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: B251/B251M − 17

Standard Specification for

General Requirements for Wrought Seamless Copper and
Copper-Alloy Tube1
This standard is issued under the fixed designation B251/B251M; 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* B135/B135M Specification for Seamless Brass Tube

1.1 This specification covers a group of general require- B153 Test Method for Expansion (Pin Test) of Copper and
ments common to several wrought product specifications. Copper-Alloy Pipe and Tubing
Unless otherwise specified in the purchase order, or in an B154 Test Method for Mercurous Nitrate Test for Copper
individual specification, these general requirements shall apply Alloys
to copper and copper-alloy tube supplied under Specifications B170 Specification for Oxygen-Free Electrolytic Copper—
B68/B68M, B75/B75M, B135/B135M, B466/B466M, B643 Refinery Shapes
and B743. B193 Test Method for Resistivity of Electrical Conductor
Materials
1.2 The values stated in either SI units or inch-pound units B428 Test Method for Angle of Twist in Rectangular and
are to be regarded separately as standard. The values stated in Square Copper and Copper Alloy Tube
each system may not be exact equivalents; therefore, each B466/B466M Specification for Seamless Copper-Nickel
system shall be used independently of the other. Combining Pipe and Tube
values from the two systems may result in non-conformance B643 Specification for Copper-Beryllium Alloy Seamless
with the standard. Tube
1.3 This international standard was developed in accor- B743 Specification for Seamless Copper Tube in Coils
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard- B846 Terminology for Copper and Copper Alloys
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the E3 Guide for Preparation of Metallographic Specimens
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom- E8/E8M Test Methods for Tension Testing of Metallic Ma-
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical terials
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee. E18 Test Methods for Rockwell Hardness of Metallic Ma-
terials
2. Referenced Documents E29 Practice for Using Significant Digits in Test Data to
2.1 The following documents of the issue in effect on date Determine Conformance with Specifications
of material purchase form a part of this specification to the E53 Test Method for Determination of Copper in Unalloyed
extent referenced herein: Copper by Gravimetry
2.2 ASTM Standards:2 E62 Test Methods for Chemical Analysis of Copper and
B68/B68M Specification for Seamless Copper Tube, Bright Copper Alloys (Photometric Methods) (Withdrawn 2010)3
Annealed E112 Test Methods for Determining Average Grain Size
B75/B75M Specification for Seamless Copper Tube E255 Practice for Sampling Copper and Copper Alloys for
the Determination of Chemical Composition
E478 Test Methods for Chemical Analysis of Copper Alloys
1
This specification is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee B05 on Copper
and Copper Alloys and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee B05.04 on Pipe
and Tube.
3. Terminology
Current edition approved Oct. 1, 2017. Published November 2017. Originally 3.1 For definitions of terms related to copper and copper
approved in 1951. Last previous edition approved in 2010 as B251 – 10. DOI:
10.1520/B0251_B0251M-17.
alloys, refer to Terminology B846.
2
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
contact ASTM Customer Service at [email protected]. For Annual Book of ASTM
3
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on The last approved version of this historical standard is referenced on
the ASTM website. 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
--`,`,,``,``,``,`,```,,,,,`,,,,`-`-`,,`,,`,`,,`---

Copyright ASTM International

Provided by IHS Markit under license with ASTM
1Licensee=Thyssenkrupp Materials NA/5966415001, User=Strouse, Paul
No reproduction or networking permitted without license from IHS Not for Resale, 11/25/2019 09:33:59 MST
 B251/B251M − 17
4. Materials and Manufacture ances applicable to Specifications B68/B68M, B75/B75M,
4.1 The material shall be of such quality and purity that the B135/B135M, and B743 for round tubes only shall be in
finished product shall have the properties and characteristics accordance with Table 5 or Table 6. Tolerances on distance
prescribed in the applicable product specification listed in between parallel surfaces for rectangular including square tube
Section 1. applicable to Specifications B75/B75M and B135/B135M shall
be in accordance with Table 7 and Table 8.
4.2 The material shall be produced by either hot or cold
working operations, or both. It shall be finished, unless 5.4 Roundness (Applicable to Specifications B75/B75M,
otherwise specified, by such cold working and annealing or B135/B135M, and B466/B466M)—For drawn unannealed tube
heat treatment as necessary to meet the properties specified. in straight lengths, the roundness tolerances shall be as follows:
t/D Roundness Tolerance as Percent of
5. Dimensions and Permissible Variations (Ratio of Wall Thickness to Outside Diameter (Expressed to the
Outside Diameter) Nearest 0.001 in. [0.025 mm])

