Designation: B 68M – 99 (Reapproved 2005)

Standard Specification for

Seamless Copper Tube, Bright Annealed (Metric)1
This standard is issued under the fixed designation B 68M; 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 (e) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.

1. Scope* B 251M Specification for General Requirements for

1.1 This specification establishes the requirements for bright Wrought Seamless Copper and Copper-Alloy Tube [Met-
annealed seamless copper tube suitable for use in refrigeration, ric]
oil lines, gasoline lines, and so forth, where tube with an B 577 Test Methods for Detection of Cuprous Oxide (Hy-
interior surface essentially free from scale and dirt is required. drogen Embrittlement Susceptibility) in Copper
1.1.1 Tubes made from any of the following Copper UNS B 601 Classification for Temper Designations for Copper
No. designations shall be supplied, unless otherwise specified and Copper Alloys—Wrought and Cast
in the contract or purchase order: E 3 Practice for Preparation of Metallographic Specimens
Copper UNS No.2 Type of Copper
E 8M Test Methods for Tension Testing of Metallic Mate-
rials [Metric]
C10200 Oxygen-free without residual deoxidants E 29 Practice for Using Significant Digits in Test Data to
C10300 Oxygen-free, extra low phosphorus
C10800 Oxygen-free, low phosphorus
Determine Conformance with Specifications
C12000 Phosphorus deoxidized, low residual phosphorus E 53 Methods for Chemical Analysis of Copper
C12200 Phosphorus deoxidized, high residual phosphorus E 62 Test Methods for Chemical Analysis of Copper and
1.2 Values stated in SI units are the standard. Copper Alloys (Photometric Methods)
1.3 This specification is the companion to inch-pound E 112 Test Methods for Determining the Average Grain
Specification B 68. Size
1.4 The following hazard statement pertains only to the test E 243 Practice for Electromagnetic (Eddy-Current) Exami-
method described in Sections 20.5 and 21.2.6 of this specifi- nation of Copper and Copper-Alloy Tubes
cation: This standard does not purport to address all of the E 255 Practice for Sampling Copper and Copper Alloys for
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the Determination of Chemical Composition
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro- E 527 Practice for Numbering Metals and Alloys (UNS)
priate safety and health practices and determine the applica-
3. Terminology
bility of regulatory limitations prior to use.
3.1 Definitions:
2. Referenced Documents 3.1.1 bright anneal, n—a thermal treatment carried out in a
2.1 ASTM Standards: 3 controlled atmosphere so that surface oxidation is reduced to a
B 68 Specification for Seamless Copper Tube, Bright An- minimum and the surface remains relatively bright.
nealed 3.2 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
B 153 Test Method for Expansion (Pin Test) of Copper and 3.2.1 unaided eye, n—without visual enhancement; how-
Copper-Alloy Pipe and Tubing ever, corrective spectacles necessary to obtain normal vision
shall be permitted.
3.2.2 capable of—the test need not be performed by the
producer of the material. However, should subsequent testing
1
This specification is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee B05 on Copper by the purchaser establish that the material does not meet these
and Copper Alloys and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee B05.04 on Pipe requirements, the material shall be subject to rejection.
and Tube.
Current edition approved March 1, 2005. Published April 2005. Originally
approved in 1984. Last previous edition approved in 1999 as B 68M – 99.
4. Ordering Information
2
3
Refer to Practice E 527 for explanation of unified numbering system (UNS). 4.1 Include the following information in order for products.
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
contact ASTM Customer Service at [email protected]. For Annual Book of ASTM
4.1.1 ASTM designation and year of issue (for example,
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on B 68M – 95),
the ASTM website. 4.1.2 UNS copper number (for example, C10200),

*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.

