99.6
C46500 99.6
form to the mechanical property requirements prescribed in
6.3.1 Forthealloyslistedbelow,coppermaybetakenasthe Table 3, when tested in accordance with Test Methods E8/
difference between the sum of all the elements and 100 %. E8M.
When all of the elements in Table 1 are analyzed, their sum 8.1.2 Acceptance or rejection shall be based upon the 8.1.1
shall be as shown below: mechanical properties.
TABLE 3 Tensile Requirements—M20, M10, O20, and O25 Tempers
A B A
Yield Strength 0.2 % Elongation in 2 in.
Tensile Strength, min, ksi Yield Strength, min, ksi
Copper Alloy UNS No. Thickness, in. [mm]
A
[MPa] [MPa]
Offset, min, ksi [MPa] [50.0 mm], min, %
2 [50.0] and under 50 [345] 20 [140] 20 [140] 35 [35]
C36500 over 2 to 3.5 [50.0 to 100.0], incl 45 [310] 15 [105] 15 [105] 35 [35]
over 3.5 to 5 [100.0 to 140.0], incl 40 [275] 12 [85] 12 [85] 35 [35]
C44300, C44400, and 4 [100.0] and under 45 [310] 15 [105] 15 [105] 35 [35]
C44500
C46400, C46500 3 [80.0] and under 50 [345] 20 [140] 20 [140] 35 [35]
over 3 to 5 [80.0 to 140.0], incl 50 [345] 18 [125] 18 [125] 35 [35]
C61300 2 [50.0] and under 75 [515] 37 [255] 36 [250] 30 [30]
over 2 to 3 [50.0 to 80.0], incl 70 [485] 30 [205] 28 [195] 35 [35]
over 3 to 5 [80.0140.0], incl 65 [450] 28 [195] 26 [180] 35 [35]
C61400 2 [50.0] and under 70 [485] 30 [205] 28 [195] 35 [35]
over 2 to 5 [50.0 to 140.0], incl 65 [450] 28 [195] 26 [180] 35 [35]
C63000 and C63200 2 [50.0] and under 90 [620] 36 [250] 34 [235] 10 [10]
over 2 to 3.5 [50.0 to 100.0], incl 85 [585] 33 [230] 31 [215] 10 [10]
over 3.5 to 5.0 [100.0 to 140.0], incl 80 [550] 30 [205] 28 [195] 10 [10]
C70600 and C70620 2.5 [60.0] and under 40 [275] 15 [105] 15 [105] 30 [30]
over 2.5 to 5 [60.0 to 140.0], incl 40 [275] 15 [105] 15 [105] 30 [30]
C71500 and C71520 2.5 [60.0] and under 50 [345] 20 [140] 20 [140] 30 [30]
over 2.5 to 5 [60.0 to 140.0], incl 45 [310] 18 [125] 18 [125] 30 [30]
C72200 2.5 [60.0] and under 42 [290] 16 [110] 16 [110] 35 [35]
A
ksi = 1000 psi.
B
Yield strength is measured at 0.5 % extension under load (that is, 0.01 in. [0.254 mm] in a gage length of 2 in. [50.0 mm]).
B171/B171M−18
TABLE 5 Flatness Tolerances
9. Dimensions, Mass, and Permissible Variations
Flatness Tolerances (Depth of Arc) Not to Exceed,
9.1 Thickness:
in. [mm], for Diameters, Lengths, or Widths Shown
9.1.1 The thickness tolerances for plates of Copper Alloy
Over 60 to 132
Copper Alloy UNS No.
Over 36 to 60 in.
UNS Nos. C36500, C44300, C44400, C44500, C46400, and
36 in. [1000 mm] in. [1500 to
[1000 to 1500
or Under 3500 mm],
C46500 shall be as prescribed in Table 2.
mm], incl
A
incl
9.1.2 The thickness tolerances for plates of Copper Alloy
C36500, C46400, and 0.050 [1.3] 0.055 [1.4] 0.060 [1.5]
UNS Nos. C61300, C61400, C63000, C63200, C71500,
C46500
C70620, C71520, and C72200 shall be 25 % greater than those
C44300, C44400, and 0.050 [1.3] 0.065 [1.7] 0.075 [1.9]
C44500
prescribed in Table 2.
