Copper Alloy C1201
JIS C1201 · UNS C12000 · EN CR023A, Cu-DLP · GB TP2
JIS C1201 is a low-residual-phosphorus deoxidized copper (Cu-DLP, equivalent to C12000/TP2) that retains just enough phosphorus to prevent hydrogen embrittlement while holding 93 % IACS and 360 W/m·K.
Reference datasheet — C1201 is not in the instant-quote catalog. Upload your part and an engineer will quote it in this grade or suggest the closest stocked equivalent.
Values for the O condition
C1201 tempers and conditions
C1201 is supplied in 7 conditions, soft to hard. O is the default FabDigit quotes; the values on this page are for it.
Compare all 7 conditionsHide
| Condition · open for datasheet | Best for | Yield MPa | Tensile MPa | Elong. % | Hardness | Conductivity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
ODefault Annealed | Choose for deep drawing, bending, tube expanding and maximum conductivity. | 69 | 230 | 45 | 45 HB | 93 % IACS |
Light-drawn | Tube temper giving straight, dimensionally stable lengths that can still be bent by hand tools. | 150 | 250 | 35 | 60 HB | 92 % IACS |
Quarter hard | Mild cold work for parts needing more stiffness than soft copper but still moderate bending. | 200 | 270 | 28 | 75 HB | 92 % IACS |
Half hard | Most common sheet/plate condition for busbar covers, gaskets and formed parts needing rigidity. | 250 | 295 | 16 | 90 HB | 92 % IACS |
Three-quarter hard | Intermediate step where hard temper is too brittle for a final light bend. | 285 | 320 | 10 | 100 HB | 91 % IACS |
Hardened | Maximum strength and straightness for hard-drawn tube, busbar and stamped contacts; little remaining ductility. | 310 | 345 | 8 | 105 HB | 91 % IACS |
Extra hard | Heavily rolled strip for flat springs and shielding gaskets where max hardness matters more than bending. | 350 | 385 | 4 | 118 HB | 90 % IACS |
What is C1201?
JIS C1201 is a low-residual-phosphorus deoxidized copper (Cu-DLP, equivalent to C12000/TP2) that retains just enough phosphorus to prevent hydrogen embrittlement while holding 93 % IACS and 360 W/m·K. Engineers choose it for heat-exchanger tube, electrical fittings and formed strip when brazeability and conductivity are both required; it is stocked in O through EH tempers. Annealed properties are 69 MPa yield, 230 MPa tensile, 45 % elongation and 45 HB, with service to 200 °C and machinability near 20 % of free-cutting steel. Where availability and cost dominate, C1220 (Cu-DHP) is the usual substitute. C1201 has a density of 8.94 g/cm³ (0.323 lb/in³), heavier than 90% of copper alloy grades. It melts at 1,065°C (1,949 °F). C1201 has a yield strength of 69 MPa (10 ksi) and a tensile strength of 230 MPa (33.4 ksi) — weaker than 96% of copper alloy grades. Elongation at break is 45% and the elastic modulus is 117 GPa (17 Msi).
What is C1201 used for?
- Electrical fittings and terminals
- Heat exchanger tube and components
- Busbar and conductive strip
- Brazed refrigeration assemblies
- Drawn and formed tube fittings
- Roofing and architectural sheet
Advantages
- Forms and bends easily — 95/100, better than 94% of copper alloy grades
- Polishes to a fine finish — 85/100, better than 92% of copper alloy grades
- Ductile — tolerates forming and impact — 45%, better than 91% of copper alloy grades
- Conducts heat well — 360 W/m·K (208 BTU/hr·ft·°F), better than 90% of copper alloy grades
- High electrical conductivity — 93 % IACS, better than 90% of copper alloy grades
Limitations
- Low strength — 69 MPa (10 ksi), worse than 96% of copper alloy grades
C1201 properties
Typical room-temperature values for C1201-O; bars are the position among copper alloy grades.
Physical3
C1201 has a density of 8.94 g/cm³ (0.323 lb/in³), heavier than 90% of copper alloy grades. It melts at 1,065°C (1,949 °F).
Mechanical12
C1201 has a yield strength of 69 MPa (10 ksi) and a tensile strength of 230 MPa (33.4 ksi) — weaker than 96% of copper alloy grades. Elongation at break is 45% and the elastic modulus is 117 GPa (17 Msi).
Thermal6
C1201 is rated for continuous service to 200°C (392 °F). It conducts heat at 360 W/m·K (208 BTU/hr·ft·°F), better than 90% of copper alloy grades. Thermal expansion is 17.6 µm/m·K (9.78 µin/in·°F).
Electrical3
C1201 conducts electricity at 93 % IACS, better than 90% of copper alloy grades.
Chemical & Environmental3
Corrosion resistance is good (68/100), better than 69% of copper alloy grades.
Sustainability4
Producing a kilogram of C1201 takes about 57 MJ of energy and emits 3.6 kg of CO₂ — less than 52% of copper alloy grades. Typical recycled content is 40%.
Manufacturability7
C1201's machinability is poor (30/100, worse than 67% of copper alloy grades); weldability very good (75/100); formability excellent (95/100).