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 B 68M – 99 (2005)
4.1.3 Temper (Section 7), TABLE 2 Average Grain Size Requirements
4.1.4 Dimensions, diameter and wall thickness (Section 12), Temper Grain Size, mm
4.1.5 How furnished: straight lengths or coils, O50 0.015 to 0.040
O60 0.040, min
4.1.6 Total length, or number of pieces, of each size,
4.1.7 Total weight, each size, and
4.1.8 When product is purchased for agencies of the U.S.
9. Mechanical Property Requirements
Government.
4.2 The following options are available and shall be speci- 9.1 Tensile Strength:
fied at the time of placing the order, when required: 9.1.1 The tube shall have a minimum tensile strength of 210
4.2.1 Electromagnetic (eddy-current) test, MPA when tested in accordance with Test Methods E 8M.
4.2.2 Embrittlement test, 9.2 Elongation:
4.2.3 Expansion test, 9.2.1 The tensile elongation of the tube shall be a minimum
4.2.4 Flattening test, 40 % (50-mm gage length) when tested in accordance with Test
4.2.5 Certification, and Method E 8M.
4.2.6 Mill test report.
10. Performance Requirements
5. Materials and Manufacture 10.1 Expansion Test:
5.1 Materials: 10.1.1 When specified in the contract or purchase order, the
5.1.1 The material of manufacture shall be billets, cast bars, outside diameter of the tube furnished shall be capable of being
or tube of the Copper UNS No. C10200, C10300, C10800, expanded as follows when tested in accordance with Test
C12000, or C12200 and shall be of such soundness as to be Method B 153.
Outside Diameter, mm Expansion, %
suitable for processing into the tubular products described.
5.2 Manufacture: 19 and under 40
5.2.1 The tube shall be manufactured by such hot- or over 19 30
cold-working process as to produce a homogeneous uniform 10.1.1.1 The expanded tube shall show no cracks or rup-
wrought structure in the finished product. The tube shall be tures seen through visual inspection without the use of special
cold drawn to the finished size and wall thickness and shall be equipment or enhancement excepting the use of corrective
bright annealed to meet the specified temper. lenses.
10.1.2 A flattening test is an optional alternative to the
6. Chemical Composition expansion test for annealed tube over 4 in. in diameter.
6.1 The material shall conform to the requirements pre- 10.2 Flattening Test:
scribed in Table 1 for the specified copper. 10.2.1 When specified in the contract or purchase order, the
6.2 These specification limits do not preclude the presence tube shall be capable of being flattened in accordance with the
of other elements. It is not prohibited to establish limits for method described in 21.2.6.1 and shall contain no cracks or
unnamed elements and to require analysis by agreement flaws visible to the unaided eye in the flattened section.
between the manufacturer or supplier and the purchaser.
11. Microscopical Examination
7. Temper 11.1 Samples of Copper UNS Nos. C10200, C10300, and
7.1 The tube shall be furnished in either of two annealed C12000 shall be free of cuprous oxide as determined by
tempers as follows: Procedure A of Test Methods B 577. When Copper UNS Nos.
O (Annealed) Temper Designation C10800 or C12200 are supplied, examination is not required.
In case of a dispute, a referee method shall be used in
O50 (light annealed)
accordance with Procedure C of Test Methods B 577.
O60 (soft annealed)

7.1.1 Tempers are defined in Classification B 601. 12. Hydrogen Embrittlement

12.1 Samples of Copper UNS Nos. C10200, C12000, and
8. Grain Size C12200 shall be capable of passing the embrittlement test of
8.1 Tube in the tempers O50 (light annealed) and O60 (soft Procedure B of Test Methods B 577. The actual performance of
annealed) shall conform to the requirements of Table 2. this test is not mandatory under the terms of this specification

TABLE 1 Chemical Requirements

Composition,%
Element Copper UNS No.
A
C10200 C10300 C10800 C12000 C12200
Copper,B min 99.95 ... ... 99.90 99.9
CopperB + phosphorus, min ... 99.95 99.95 ... ...
Phosphorus ... 0.001–0.005 0.005–0.012 0.004–0.012 0.015–0.040
A
Oxygen in C10200 shall be 10 ppm max.
B
Silver counting as copper.