C61300, C61400, C63000, 0.060 [1.5] 0.075 [1.9] 0.090 [2.3]
9.1.3 If plates are machined, the thickness tolerances shall
and C63200
apply to the machined portion only.
C70600, C71500, C72200, 0.060 [1.5] 0.075 [1.9] 0.090 [2.3]
C70620, and C71520
9.1.4 Closer thickness tolerances than those prescribed in
A
Tolerance applies to any 72 in. [1.83 m] chord.
Table 2 can be furnished by surface machining. This is a
special product and is subject to agreement between the
manufacturer and the purchaser. This special product shall
apply only when specified by the purchaser in the contract or
shall be governed solely by the thickness tolerances of Table 2.
order. For purposes of calculating weights, the densities used shall be
9.1.5 Unless otherwise agreed to by the manufacturer and as listed in Table 7.
the purchaser, the thickness of plate to this specification shall
10. Workmanship, Finish, and Appearance
be determined by measuring along the length of the plate up to
a distance of 7 in. [180 mm] from the edge.
10.1 The product shall be free of defects, but blemishes of
a nature that do not interfere with the intended application are
9.2 Diameters, Lengths, or Widths—The diameters, lengths,
acceptable.
or widths of plates shall be not less than those specified. The
diameters, lengths, or widths of plates may exceed those
11. Sampling
specified by the amounts shown in Table 4.
11.1 The lot size, portion size, and selection of pieces shall
NOTE 2—For the purpose of determining conformance with the dimen-
be as follows:
sional requirements prescribed in this specification, any measured value
11.1.1 Lot Size—10 000 lb [4550 kg] or less material of the
outside the specified limiting values for any dimension may be cause for
same mill form, alloy, temper, and thickness, subject to
rejection.
inspection at one time.
9.3 Flatness—The flatness tolerances of individual plates
11.1.2 Portion Size—Four individual sample pieces shall be
shall not exceed those prescribed in Table 5. The tolerances
selected as representative of each lot. If the lot consists of less
shown are the total permissible variations for plates as ordered,
than four pieces, samples shall be selected so as to be
and do not apply to the 7 in. [180 mm] marginal area at the
representative of each piece.
edge of the plate. Inspection for flatness shall be made by
placing the plate on a flat surfaced table with the side marked 11.2 Chemical Analysis—A sample for chemical analysis
“Straight Side” up, applying a
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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: B171/B171M − 12 B171/B171M − 18
Standard Specification for
Copper-Alloy Plate and Sheet for Pressure Vessels,
Condensers, and Heat Exchangers
This standard is issued under the fixed designation B171/B171M; 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-alloy plate, sheet, and circles cut from plate and sheet for
pressure vessels, condensers, and heat exchangers. The following alloys are covered:
Copper Alloy Previously Used Designation
C36500 Leaded Muntz Metal
C44300 Admirality, Arsenical
C44400 Admirality, Antimonial
C44500 Admirality, Phosphorized
C46400 Naval Brass, Uninhibited
C46500 Naval Brass, Arsenical
C61300 Aluminum Bronze
C61400 Aluminum Bronze D
C63000 10 % Aluminum-Nickel Bronze
C63200 9 % Aluminum-Nickel Bronze
C70600 90-10 Copper Nickel
C70620 90-10 Copper Nickel -(modified for welding)
C70620 90-10 Copper Nickel-(modified for welding)
C71500 70-30 Copper Nickel
C71520 70-30 Copper Nickel-(modified for welding)
C72200 . . .
1.2 Units—Units—TheThe values stated in either SIinch-pound units or inch-poundSI units are to be regarded separately as
standard. Within the text, SI units are shown in brackets. The values stated in each system may not be exact equivalents; therefore,
each system shall be used independently of the other. Combining values from the two systems may result in non-conformance with
the standard.
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.
2. Referenced Documents
2.1 ASTM Standards:
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
E29 Practice for Using Significant Digits in Test Data to Determine Conformance with Specifications
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 Oct. 15, 2012Oct. 1, 2018. Published November 2012October 2018. Originally approved in 1942. Last previous edition approved in 20112012
ε1
as B171/B171M – 11B171/B171M .–12. DOI: 10.1520/B0171_B0171M-12. 10.1520/B0171_B0171M–18.
For ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code applications, see related Specification SB-171 in Section II of that Code.
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.
*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
B171/B171M − 18
E54 Test Methods for Chemical Analysis of Special Brasses and Bronzes (Withdrawn 2002)
E62 Test Methods for Chemical Analysis of Copper and Copper Alloys (Photometric Methods) (Withdrawn 2010)
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. Terminology
3.1 For definitions of terms related to copper and copper alloys, refer to Terminology B846.
4. Ordering Information
4.1 Include the following information specified choices when placing orders for product under this specification, as applicable:
4.1.1 ASTM designation and year of issue,issue;
4.1.2 Whether inch-pound or SI units are applicable (see 1.2),);
4.1.3 Copper Alloy[Alloy] UNS. No. (see Section 6, Table 1),);
4.1.4 Whether the alloy ordered will be used in applications requiring it to be welded (see Table 1, footnotes BC and CD for
UNS Nos. C61300 and C72200, respectively, and UNS Nos. C70620 and C71520 in place of UNS Nos. C70600 and
C71500),C71500);
4.1.5 Whether plate is to be machined (see 9.1.3),);
4.1.6 How tolerance is specified (Table 2 Footnote A),, footnote A); and
4.1.7 Certification, if required (Section 17),
4.1.7 Weight (total for each size),size).
4.1.9 Mill test report, if required (Section 18),
4.1.10 Special marking, if required (Section 19), and
TABLE 1 Chemical Requirements
Composition, % max (Unless Shown as a Range)
Copper Alloy
A Copper, incl Manganese, Other Named
UNS No.
Tin Nickel, incl Cobalt Lead Iron Zinc Aluminum Chromium
Silver max Elements
B
C36500 58.0-61.0 0.25 . . . . . . 0.25-0.7 0.15 remainder . . . . . . . . .
B
C44300 70.0-73.0 0.8-1.2 . . . . . . 0.07 0.06 remainder . . . . . . 0.02-0.06 As
B
C44400 70.0-73.0 0.8-1.2 . . . . . . 0.07 0.06 remainder . . . . . . 0.02-0.10 Sb
B
C44500 70.0-73.0 0.8-1.2 . . . . . . 0.07 0.06 remainder . . . . . . 0.02-0.10 P
B
C46400 59.0-62.0 0.50-1.0 . . . . . . 0.20 0.10 remainder . . . . . . . . .
B
C46500 59.0-62.0 0.50-1.0 . . . . . . 0.20 0.10 remainder . . . . . . 0.02-0.06 As
B C
C61300 remainder 0.20-0.50 0.15 0.20 0.01 2.0-3.0 0.10 6.0-7.5 . . . 0.10 Si
C D
C61300 remainder 0.20-0.50 0.15 0.20 0.01 2.0-3.0 0.10 6.0-7.5 . . . 0.10 Si
0.015 P
C61400 remainder . . . . . . 1.0 0.01 1.5-3.5 0.20 6.0-8.0 . . . 0.015 P
C63000 remainder 0.20 4.0-5.5 1.5 . . . 2.0-4.0 0.30 9.0-11.0 . . . 0.25 Si
D D
C63200 remainder . . . 4.0-4.8 1.2-2.0 0.02 3.5-4.3 . . . 8.7-9.5 . . . 0.10 Si
E E
C63200 remainder . . . 4.0-4.8 1.2-2.0 0.02 3.5-4.3 . . . 8.7-9.5 . . . 0.10 Si
C C
C70600 remainder . . . 9.0-11.0 1.0 0.05 1.0-1.8 1.0 . . . . . .
D D
C70600 remainder . . . 9.0-11.0 1.0 0.05 1.0-1.8 1.0 . . . . . .
C70620 86.5 min . . . 9.0-11.0 1.0 0.02 1.0-1.8 0.50 . . . . . . 0.05 C
0.02 P
0.02 S
C C
C71500 remainder . . . 29.0-33.0 1.0 0.05 0.40-1.0 1.0 . . . . . .
D D
C71500 remainder . . . 29.0-33.0 1.0 0.05 0.40-1.0 1.0 . . . . . .
