ASTM B466 UNS C70600 seamless pipes are copper-nickel alloy pipes that are resistant to corrosion and oxidation. They are used in a variety of applications, including automotive, industrial, and marine.
ASTM B466 is a standard specification for seamless copper-nickel pipes and tubes, commonly used in marine, heat exchanger, and industrial applications.
UNS C70600 refers to a 90/10 Copper-Nickel Alloy (90% Cu, 10% Ni) with added iron (Fe) and manganese (Mn) for enhanced strength and corrosion resistance.
What does ASTM mean in piping?
ASTM stands for American Society for Testing and Materials. It is an internationally recognized organization that develops and publishes technical standards for materials, products, and systems, including piping.
In the piping industry, ASTM standards define:
✅ Material composition (e.g., copper-nickel, stainless steel, carbon steel)
✅ Mechanical properties (e.g., strength, hardness, elongation)
✅ Manufacturing processes (e.g., seamless vs. welded pipes)
✅ Testing methods (e.g., pressure, corrosion resistance, impact tests)
What material is B466 UNS C70600?
B466 UNS C70600 refers to a copper-nickel alloy material that conforms to the ASTM B466 standard.
Standard: ASTM B466 – This is the specification for seamless copper-nickel pipes and tubes.
UNS C70600 – This is the Unified Numbering System (UNS) designation for a 90/10 copper-nickel alloy (90% copper, 10% nickel).
Common Name: CuNi 90/10 or Copper-Nickel 90/10.
Corrosion resistance: Excellent resistance to corrosion, especially in marine environments
Strength: Moderate strength, with good creep resistance at high temperatures
Weldability: Good weldability
Formability: Good formability
ASTM B466 UNS C70600 Seamless Pipes Specification
| Specifications | Details |
| Specifications | ASTM SB 466 |
| Size | 1/2″ TO 6′ IN OD & NB IN Various SWG & SCH |
| Outer Diameter | 4.00 to 22.00 mm |
| Wall Thickness | Between 0.15mm and 1.50 mm |
| Length | Single Random, Double Random & Required Length |
| Schedule | SCH20, SCH30, STD, SCH80, XS, SCH60, SCH120, SCH140, SCH160, XXS |
| Types | Seamless, ERW, Welded, EFW, Fabricated, CDW |
| Form | Round Pipes/Tubes, Square Pipes/Tubes, Rectangular Pipe/Tubes, Coiled Tubes, “U” Shape, Pan Cake Coils, Hydraulic Tubes |
| End | Plain End, Beveled End, Threaded |
| Grades | Copper Nickel 90/10 (C70600), Cupro Nickel 70/30 (C71500), UNS C71640 |
Standard Scope
This specification establishes the requirements for seamless copper-nickel pipe and tube in straight lengths, suitable for general engineering purposes. The alloys involved are copper alloys UNS Nos. C70400, C70600, C70620, C71000, C71500, C71520, and C72200.
Cu-Ni UNS C70600 90/10 Tube Chemical Composition
| Copper Alloy UNS Nos. | Gomposition.% | |||||
| Copper incl Silver | Nickel incl Cobalt | Lead max | Iron | Zinc max | Manganese | |
| C70600 | remainder | 9.0 to 11.0 | 0.05 | 1.0 to 1.8 | 1.0 | 1.0 max |
Cu-Ni UNS C70600 90/10 Tube Mechanical Properties
| Copper Alloy UNS Nos. | Tensile Strength, min | Yield Strength,A min | RockwellB Hardness 30 T | ||
| ksi | MPa | ksi | MPa | ||
| C70600 | 38 | 260 | 13 | 90 | 45 max |
Cu-Ni 90/10 Tube Equivalent Grade
| STANDARD | WERKSTOFF NR. | UNS |
| Copper Nickel 90/10 | 2.0872 | C70600 |
Is copper-nickel better than stainless steel?
Whether copper-nickel (Cu-Ni) is better than stainless steel (SS) depends on the specific application. Each material has unique advantages and disadvantages. Here’s a comparison:
1.Corrosion Resistance
- Copper-Nickel (Cu-Ni, e.g., 90/10 Cu-Ni – C70600)
- Excellent corrosion resistance, especially in marine environments (resistant to seawater and biofouling).
- Resists stress corrosion cracking and hydrogen embrittlement.
- Naturally forms a protective oxide layer, which enhances durability.
- Stainless Steel (e.g., 304, 316, 316L)
- Good corrosion resistance, but pitting and crevice corrosion can occur in seawater (especially for 304 SS).
- 316/316L stainless steel has improved seawater resistance due to molybdenum content but is still susceptible to localized attack in harsh environments.
✅ Winner: Cu-Ni for marine and seawater applications.
2. Strength and Mechanical Properties
- Cu-Ni
- Moderate strength, lower than stainless steel.
- Softer and more ductile, easier to form and machine.