Common Calculations5
Values are nominal handbook figures for design screening. Certified mill or lot data ships with every FabDigit order on request.
Strength versus weight in the copper alloy family
Yield strength against density for every copper alloy grade FabDigit runs. C1201 is highlighted; hover a dot for its name, or open the interactive family chart.
Working with C1201
Is C1201 easy to machine?
Gummy with long stringy chips — use sharp positive-rake tools, high speed, generous coolant; rate ~20% of AISI 1212, prefer 1/2H or harder temper for better chip break.
Can C1201 be welded?
Phosphorus deoxidation removes hydrogen embrittlement risk, so GTAW/GMAW, oxy-fuel and resistance welding all work; preheat 200–400 °C on heavy sections due to high thermal conductivity.
Can C1201 be formed, bent or molded?
Excellent cold formability in O temper (deep draw, tube expansion, flaring); interstage anneal at 400–600 °C when total reduction exceeds ~60%.
C1201 chemical composition (wt %)
Limits by weight percent from the governing specification, written the way the spec states them — a single maximum for impurities, a range for alloying elements, and the base element as balance. Nominal is the typical mid-range value.
| Element | Spec limit (wt %) | Nominal |
|---|---|---|
| Plow residual phosphorus (DLP) — key difference vs C1220/TP1 | 0 – 0.02 | 0.01 |
| CuCu + Ag, including residual phosphorus | ≥ 99.9 (balance) | — |
What surface finishes work on C1201?
Polishes to a bright finish but tarnishes quickly — protect with benzotriazole passivation, clear lacquer, tin or nickel plating; not anodizable.
Surface treatments FabDigit runs on copper alloy parts — pick them in the quote configurator or call them out on the drawing. Each links to its datasheet in the surface-finish library (thickness, specs, call-out, material verdicts).
Equivalent designations
Standards and trade names that resolve to Copper Alloy C1201 in FabDigit's catalog. Equivalence is nominal — check the exact specification when certification matters.
How much does C1201 cost?
C1201 is a high-cost copper alloy ($$$$), pricier than about 78% of the materials FabDigit quotes. Part price depends far more on geometry, tolerance and quantity than on the raw stock — upload a CAD file for a live quote.
C1201 — frequently asked
What is C1201 used for?
C1201 is typically used for electrical fittings and terminals, heat exchanger tube and components, busbar and conductive strip, brazed refrigeration assemblies, drawn and formed tube fittings and roofing and architectural sheet. In short: higher conductivity than C1220; deoxidized, no hydrogen embrittlement; 93 % IACS with brazeability.
What is the yield strength of C1201?
C1201 has a typical yield strength of 69 MPa (10 ksi) and a tensile strength of 230 MPa (33.4 ksi) — weaker than 96% of copper alloy grades. Strength varies by condition: see the 7 listed tempers.
Is C1201 easy to machine?
Not especially — machinability is rated poor (30/100, worse than 67% of copper alloy grades). Gummy with long stringy chips — use sharp positive-rake tools, high speed, generous coolant; rate ~20% of AISI 1212, prefer 1/2H or harder temper for better chip break.
Can C1201 be welded?
Yes — weldability is rated very good (75/100). Phosphorus deoxidation removes hydrogen embrittlement risk, so GTAW/GMAW, oxy-fuel and resistance welding all work; preheat 200–400 °C on heavy sections due to high thermal conductivity.
What surface finishes work on C1201?
Polishes to a bright finish but tarnishes quickly — protect with benzotriazole passivation, clear lacquer, tin or nickel plating; not anodizable.
Can C1201 be formed, bent or molded?
Excellent cold formability in O temper (deep draw, tube expansion, flaring); interstage anneal at 400–600 °C when total reduction exceeds ~60%.
What is the maximum service temperature of C1201?
C1201 is rated for continuous use to about 200°C (392 °F). Strength falls off well before that limit — check the elevated-temperature data for load-bearing parts.
What is the difference between C1201-O and C1201-EH?
O is the default condition — choose for deep drawing, bending, tube expanding and maximum conductivity. EH: heavily rolled strip for flat springs and shielding gaskets where max hardness matters more than bending. Yield strength is 69 MPa in O versus 350 MPa in EH.
How much does C1201 cost?
C1201 is a high-cost copper alloy ($$$$), pricier than about 78% of the materials FabDigit quotes. Part price depends far more on geometry, tolerance and quantity than on the raw stock — upload a CAD file for a live quote.
Sources
- JIS H3100 Copper and copper alloy sheets, plates and strips — JSA (2018)
- JIS H3300 Copper and copper alloy seamless pipes and tubes — JSA (2018)
- ASTM B152 / B75 (UNS C12000) — ASTM International (2019)
- CDA alloy datasheet C12000 (DLP copper) — Copper Development Association (2023)
- ASM Handbook Vol.2 — Properties and Selection: Nonferrous Alloys — ASM International (1990)
Property data is compiled from published supplier and standards handbooks and normalised for comparison; hardness values on non-Brinell scales are converted approximately for charting only. Manufacturability limits are FabDigit quote-engine defaults and may be relaxed by engineering review. Nothing on this page is a certification — request mill certs, CoC or material test reports with your order.