C71520 65.0 min . . . 29.0-33.0 1.0 0.02 0.40-1.0 0.50 . . . . . . 0.05 C
0.02 P
0.02 S
C C
C72200 remainder . . . 15.0-18.0 1.0 0.05 0.50-1.0 1.0 . . . †0.30-0.70 0.03 Si
D D
C72200 remainder . . . 15.0-18.0 1.0 0.05 0.50-1.0 1.0 . . . 0.30-0.70 0.03 Si
0.03 Ti
C
D
A
Designation established in accordance with Practice E527.
B
Not including silver.
C
When the product is for subsequent welding applications, and is so specified by the purchaser, chromium shall be 0.05 % max, cadmium 0.05 % max, zirconium 0.05 %
max and zinc 0.05 % max.
D
When the product is for subsequent welding applications, and is 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.
E
Iron content shall not exceed the nickel content.
† Editorially corrected.
The last approved version of this historical standard is referenced on www.astm.org.
B171/B171M − 18
TABLE 2 Thickness Tolerances
A,B
Thickness Tolerances, Plus and Minus, in. [mm] for Diameters or Widths
Thickness, in. [mm]
36 in. [1000 mm] or Under, Over 36 to 60 in. [1000 to 1500 Over 60 to 96 in. [1500 to 2500 Over 96 to 132 in. [2500
incl mm], incl mm], incl to 3500 mm], incl
Over 0.125 to 0.250 [3.0 to 6.0 mm], incl 0.010 [0.25] 0.012 [0.30] 0.022 [0.56] 0.028 [0.71]
Over 0.250 to 0.500 [6.0 to 12.0 mm], incl 0.025 [0.64] 0.027 [0.69] 0.029 [0.74] 0.031 [0.79]
Over 0.500 to 0.750 [12.0 to 19.0 mm], incl 0.028 [0.71] 0.030 [0.76] 0.032 [0.81] 0.035 [0.89]
Over 0.750 to 1.000 [19.0 to 25.0 mm], incl 0.033 [0.84] 0.035 [0.89] 0.037 [0.94] 0.040 [1.0]
Over 1.000 to 1.500 [25.0 to 38.0], incl 0.038 [0.97] 0.040 [1.0] 0.042 [1.1] 0.045 [1.1]
Over 1.500 to 1.750 [38.0 to 44.0 mm], incl 0.043 [1.1] 0.045 [1.1] 0.047 [1.2] 0.050 [1.3]
Over 1.750 to 2.000 [44.0 to 50.0 mm], incl 0.050 [1.3] 0.055 [1.4] 0.062 [1.6] 0.065 [1.7]
Over 2.000 to 5.000 [50.0 to 127 mm], incl 0.058 [1.5] 0.062 [1.6] 0.065 [1.7] . . .
A
When tolerances are specified as all plus or all minus, double the values given.
B
See 9.1.2 for specific alloys with a difference tolerance.
4.1.11 Whether 0.2 yield offset strength is required.
4.2 The following options are available but may not be included unless specified at the time of placing the order, when required.
4.2.1 Certification, if required (Section 17);
4.2.2 Test report, if required (Section 18);
4.2.3 Special marking, if required (Section 20);
4.2.4 Whether yield strength 0.2 % offset is required;
4.2.5 Heat identification or traceability details (5.1.2); and
4.2.6 Source inspection (15.2).
5. Materials and Manufacture
5.1 Material—Material: The material and manufacture shall be cast cake of the Copper Alloy UNS No. specified in the purchase
order and shall be of such shape and soundness so as to be suitable for processing into the final product.
5.1.1 The material of manufacture shall be cast cake of the Copper Alloy UNS No. specified in the purchase order of such purity
and soundness as to be suitable for processing into the products prescribed herein.
5.1.2 When specified in the contract or purchase order that heat identification or traceability is required, the purchaser shall
specify the details desired.
NOTE 1—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.
B171/B171M − 18
5.2 Manufacture—Manufacture: The product shall be manufactured by hot rolling or forging and finished by such cold working
and annealing as may be necessary to achieve the required dimensions and properties.
5.2.1 The product shall be manufactured by such hot working, cold working, and annealing processes as to produce a uniform
wrought structure in the finished product.