--`,`,,``,``,``,`,```,,,,,`,,,,`-`-`,,`,,`,`,,`---
5.1 General:
5.1.1 The standard method of specifying wall thickness 0.01 to 0.03, incl 1.5 [1.5]
Over 0.03 to 0.05, incl 1.0 [1.0]
shall be in decimal fractions of an inch or millimeter. Over 0.05 to 0.10, incl 0.8 or 0.002 in. [mm] whichever is greater
5.1.2 For the purpose of determining conformance with the Over 0.10 0.7 or 0.002 in. [mm] whichever is greater
dimensional requirements prescribed in this specification, any 5.4.1 Compliance with the roundness tolerances shall be
measured value outside the specified limiting values for any determined by taking measurements on the outside diameter
dimension shall be cause for rejection. only, irrespective of the manner in which the tube dimensions
5.1.3 Tolerances on a given tube shall be specified with are specified. The deviation from roundness is measured as the
respect to any two, but not all three, of the following: outside difference between major and minor diameters as determined at
diameter, inside diameter, wall thickness. any one cross section of the tube. The major and minor
5.1.4 When round tube is ordered by outside and inside diameters are the diameters of two concentric circles just
diameters, the maximum plus and minus deviation of the wall enclosing the outside surface of the tube at the cross section.
thickness from the nominal at any point shall not exceed the 5.4.2 No tolerances have been established for as-extruded
values given in Table 1 by more than 50 %. tube, redraw tube, annealed tube, any tube furnished in coils or
NOTE 1—Blank spaces in the tolerance tables indicate either that the drawn tube whose wall thickness is under 0.016 in. [0.4 mm].
material is not generally available or that no tolerances have been 5.5 Length Tolerances:
established.
5.5.1 Straight Lengths—Length tolerances, straight lengths,
5.2 Wall Thickness Tolerances for Copper and Copper-Alloy applicable to Specifications B68/B68M, B75/B75M, B135/
Tube—Wall thickness tolerances applicable to Specifications B135M, and B466/B466M shall be in accordance with Table 9
B68/B68M, B75/B75M, B135/B135M, and B743 for round or Table 10.
tubes only shall be in accordance with Table 1 or Table 2. Wall 5.5.2 Schedule of Tube Lengths—Specific and stock lengths
thickness tolerances for rectangular including square tube of tube with ends, applicable to Specifications B68/B68M,
applicable to Specifications B75/B75M and B135/B135M shall B75/B75M, B135/B135M, and B466/B466M, shall be in
be in accordance with Table 3 or Table 4. accordance with Table 11 or Table 12. Tube in straight lengths
5.3 Diameter or Distance between Parallel Surfaces, Toler- shall be furnished in stock lengths with ends, unless the order
ances for Copper and Copper-Alloy Tube—Diameter toler- requires specific lengths or specific lengths with ends.

