1.What Are the Advantages of Using Copper Tubing?
As the leading choice of contractors in plumbing and heating & cooling installations, there are many advantages of using copper tubing within residential and commercial buildings. From its ductility and resistance to corrosion, this material is a high-quality choice that will span a long lifetime.
Lightweight
Copper is a lightweight material which allows professionals to transport the product easily.
Ductile
Because of its ductility, it can be easily bent and formed to shape without causing any fractures hence its common use with water applications.
Ease of Installation
Due to its ability to easily bend and its lightweight material, it is a popular choice by contractors because of its trouble-free service and ease of installation.
Corrosion Resistant
Possesses excellent corrosion and high temperature resistance along with high mechanical strength.
Recyclable
Since copper tubing is manufactured from recycled materials, it can be recycled at the end of its lifespan which results in less dangerous emissions and chemicals being released into the environment.
Reacts Well to Water
Water does not get contaminated because the dangerous materials were removed in the beginning of the manufacturing process.
2.How is Copper Tubing Manufactured?
There are a few ways that copper tubing can be manufactured but it all depends on economic factors such as the cost, availability, and the furnace capabilities. The manufacturing process begins with copper (raw material) which is created from the following materials: copper scrap, newly refined copper (also referred to as cathode copper or cathode), or copper ingots.
Copper Scrap
After the copper wire is recycled, it is stripped of its insulation resulting in the formation of copper scrap. While copper scrap is a relatively clean material, it does contain some impurities which include zinc, tin, nickel, and even some iron. Only the highest quality grades of copper scrap are used when manufacturing copper tubing.
Cathode Copper (Cathode or Newly Refined Copper)
Manufactured in large electrolytic cells that refine impure blister copper taken from smelting and refining furnaces.
Copper Ingots
Mainly used by tube mills and bears a strong resemblance to large brick casts from re-melted cathode or refined scrap.
The raw copper is then melted in a furnace to remove any impurities. Once it has been purified, it is transferred into a cast to solidify. After it has hardened, it is removed from its casting to get resized and cleaned up.
3.How Do You Cut Copper Tubing?
There are many ways to cut copper tubing, however, factors such as cost, capabilities, and type application should be taken into consideration. One of the most common ways is to use a tubing cutter because of the ease of use. Using a tubing cutter works best in close quarters as it results in straight and even cuts, as well as doesn't deform the shape of the tube.
4.How is Copper Tubing Measured?
In the plumbing industry, copper tubing is measured by the outside diameter (OD) and wall thickness. Types K, L, M, and DWV must comply with ASTM standard sizes, but the actual outside diameter is always 1/8 inch larger than the standard size. For use in the air-conditioning and refrigeration field service (ACR), it is designated by the actual outside diameter.