5.2.2 The product shall be hot or cold worked to the finished size, and subsequently annealed, when required, to meet the temper
properties specified.
6. Chemical Composition
6.1 The materials shall conform to the chemical compositional requirements specified in Table 1 for the copper alloy[alloy]
UNS designations specified in the ordering information.information.
6.2 These composition limits do not preclude the presence of other elements. Limits for unnamed elements By agreement
between the manufacturer and purchaser, limits may be established by agreement between manufacturer or supplier and
purchaser.and analysis required for unnamed elements.
6.3 For the alloys listed below, depending on analytical methodology, zinc is listed as “remainder,” either copper or zinc,
respectively, may be taken as the difference between the sum of all the elements analyzed and 100 %. When all the elements in
Table 1 are analyzed their sum shall be as shown below:
Copper Alloy UNS No. Copper Plus Named Elements, % min
C36500 99.6
C44300 99.6
C44400 99.6
C44500 99.6
C46400 99.6
C46500 99.6
6.3.1 For the alloys listed below, copper may be taken as the difference between the sum of all the elements and 100 %. When
all of the elements in Table 1 are analyzed, their sum shall be as shown below:
Copper Alloy UNS No. Copper Plus Named Elements, % min
C61300 99.8
C61400 99.5
C63000 99.5
C63200 99.5
C70600 99.5
C70620 99.5
C71520 99.5
C71500 99.5
C72200 99.8
7. Temper
7.1 Tempers available under this specification, and as described in ClassificationThe standard tempers for products described
in this B601, are As Hot Rolled (M20), Hot Rolled and Annealed (O25), Hot Forged and Annealed (O20), and As Hot Forged-Air
Cooled (M10) as specification are given in Table 3.
7.1.1 As Hot Rolled Temper M20.
7.1.2 As Hot Forged-Air Cooled M10.
7.1.3 Hot Forged and Annealed O20.
7.1.4 Hot Rolled and Annealed O25.
7.1.5 Products manufactured for ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code applications must be certified to the O25 or O20
temper.
7.1.6 Products manufactured for other than ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code applications may be produced in either the
M20, M10, O20, or O25 temper.
8. Mechanical Property Requirements
8.1 Tensile Strength Requirements : Requirements:
8.1.1 Product furnished under this specification shall conform to the tensilemechanical property requirements prescribed in
Table 3, when tested in accordance with Test MethodMethods E8/E8M.
8.1.2 Acceptance or rejection shall be based upon the 8.1.1 mechanical properties.
9. Dimensions, Mass, and Permissible Variations
9.1 Thickness:
9.1.1 The thickness tolerances for plates of Copper Alloy UNS Nos. C36500, C44300, C44400, C44500, C46400, and C46500
shall be as prescribed in Table 2.
B171/B171M − 18
TABLE 3 Tensile Requirements—M20, M10, O20, and O25 Tempers
A B A C
Elongation in 2 in.
Tensile Strength, min, ksi Yield Strength, min, ksi Yield Strength 0.2 %
Copper Alloy UNS No. Thickness, in. [mm]
A
[MPa] [MPa] Offset, min, ksi [MPa] [50.0 mm], min, %
2 [50.0] and under 50 [345] 20 [140] 20 [140] 35 [35]
C36500 over 2 to 3.5 [50.0 to 100.0], incl 45 [310] 15 [105] 15 [105] 35 [35]
over 3.5 to 5 [100.0 to 140.0], incl 40 [275] 12 [85] 12 [85] 35 [35]
C44300, C44400, and 4 [100.0] and under 45 [310] 15 [105] 15 [105] 35 [35]
C44500
C46400, C46500 3 [80.0] and under 50 [345] 20 [140] 20 [140] 35 [35]
over 3 to 5 [80.0 to 140.0], incl 50 [345] 18 [125] 18 [125] 35 [35]
C61300 2 [50.0] and under 75 [515] 37 [255] 36 [250] 30 [30]
over 2 to 3 [50.0 to 80.0], incl 70 [485] 30 [205] 28 [195] 35 [35]
over 3 to 5 [80.0140.0], incl 65 [450] 28 [195] 26 [180] 35 [35]
C61400 2 [50.0] and under 70 [485] 30 [205] 28 [195] 35 [35]
over 2 to 5 [50.0 to 140.0], incl 65 [450] 28 [195] 26 [180] 35 [35]
C63000 and C63200 2 [50.0] and under 90 [620] 36 [250] 34 [235] 10 [10]
over 2 to 3.5 [50.0 to 100.0], incl 85 [585] 33 [230] 31 [215] 10 [10]
over 3.5 to 5.0 [100.0 to 140.0], incl 80 [550] 30 [205] 28 [195] 10 [10]
C70600 and C70620 2.5 [60.0] and under 40 [275] 15 [105] 15 [105] 30 [30]
over 2.5 to 5 [60.0 to 140.0], incl 40 [275] 15 [105] 15 [105] 30 [30]
C71500 and C71520 2.5 [60.0] and under 50 [345] 20 [140] 20 [140] 30 [30]
over 2.5 to 5 [60.0 to 140.0], incl 45 [310] 18 [125] 18 [125] 30 [30]
C72200 2.5 [60.0] and under 42 [290] 16 [110] 16 [110] 35 [35]
A
ksi = 1000 psi.