TABLE 1 Wall Thickness Tolerances for Copper and Copper-Alloy Tube—Inch-Pound Values
(Applicable to Specifications B68/B68M, B75/B75M, B135/B135M, and B743)
NOTE 1—Maximum Deviation at Any Point—The following tolerances are plus and minus; if tolerances all plus or all minus are desired, double the
values given.
Outside Diameter, in.A
Wall Thickness, in. Over ⁄ to ⁄ ,
18 58 Over ⁄ to 1,
58 Over 1 to 2, Over 2 to 4, Over 4 to 7, Over 7 to 10,
⁄
1 32 to 1⁄8, incl
incl incl incl incl incl incl
Up to 0.017, incl 0.002 0.001 0.0015 0.002 ... ... ...
Over 0.017 to 0.024, incl 0.003 0.002 0.002 0.0025 ... ... ...
Over 0.024 to 0.034, incl 0.003 0.0025 0.0025 0.003 0.004 ... ...
Over 0.034 to 0.057, incl 0.003 0.003 0.0035 0.0035 0.005 0.007 ...
Over 0.057 to 0.082, incl ... 0.0035 0.004 0.004 0.006 0.008 0.010
Over 0.082 to 0.119, incl ... 0.004 0.005 0.005 0.007 0.009 0.011
Over 0.119 to 0.164, incl ... 0.005 0.006 0.006 0.008 0.010 0.012
Over 0.164 to 0.219, incl ... 0.007 0.009 0.009 0.011 0.012 0.014
Over 0.219 to 0.283, incl ... ... 0.011 0.012 0.014 0.015 0.016
Over 0.283 to 0.379, incl ... ... 0.014 6B % 6B % 7B % 7B %
Over 0.379 ... ... ... 6B % 6B % 7B % 7B %
A
When round tube is ordered by outside and inside diameters, the maximum plus and minus deviation of the wall thickness from the nominal at any point shall not exceed
the values given in the table by more than 50 %.
B
Percent of specified wall expressed to the nearest 0.001 in.

Copyright ASTM International

Provided by IHS Markit under license with ASTM
2Licensee=Thyssenkrupp Materials NA/5966415001, User=Strouse, Paul
No reproduction or networking permitted without license from IHS Not for Resale, 11/25/2019 09:33:59 MST
 B251/B251M − 17
TABLE 2 Wall Thickness Tolerances for Copper and Copper-Alloy Tube—SI Values
(Applicable to Specifications B68/B68M, B75/B75M, and B135/B135M)
NOTE 1—Maximum Deviation at Any Point—The following tolerances are plus and minus; if tolerances all plus or all minus are desired, double the
values given.
Outside Diameter, mmA
Wall Thickness, mm Over 3.0 to 16, Over 16 to 25, Over 25 to 50, Over 50 to 100, Over 100 to 180, Over 180 to 250,
0.80 to 3.0, incl
incl incl incl incl incl incl
Up to 0.40, incl 0.05 0.03 0.04 0.05 ... ... ...
Over 0.40 to 0.60, incl 0.08 0.05 0.05 0.06 ... ... ...
Over 0.60 to 0.90, incl 0.08 0.06 0.06 0.08 0.10 ... ...
Over 0.90 to 1.5, incl 0.08 0.08 0.09 0.09 0.12 0.20 ...
Over 1.5 to 2.0, incl ... 0.09 0.10 0.10 0.15 0.20 0.25
Over 2.0 to 3.0, incl ... 0.10 0.12 0.12 0.20 0.20 0.28
Over 3.0 to 4.0, incl ... 0.12 0.15 0.15 0.20 0.25 0.30
Over 4.0 to 5.5, incl ... 0.20 0.20 0.20 0.25 0.30 0.35
Over 5.5 to 7.0, incl ... ... 0.25 0.25 0.30 0.35 0.40
Over 7.0 to 10, incl ... ... 0.30 5B % 5B % 6B % 6B %
Over 10 ... ... ... 5B % 5B % 6B % 6B %
A
When round tube is ordered by outside and inside diameters, the maximum plus and minus deviation of the wall thickness from the nominal at any point shall not exceed
the values given in the table by more than 50 %.
B
Percent of specified wall expressed to the nearest 0.025 mm.