- Stainless Steel
- Higher tensile strength and hardness.
- More resistant to wear and mechanical stress.
✅ Winner: Stainless steel for high-strength applications.
3. Thermal and Electrical Conductivity
- Cu-Ni
- Much higher thermal conductivity, making it better for heat exchangers.
- Superior electrical conductivity, useful in power systems.
- Stainless Steel
- Lower thermal and electrical conductivity.
- Not ideal for heat transfer applications.
✅ Winner: Cu-Ni for heat exchangers and electrical systems.
4. Cost and Availability
- Cu-Ni
- More expensive than standard stainless steel (e.g., 304 SS).
- Limited availability compared to stainless steel.
- Stainless Steel
- Generally cheaper and widely available.
- 316 SS is more expensive than 304 SS but still usually cheaper than Cu-Ni.
✅ Winner: Stainless steel for cost and availability.
5. Welding and Fabrication
- Cu-Ni
- Good weldability, but requires matching filler material.
- Stainless Steel
- Also weldable but can develop heat-affected zone (HAZ) issues.
✅ Winner: Tie, both are weldable but require proper techniques.
Final Verdict: Which is Better?
| Factor | Copper-Nickel (Cu-Ni) | Stainless Steel (SS) |
| Corrosion Resistance (Marine) | ✅ Excellent | ❌ Can corrode in seawater |
| Strength | ❌ Moderate | ✅ Higher |
| Thermal Conductivity | ✅ High | ❌ Low |
| Cost | ❌ Expensive | ✅ Cheaper |
| Weldability | ✅ Good | ✅ Good |
Copper Nickel 90/10 Pipe Dimension
X1.1 It is recommended that wherever possible, product purchased to this specification be ordered to the diameters and wall thickness indicated in Table X1.1.
| TABLEX1.1 Preferred Wall Thicknesses for Drawn Seamless Pipe Based on SPS Diameter | ||||||||
| Outside Dia meter,in.[mm] | Wall Thickness | |||||||
| SPS | Specials | Regular in.[mm] | Extra Strong in.[mm] | |||||
| in.[mm] | in.[mm] | in.[mm | in.[mm] | in.[mm] | ||||
| 1/8 | 0.405[10.3] | 0.058 [1.47] | 0.062[1.57] | 0.100 [254] | ||||
| 1/4 | 0.540[13.7 | 0.065[1.65] | 0.072[1.83] | 0.082 [2.08] | 0.123 [3.12] | |||
| 3/8 | 0.675[17.1] | 0.065[1.65] | 0.072[1.83] | 0.095[2.41] | 0.148[3.76] | 0.090 [2.29] | 0.127 [3.23] | |
| 1/2 | 0.840 [21.3] | 0.065 [1.65] | 0.072[1.83] | 0.120 [3.03] | 0.203 [5.16] | 0.107 [2.72] | 0.149[3.78] | |
| 3/4 | 1.050 [26.7] | 0.065 [1.65] | 0.083[2.11] | 0.148 [3.76] | 0.238 [6.05] | 0.114 [2.90] | 0.157 [3.99] | |
| 1 | 1.315 [33.4] | 0.065 [1.65] | 0.095[241] | 0.203[5.16] | 0.340[8.64] | 0.126 [3.20] | 0.182 [4.62] | |
| 1 1/4 | 1.650 [42.4] | 0.072[1.83] | 0.095[241] | 0.120 [3.03] | 0.220 [5.59] | 0.380 [9.65] | 0.146 [3.71] | 0.194[4.93] |
| 1 1/2 | 1.900[48.3] | 0.072[1.83] | 0.109 [277] | 0.134 [3.40] | 0.250 [6.35] | 0.425[10.8] | 0.150 [3.81] | 0.203 [5.16] |
| 2 | 2.375 [60.3] | 0.083|2.11] | 0.120 [3.03] | 0.165 [4.19] | 0.340[8.64] | 0.520[13.2] | 0.156 [3.96] | 0.221 [5.61] |
| 2 1/2 | 2.875 [73.0] | 0.083 |2.11] | 0.134 [3.40] | 0203 [5.16] | 0.380 [9.65] | 0.187 [4.75] | 0.280 [7.11] | |
| 3 | 3.500[88.9] | 0.095[2.41] | 0.165[4.19] | 0.250[6.35] | 0458 [11.6] | 0.219[5.56] | 0.304[7.72] | |
| 3 1/2 | 4.000 [102] | 0.095[2.41] | 0.180[4.57] | 0284[7.21] | 0.250 [6.35] | 0.321 [8.15] | ||
| 4 | 4.500[114] | 0.109[2.77] | 0203 [5.16] | 0.340 [8.64] | 0.250 [6.35] | 0.341 [8.66] | ||
| 5 | 5.552[141] | 0.125[3.18] | 0.220[5.59] | 0.425 [10.8] | 0.250 [6.35] | 0.375 [9.52] | ||
| 6 | 6.625[168] | 0.134[3.40] | 0.259[6.58] | 0.457 [11.6] | 0.250 [6.35] | 0.437 [11.1] | ||
Wall Thickness of Copper Nickel UNS C70600 Pipe
| Copper Nickel 90/10 Pipe Types | Copper Nickel 90/10 Pipe Out diameter | Wall thickness | Copper Nickel 90/10 Pipe Length |