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 B 68M – 99 (2005)
unless definitely specified in the ordering information. In case TABLE 4 Coil Schedule of Mill Lengths with Ends
of a dispute, a referee method shall be employed in accordance Shortest Maximum
with Procedure C of Test Methods B 577. Tube Outside Nominal Length, Permissible Permissible
Diameter, mm mm Length, % of Weights of Ends,
Nominal Length % of Lot Weight
13. Nondestructive Testing
Up to 25, incl up to 30 000, incl 70A 10
13.1 Upon agreement between the manufacturer and the Over 25 to 50, incl up to 30 000, incl 60A 20
purchaser, each tube up to 79 mm in outside diameter shall be Up to 25, incl over 30 000 to 50 50B
60 000, incl
subjected to electromagnetic (eddy-current) examination. For
A
this test, the tube shall be examined in the final drawn or Expressed to the nearest 300 mm.
B
Short pieces shall, at the option of the supplier, be included as follows: up to
annealed temper, before coiling or in straight lengths before 10 % of lot weight between 15 mm and one quarter of full length and up to 40 %
final anneal. between one quarter and full length.
13.2 Electromagnetic (Eddy-Current) Test:
13.2.1 When tested in accordance with Practice E 243, TABLE 5 Coil Length Tolerances (Mill Lengths)
tubes that do not actuate the signaling device of the testing unit (Applicable to only full-length pieces)
shall be considered as conforming to the requirements of the Tube Outside
Tolerances, %, for Nominal Lengths, mm
Over 30 000 to
examination. Diameter, mm Up to 30 000, incl
600 000, incl
A A
Up to 25, incl 5 or 600 mm, whichever is 10
14. Purchases for U.S. Government Agencies greater
Over 25 to 50, 5A or 600 mm, whichever is No tolerances established
14.1 When the contract or purchase order stipulates the incl greater
purchase is for an agency of the U.S. Government, the tubes A
Expressed to the nearest 300 mm.
furnished shall conform to the conditions specified in the
Supplementary Requirements of Specification B 251M.
17.1.4 Significance of Numerical Limits,
15. Dimensions and Permissible Variations 17.1.5 Inspection,
15.1 The dimensions and tolerances for product covered by 17.1.6 Rejection and Rehearing,
this specification shall be as specified in the following tables 17.1.7 Certification,
and related paragraphs of Specification B 251M: 17.1.8 Test Reports,
15.1.1 Wall Thickness Tolerance—Table 1. 17.1.9 Packaging and Package Marking, and
15.1.2 Diameter Tolerances—Table 3. 17.1.10 Supplementary Requirements
15.1.3 Length Tolerances—Table 4 and Table 6. 17.2 In addition, when a section with an identical title to
15.1.4 Squareness of Cut—Refer to Squareness of Cut those referenced in 17.1, appears in this specification, such
section. section may contain requirements which supercede those
15.2 Coils, Length Tolerances—Refer to Table 3, Table 4, appearing in Specification B 251M. In case of conflict, this
and Table 5 of this specification. specification prevails.
16. Workmanship, Finish, and Appearance 18. Sampling
16.1 Workmanship: 18.1 The lot size, portion size, and selection of sample
16.1.1 The tube furnished shall be clean, free of dirt, scale, portions shall be as follows:
and other defects, but blemishes of a nature that would not 18.1.1 Lot Size—The lot size shall be 5000 kg or fraction
interfere with the intended application are acceptable. thereof.
16.1.2 The tube shall be bright annealed after the last 18.1.2 Portion Size—Sample portions shall be selected as to
drawing operation or, when required, after coiling. represent the lot according to the following schedule:
16.2 Finish and Appearance: Number of Pieces Number of Sample Portions
16.2.1 The interior and exterior surfaces of the tube shall be in Lot to be TakenA
typical in appearance to that of bright annealed copper.
1 to 50 1
51 to 200 2
17. General Requirements 201 to 1500 3
17.1 The following sections of Specification B 251M are a Over 1500 0.2 % of the total number of pieces
in the lot, but not to exceed ten
part of this specification. pieces
17.1.1 Terminology, General, _______________
17.1.2 Material and Manufacture, A
Each sample portion shall be taken from a separate tube.
17.1.3 Workmanship, Finish, and Appearance, 18.1.2.1 In case of tube furnished in coils, a length sufficient
for all necessary tests shall be cut from each coil selected for
TABLE 3 Coil Length Tolerances (Specific Lengths) testing. The remaining portion of the selected coils shall be
Tolerances, mm, All Plus, included in the shipment and the permissible variation in length
Tube Outside Diameter, mm
for Nominal Lengths, mm on such coils shall be waived.
Up to 15 000, Over 15 000 to 18.2 Chemical Composition:
incl 30 000, incl
Up to 50, incl 300 610 18.2.1 The composite sample shall be prepared from ap-
proximately equal weights taken from the sample portions and