TABLE 3 Wall Thickness Tolerances for Copper and Copper-Alloy Rectangular and Square Tube—Inch-Pound Values
(Applicable to Specifications B75/B75M, B135/B135M, and B743)
NOTE 1—Maximum Deviation at Any Point—The following tolerances are plus and minus; if tolerances all plus or all minus are desired, double the
values given.
Distance Between Outside Parallel Surface, in.A
Wall Thickness, in. Over ⁄ to ⁄ ,
18 58 Over 5⁄8 to 1, Over 1 to 2, Over 2 to 4, Over 4 to 7, Over 7 to 10,
⁄
1 32 to 1⁄8, incl
incl incl incl incl incl incl
Up to 0.017, incl 0.002 0.002 0.0025 0.003 ... ... ...
Over 0.017 to 0.024, incl 0.003 0.0025 0.003 0.0035 ... ... ...
Over 0.024 to 0.034, incl 0.0035 0.0035 0.0035 0.004 0.006 ... ...
Over 0.034 to 0.057, incl 0.004 0.004 0.0045 0.005 0.007 0.009 ...
Over 0.057 to 0.082, incl ... 0.005 0.006 0.007 0.008 0.010 0.012
Over 0.082 to 0.119, incl ... 0.007 0.008 0.009 0.010 0.012 0.014
Over 0.119 to 0.164, incl ... 0.009 0.010 0.011 0.012 0.014 0.016
Over 0.164 to 0.219, incl ... 0.011 0.012 0.013 0.015 0.017 0.019
Over 0.219 to 0.283, incl ... ... 0.015 0.016 0.018 0.020 0.022
A
In the case of rectangular tube the major dimension determines the thickness tolerance applicable to all walls.

TABLE 4 Wall Thickness Tolerances for Copper and Copper-Alloy Rectangular and Square Tube—SI Values
(Applicable to Specifications B75/B75M and B135/B135M)
NOTE 1—Maximum Deviation at Any Point—The following tolerances are plus and minus; if tolerances all plus or all minus are desired, double the
values given.
Distance Between Outside Parallel Surface, mmA
Wall Thickness, mm 3.0 to 16, 16 to 25, 25 to 50, 50 to 100, 100 to 180, 180 to 250,
0.80 to 3.0, incl
incl incl incl incl incl incl
Up to 0.40, incl 0.05 0.05 0.06 0.08 ... ... ...
Over 0.40 to 0.60, incl 0.08 0.06 0.08 0.09 ... ... ...
Over 0.60 to 0.90, incl 0.09 0.09 0.09 0.10 0.15 ... ...
Over 0.90 to 1.5, incl 0.10 0.10 0.12 0.12 0.20 0.25 ...
Over 1.5 to 2.0, incl ... 0.12 0.15 0.20 0.20 0.25 0.30
Over 2.0 to 3.0, incl ... 0.20 0.20 0.25 0.25 0.30 0.35
Over 3.0 to 4.0, incl ... 0.25 0.25 0.28 0.30 0.36 0.40
Over 4.0 to 5.5, incl ... 0.28 0.30 0.33 0.38 0.45 0.50
Over 5.5 to 7.0, incl ... ... 0.38 0.40 0.45 0.50 0.55
A
In the case of rectangular tube, the major dimension determines the thickness tolerance applicable to all walls.

5.6 Squareness of Cut (Applicable to Specifications B68/ Specified Outside Diameter, Tolerance
B68M, B75/B75M, B135/B135M, and B466/B466M)—For tube in. [mm]
in straight lengths, the departure from squareness of the end of Up to 5⁄8 [16], incl 0.010 in. [0.25 mm]
any tube shall not exceed the following: Over 5⁄8 [16] 0.016 in./in. [mm/mm] of diameter
5.6.1 Round Tube:
--`,`,,``,``,``,`,```,,,,,`,,,,`-`-`,,`,,`,`,,`---