| Copper Nickel 90/10 Seamless Pipe (as per need) | 5.0 milimeter ~ 203.2 milimeter | as per need | Upto 6 Meters |
| Copper Pipes NB Sizes (ready Stock) | 1/8” ~ 8” | SCH 10 / SCH 5 / SCH 80 //SCH 40 / SCH 160 | |
| Cupro Nickel 90/10 Welded Pipe (ready Stock + as per need | 5.0 milimeter ~ 1219.2 milimeter | 1.0 ~ 15.0 milimeter |
Other Designation for ASTM B466 90/10 Seamless Pipes
Equivalent materials to UNS C70600 copper nickel alloys are:
| ASME SB111 | ASTM B111 | ASTM B466 | ASME SB171 |
| ASME SB359 | ASTM B122 | ASTM B469 | MIL T-22214 |
| ASME SB395 | ASTM B151 | ASTM B543 | SAE J461 |
| ASME SB466 | ASTM B171 | ASTM B608 | SAE J463 |
| ASME SB467 | ASTM B359 | DIN 2.0872 | MIL T-16420 |
| ASME SB543 | ASTM B395 | MIL C-15726 | MIL T-15005 |
Advantages and disadvantages of Copper-Nickel
Disadvantage
| Disadvantage | Impact | Alternative |
| Expensive | High material cost | Stainless steel, coated carbon steel |
| Lower strength | Deforms under high stress | Duplex SS, titanium |
| Hard to machine | Tough, tool wear | Use proper tools and speeds |
| Welding issues | Requires special filler & control | TIG/MIG with preheating |
| Not ammonia-resistant | Corrosion in ammonia/sulfur | Stainless steel, titanium |
| Galvanic corrosion | Affects dissimilar metals | Insulation, coatings |
| Heavy | Increases structure weight | Titanium, aluminum |
Advantage
| Advantage | Benefit | Best Applications |
| Corrosion Resistance | No rust, seawater-resistant | Marine, offshore oil, shipbuilding |
| High Thermal Conductivity | Great heat transfer | Heat exchangers, condensers |
| Biofouling Resistance | No barnacles, prevents bacteria | Seawater pipes, medical, drinking water |
| Good Strength & Ductility | Strong but flexible | Industrial piping, hydraulic systems |
| Weldability & Fabrication | Easy to shape & join | Custom marine parts, welded structures |
| Temperature Resistance | Withstands extreme heat & cold | Aerospace, heat exchangers |
| Low Maintenance & Long Life | Self-healing oxide layer | Infrastructure, offshore wind |
| Seawater & Chloride Resistance | Prevents pitting corrosion | Desalination, subsea pipelines |
ASTM B466 Seamless Pipes & Tubes Application Industries
– Off-Shore Oil Drilling Companies
– Power Generation
– Petrochemicals
– Gas Processing
– Specialty Chemicals
– Pharmaceuticals
– Pharmaceutical Equipment
– Chemical Equipment
– Sea Water Equipment
– Heat Exchangers
– Condensers
– Pulp and Paper Industry
You can get an offer for products in below material forms:
-Pipe and Tube (EN 10216-5, ASTM A213, ASTM A249, A312, A790,)
-Forged Fitting and Flange (ASTM A182 , ASTM A105,ASTM B564 )
-Butt Weld Fittings (ASTM A234, ASTM A403,ASTM A815)
-Round bar , Billet (ASTM A276, ASTM A479)
– Plate, Sheet, Strip(ASTM A240, EN 10028-7, A480)
-Bolting, Nuts（ASTM A193, A194, A320）
ASTM B466 UNS C70600 Pipe Exported Countries
We Export ASTM B466 UNS C70600 Pipe Exported Countries to Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Bahrain, Oman, Kuwait, Turkey, Egypt, Yemen , Syria, Jordan, Cyprus, Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, Vietnam, South Korea, Japan, Sri Lanka, Maldives, Bangladesh, Cambodia, Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Venezuela, Colombia, Ecuador, Guyana, Paraguay, Uruguay, United States Of America, Canada, Mexico, Panama, Jamaica, Bahamas, Denmark, Norway, Germany, France,Italy, United Kingdom, Spain, Belgium, Greece, Czech Republic, Portugal, Hungary, Albania, Austria, Finland, Ireland, Croatia, Malta, Nigeria, Algeria, Angola, South Africa, Libya, Egypt, Sudan, Europe, Africa, Asia, North America, South America, Middle East.etc