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 B 68M – 99 (2005)
prepared in accordance with Practice E 255. The minimum 20.3.2 Test specimens conforming to Specimen No. 1 in
weight of the composite sample shall be 150 g. Figure 13, Tension Test Specimens for Large-Diameter Tubular
18.2.2 The manufacturer shall have the option of sampling Products, of Test Methods E 8M may be used when a full-
at the time castings are poured or from the semifinished section specimen cannot be used.
product. When composition has been determined during the 20.4 Expansion (Pin) Test:
manufacturing process, sampling of the finished product is not 20.4.1 Test specimens shall be prepared in accordance with
required. Test Method B 153.
18.2.3 When sampled at the time castings are poured, at 20.5 Flattening Test:
least two samples shall be taken, one after the start and one 20.5.1 Test specimens, 102 mm in length, shall be cut from
near the end of the pour, for each group of castings poured one end of two lengths of tube. No special preparation is
simultaneously from the same source of molten metal. required.
18.2.4 When samples are taken from the semifinished prod- 21. Test Methods
uct, a sample shall be taken to represent each 5000 kg or
fraction thereof, except that not more than one sample per 21.1 Chemical Analysis:
piece shall be required. 21.1.1 In case of disagreement, chemical composition shall
be determined as follows:
Element Method
19. Number of Tests and Retests
19.1 Tests: Copper E 53
Phosphorus E 62
19.1.1 Chemical Composition—Shall be determined as the
arithmetic mean of results from at least two replicate determi- 21.1.2 Test method(s) for the determination of element(s)
nations for each specified element. required by contractual or purchase order agreement shall be as
19.1.2 Tensile, Elongation, and Grain Size—Shall be re- agreed upon between the manufacturer or supplier and the
ported as the average of results from test specimens and each purchaser.
specimen must conform to specification requirements. 21.2 The tubes furnished shall conform with the physical
and mechanical properties and all other requirements of this
19.1.3 Other Tests—At least two specimens shall be pre-
specification when tested or examined in accordance with the
pared for each of the other tests and each must meet test
following appropriate test method or practice:
requirements.
Test Test Method
19.2 Retest:
19.2.1 When test results obtained by the purchaser fail to Grain size E 112
Tensile E 8M
conform with the product specification requirement(s), the Elongation E 8M
manufacturer or supplier shall have the option to perform a Expansion (pin test) B 153
retest. Microscopical examination Procedure A B 577
Hydrogen embrittlement Procedure B B 577
19.2.2 Retesting shall be as directed in this specification for Flattening test Section 21.2.6
the initial test except for the number of test specimens which Electromagnetic examination (eddy current) Practice E 243
shall be twice that normally required for the test. 21.2.1 Grain Size—In case of dispute, grain size shall be
19.2.3 Test results for all specimens shall conform to the determined by the intercept method.
requirement(s) of this specification in retest and failure to 21.2.2 Tensile Strength—In case of dispute, tensile strength
comply shall be cause for lot rejection. shall be determined in accordance with Test Methods E 8M.
21.2.3 Microscopical Examination:
20. Specimen Preparation 21.2.3.1 Procedure A shall be followed; however, in case of
20.1 Chemical Composition: dispute, Procedure C of Test Methods B 577 shall be followed.
20.1.1 Preparation of the analytical specimens for the deter- 21.2.4 Hydrogen Embrittlement:
mination of chemical composition shall be the responsibility of 21.2.4.1 Procedure B shall be followed; however, in case of
the reporting laboratory. dispute, Procedure C of Test Methods B 577 shall be followed.
21.2.5 Electromagnetic (Eddy-Current) Test—Each tube up
20.2 Grain Size, Microscopical Examination, and Hydrogen
to and including 79-mm outside diameter, shall be subjected to
Embrittlement:
an eddy-current test. Testing shall follow the procedures in
20.2.1 Test specimens shall be prepared in accordance with Practice E 243. Tubes shall be passed through an eddy-current
Practice E 3. test unit adjusted to provide information on the suitability of
20.2.1.1 The surface of the specimen shall approximate a the tube for the intended application.
radial longitudinal section of the tube. 21.2.5.1 Either notch depth or drilled hole standards shall be
20.3 Tensile and Elongation Test used.
20.3.1 The test specimens shall be of the full section of the (A) Notch depth standards, rounded to the nearest 0.025 mm
tube and shall conform to the requirements specified in the shall be 22 % of the wall thickness. The notch depth tolerance
section Specimens for Pipe and Tube in Test Methods E 8M, shall be 60.013 mm.
unless the limitations of the testing machine precludes the use (B) Drilled holes shall be drilled radially through the wall
of such specimens. using a suitable drill jig that has a bushing to guide the drill,