Copyright ASTM International

Provided by IHS Markit under license with ASTM
3Licensee=Thyssenkrupp Materials NA/5966415001, User=Strouse, Paul
No reproduction or networking permitted without license from IHS Not for Resale, 11/25/2019 09:33:59 MST
 B251/B251M − 17
TABLE 5 Average Diameter Tolerances for Copper and Copper- twist shall not exceed 20° when measured in accordance with
Alloy TubeA —Inch-Pound Values Test Method B428. The requirement is not applicable to tubes
(Applicable to Specifications B68/B68M, B75/B75M, B135/B135M,
and B743) in the annealed temper or to tubes whose specified major
Specified Diameter, in. Tolerance, Plus and Minus, in. dimension is less than 1⁄2 in. [12 mm].
Up to 1⁄8, incl 0.002
Over 1⁄8 to 5⁄8, incl 0.002 6. Workmanship, Finish, and Appearance
Over 5⁄8 to 1, incl 0.0025
Over 1 to 2, incl 0.003 6.1 The material shall be free of defects of a nature that
Over 2 to 3, incl 0.004 interfere with normal commercial applications. It shall be well
Over 3 to 4, incl 0.005
Over 4 to 5, incl 0.006
cleaned and free of dirt.
Over 5 to 6, incl 0.007
Over 6 to 8, incl 0.008 7. Sampling
Over 8 to 10, incl 0.010
A
Applicable to inside or outside diameter.
7.1 Sampling—The lot, size, portion size, and selection of
sample pieces shall be as follows:
7.1.1 Lot Size—For tube, the lot size shall be 10 000 lb
TABLE 6 Average Diameter Tolerances for Copper and Copper- [5000 kg] or fraction thereof.
Alloy TubeA —SI Values 7.1.2 Portion Size—Sample pieces shall be taken for test
(Applicable to Specifications B68/B68M, B75/B75M, and purposes from each lot according to the following schedule:
B135/B135M)
Specified Diameter, mm Tolerance, Plus and Minus, mm Number of Pieces Number of Sample Pieces to
--`,`,,``,``,``,`,```,,,,,`,,,,`-`-`,,`,,`,`,,`---

in Lot be TakenA
Up to 3.0, incl 0.05
Over 3.0 to 16, incl 0.05 1 to 50 1
Over 16 to 25, incl 0.06 51 to 200 2
Over 25 to 50, incl 0.08 201 to 1500 3
Over 50 to 75, incl 0.10 Over 1500 0.2 % of total number of pieces in the
Over 75 to 100, incl 0.12 lot, but not to exceed 10 sample pieces
Over 100 to 125, incl 0.15
Over 125 to 150, incl 0.18 A
Over 150 to 200, incl 0.20 Each sample piece shall be taken from a separate tube.
Over 200 to 250, incl 0.25
A
Applicable to inside or outside diameter. 8. Number of Tests and Retests
8.1 Chemical Analysis—Samples for chemical analysis shall
be taken in accordance with Practice E255. Drillings, millings,
5.6.2 Rectangular and Square Tube: etc., shall be taken in approximately equal weight from each of
Specified Distance Between Major
the sample pieces selected in accordance with 7.1.2 and
Tolerance combined into one composite sample. The minimum weight of
Outside Parallel Surfaces, in. [mm]
the composite sample that is to be divided into three equal parts
Up to 5⁄8 [16], incl 0.016 in. [0.40 mm]
Over 5⁄8 [16] 0.025 in./in. [mm/mm] of distance
shall be 150 g.
between outside parallel surfaces 8.1.1 Instead of sampling in accordance with Practice E255,
5.7 Straightness Tolerances: the manufacturer shall have the option of determining confor-
5.7.1 Round Tubes—For round tubes of any drawn temper, mance to chemical composition as follows: Conformance shall
1⁄4 to 31⁄2 in. [6 to 100 mm] in outside diameter, inclusive, but be determined by the manufacturer by analyzing samples taken
not redraw tube, extruded tube, or any annealed tube, the at the time the castings are poured or samples taken from the
straightness tolerances applicable to Specifications B75/B75M, semi-finished product. If the manufacturer determines the
B135/B135M, and B466/B466M shall be in accordance with chemical composition of the material during the course of
Table 13 or Table 14. manufacture, he shall not be required to sample and analyze the
5.7.2 Rectangular and Square Tubes—For rectangular and finished product. The number of samples taken for determina-
square tubes of any drawn temper, the straightness tolerance tion of chemical composition shall be as follows:
applicable to Specifications B75/B75M and B135/B135M shall 8.1.1.1 When samples are taken at the time the castings are
be 1⁄2 in. [12 mm] maximum curvature (depth of arc) in any 6-ft poured, at least one sample shall be taken for each group of
[2000-mm] portion of the total length. (Not applicable to castings poured simultaneously from the same source of
extruded tube, redraw tube, or any annealed tube.) molten metal.
8.1.1.2 When samples are taken from the semi-finished
5.8 Corner Radius, Rectangular and Square Tubes—The product, a sample shall be taken to represent each 10 000 lb
permissible radii for commercially square corners applicable to [5000 kg] or fraction thereof, except that not more than one
Specifications B75/B75M and B135/B135M shall be in accor- sample shall be required per piece.
dance with Table 15 or Table 16. 8.1.1.3 Due to the discontinuous nature of the processing of
5.9 Twist Tolerances, Rectangular and Square Tubes—The castings into wrought products, it is not practical to identify
maximum twist about the longitudinal axis of drawn temper specific casting analysis with a specific quantity of finished
rectangular and square tubes applicable to Specifications B75/ material.
B75M and B135/B135M shall not exceed 1°/ft [1°/300 mm] of 8.1.1.4 In the event that heat identification or traceability is
length, measured to the nearest degree, and the total angle of required, the purchaser shall specify the details desired.