B
Yield strength is determined as the stress producing an elongation of 0.5 % or under load, that ismeasured at 0.5 % extension under load (that is, 0.01 in. [0.254 mm]
in a gage length of 2 in. [50.0 mm].mm]).
C
See 4.1.9.
9.1.2 The thickness tolerances for plates of Copper Alloy UNS Nos. C61300, C61400, C63000, C63200, C71500, C70620,
C71520, and C72200 shall be 25 % greater than those prescribed in Table 2.
9.1.3 If plates are machined, the thickness tolerances shall apply to the machined portion only.
9.1.4 Closer thickness tolerances than those prescribed in Table 2 can be furnished by surface machining. This is a special
product and is subject to agreement between the manufacturer and the purchaser. This special product shall apply only when
specified by the purchaser in the contract or order.
9.1.5 Unless otherwise agreed to by the manufacturer and the purchaser, the thickness of plate to this specification shall be
determined by measuring along the length of the plate up to a distance of 7 in. [180 mm] from the edge.
9.2 Diameters, Lengths, or Widths—The diameters, lengths, or widths of plates shall be not less than those specified. The
diameters, lengths, or widths of plates may exceed those specified by the amounts shown in Table 4.
NOTE 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 may be cause for rejection.
9.3 Flatness—The flatness tolerances of individual plates shall not exceed those prescribed in Table 5. The tolerances shown
are the total permissible variations for plates as ordered, and do not apply to the 7-in. [180-mm] 7 in. [180 mm] marginal area at
the edge of the plate. Inspection for flatness shall be made by placing the plate on a flat surfaced table with the side marked
“Straight Side” up, applying a 72-in. [2-m] 72 in. [2 m] straightedge when the size permits, or a shorter one equal to the dimensions
to be inspected, and measuring the depth of arc between the straightedge and the plate.
9.4 Plate and Sheet Lot Weight for Pressure Vessels—When plate or sheet of Copper Alloy UNS Nos. C70600, C70620, C71500,
C71520, or C72200 are ordered for pressure vessels exclusively, the maximum lot weight restriction in Table 6 shall apply in
addition to the thickness tolerance requirement of Table 2. The weight of each lot of five or more plates or sheets shall not exceed
the nominal weight by more than the amount prescribed in Table 6. Plate and sheet of lots of less than five shall be governed solely
by the thickness tolerances of Table 2. For purposes of calculating weights, the densities used shall be as listed in Table 7.
TABLE 4 Diameter, Length, or Width Tolerances
Permissible Excess in
Diameter, Length, or Width in. [mm] Diameter, Length, or Width,
in. [mm]
36 [1000] or under ⁄64 [1.2]
Over 36 to 60 [1000 to 1500], incl ⁄16 [1.6]
Over 60 to 96 [1500 to 2500], incl ⁄32 [2.4]
Over 96 to 132 [2500 to 3500], incl ⁄64 [2.8]
B171/B171M − 18
TABLE 5 Flatness Tolerances
Flatness Tolerances (Depth of Arc) Not to Exceed,
in
...