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 B 68M – 99 (2005)
care being taken to avoid distortion of the tube while drilling. 13 to 50, incl 0.3
The diameter of the drilled hole shall be in accordance with the Over 50 to 76, incl 0.4
following and shall not vary by more than +0.025 mm, −0.000 21.2.5.3 Tubes that do not activate the signalling device of
mm of the hole diameter specified. the eddy-current tester shall be considered as conforming to the
Tube Outside Diameter, Diameter of Drilled Holes, Drill requirements of this test. Tubes with discontinuities indicated
mm mm Number
by the testing unit shall, at the option of the manufacturer, be
6.0 to 19.0, incl 0.635 72 reexamined or retested to determine whether the discontinuing
Over 19.0 to 25, incl 0.785 68 is cause for rejection. Signals that are found to have been
Over 25 to 32, incl 0.915 64
Over 32 to 38, incl 1.07 58
caused by minor mechanical damage, soil, or moisture, shall
Over 38 to 45, incl 1.17 56 not be cause for rejection of the tubes provided the tube
Over 45 to 50, incl 1.322 55 dimensions are still within prescribed limits and the tube is
21.2.5.2 Alternatively, at the option of the manufacturer, suitable for its intended application.
using speed-insensitive eddy-current units that are equipped to 21.2.6 Flattening Test:
select a fraction of the maximum imbalance signal, the 21.2.6.1 The specimen shall be slowly flattened by a press
following maximum imbalance signals shall be used: so a gage set at three times the tube wall thickness shall pass
freely over the flattened section of the tube.
Standard Tube Size, Maximum Percent Imbalance
mm Signal Magnitude
22. Keywords
Up to 9, incl 0.2 22.1 bright annealed; copper tube; seamless tube

SUMMARY OF CHANGES

Committee B05 has identified the location of selected changes to this standard since the last issue
(B 68M-95) that may impact the use of this standard. (Approved September 10, 1999.)

(1) Nonmandatory language deleted and replaced with man-

datory language.

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