Copyright ASTM International

Provided by IHS Markit under license with ASTM
4Licensee=Thyssenkrupp Materials NA/5966415001, User=Strouse, Paul
No reproduction or networking permitted without license from IHS Not for Resale, 11/25/2019 09:33:59 MST
 B251/B251M − 17
TABLE 7 Tolerances on Distance Between Parallel Surfaces for Copper and Copper-Alloy Rectangular and Square Tube—Inch-Pound
Values
(Applicable to Specifications B75/B75M, B135/B135M, and B743)
NOTE 1—The following tolerances are plus and minus; if tolerances all plus or all minus are desired, double the values given.
Dimension a or b (see sketches), in. Tolerances, in.
Up to 1⁄8, incl 0.003
Over ⁄ –5⁄8, incl
18 0.004
Over 5⁄8 to 1, incl 0.005
Over 1 to 2, incl 0.006
Over 2 to 3, incl 0.007
Over 3 to 4, incl 0.008
Over 4 to 5, incl 0.009
Over 5 to 6, incl 0.010
Over 6 to 8, incl 0.011
Over 8 to 10, incl 0.012

Nominal dimension a determines tolerance applicable to both a and c.

Nominal dimension b determines tolerance applicable to both b and d.

TABLE 8 Tolerances on Distance Between Parallel Surfaces for Copper and Copper-Alloy Rectangular and Square Tube—SI Values
(Applicable to Specifications B75/B75M and B135/B135M)
NOTE 1—The following tolerances are plus and minus; if tolerances all plus or all minus are desired, double the values given.
Dimension a or b (see sketches), mm Tolerances, mm
Up to 3.0, incl 0.08
Over 3.0 to 16, incl 0.10
Over 16 to 25, incl 0.12
Over 25 to 50, incl 0.15
Over 50 to 100, incl 0.20
Over 100 to 120, incl 0.25
Over 150 to 200, incl 0.30
Over 200 to 250, incl 0.30

TABLE 9 Length Tolerances for Copper and Copper-Alloy Tube, TABLE 10 Length Tolerances for Copper and Copper-Alloy Tube,
Straight Lengths—Inch-Pound Values Straight Lengths—SI Values
(Applicable to Specifications B68/B68M, B75/B75M, B135/B135M, (Applicable to Specifications B68/B68M, B75/B75M, B135/B135M,
and B466/B466M) and B466/B466M)
NOTE 1—Tolerances are all plus; if all minus tolerances are desired, use NOTE 1—Tolerances are all plus; if all minus tolerances are desired, use
the same values; if tolerances plus and minus are desired, halve the values the same values; if tolerances plus and minus are desired, halve the values
given. given.
Tolerances, in., Applicable Only to Tolerances, mm, Applicable Only to
Full-Length Pieces Full-Length Pieces
For Major For Major For Major For Major
Length For Major Length, mm For Major
Outside Outside Outside Outside
Outside Outside
Dimensions Dimensions Dimensions Dimensions
Dimensions Dimensions
Up to Over 1 to 4 Up to 25 mm, Over 25 to 100
Over 4 in. Over 100 mm
1 in., incl in., incl incl mm, incl
Specific lengths: Specific lengths:
Up to 6 in., incl ⁄
1 32 ⁄
1 16 ... Up to 150, incl 0.80 1.5 ...
Over 6 in. to 2 ft, incl 1⁄16 3⁄32 1⁄ 8 Over 150 to 600, incl 1.5 2.5 3.0
Over 2 to 6 ft, incl 3⁄32 1 ⁄8 1 ⁄4 Over 600 to 2000, incl 2.5 3.0 6.0
Over 6 to 14 ft, incl 1⁄ 4 1 ⁄4 1 ⁄4 Over 2000 to 4000, incl 6.0 6.0 6.0
Over 14 ft 1⁄ 2 1 ⁄2 1 ⁄2 Over 4000 12 12 12
Specific lengths with ends 1 1 1 Specific lengths with ends 25 25 25
Stock lengths with or without 1A 1A 1A Stock lengths with or
25A 25A 25A
ends without ends
A A
As stock lengths are cut and placed in stock in advance of orders, departure from As stock lengths are cut and placed in stock in advance of orders, departure from
this tolerance is not practicable. this tolerance is not practicable.

8.2 Other Tests—For other tests, unless otherwise provided coils shall be included in the shipment, and the permissible
in the product specification, test specimens shall be taken from variations in length on such coils shall be waived.
two of the sample pieces selected in accordance with 7.1.2. 8.3 Retests:
8.2.1 In the case of tube furnished in coils, a length 8.3.1 If any test specimen shows defective machining or
sufficient for all necessary tests shall be cut from each coil develops flaws, it shall be discarded and another specimen
selected for purpose of tests. The remaining portion of these substituted.
--`,`,,``,``,``,`,```,,,,,`,,,,`-`-`,,`,,`,`,,`---

Copyright ASTM International

Provided by IHS Markit under license with ASTM
5Licensee=Thyssenkrupp Materials NA/5966415001, User=Strouse, Paul
No reproduction or networking permitted without license from IHS Not for Resale, 11/25/2019 09:33:59 MST
 B251/B251M − 17
TABLE 11 Schedule of Tube Lengths (Specific and Stock) with TABLE 15 Permissible Radii for Commercially Square Corners
Ends for Copper and Copper-Alloy Tube—Inch-Pound Values for Copper and Copper-Alloy Rectangular and Square Tube—
(Applicable to Specifications B68/B68M, B75/B75M, B135/B135M and Inch-Pound Values
B466/B466M) (Applicable to Specifications B75/B75M, B135/B135M, and B743)
Shortest Maximum Maximum Radii, in.
Major Outside Specific Length, Permissible Permissible Wall Thickness, in.
Outside Corners Inside Corners
Dimensions, in. ft Length,A % of Weight of Ends,
Specific Length % of Lot Weight Up to 0.058, incl ⁄ 3 64 ⁄ 1 32

Over 0.058 to 0.120, incl 1⁄16 ⁄ 1 32

Up to 1, incl 6 to 20, incl 70 20 Over 0.120 to 0.250, incl 3⁄32 1⁄32
Over 1 to 2, incl 6 to 20, incl 60 25 Over 0.250 none established none established
Over 2 to 3, incl 6 to 20, incl 55 30
Over 3 to 4, incl 6 to 20, incl 50 40
A
Expressed to the nearest 1⁄2 ft.
TABLE 16 Permissible Radii for Commercially Square Corners
for Copper and Copper-Alloy Rectangular and Square Tube—
SI Values
TABLE 12 Schedule of Tube Lengths (Specific and Stock) with (Applicable to Specifications B75/B75M and B135/B135M)
Ends for Copper and Copper-Alloy Tube—SI Values
Maximum Radii, mm
(Applicable to Specifications B68/B68M, B75/B75M, B135/B135M and Wall Thickness, mm
B466/B466M) Outside Corners Inside Corners

Shortest Maximum Up to 1.5, incl 1.2 0.80

Major Outside Specific Length, Permissible Permissible Over 1.5 to 3.0, incl 1.6 0.80
Dimensions, mm mm Length,A % of Weight of Ends, Over 3.0 to 6.0, incl 2.4 0.80
Specific Length % of Lot Weight Over 6.0 none established none established

Up to 25, incl 2000 to 6000, incl 70 20

Over 25 to 50, incl 2000 to 6000, incl 60 25
Over 50 to 75, incl 2000 to 6000, incl 55 30
Over 75 to 100, incl 2000 to 6000, incl 50 40 additional specimen either from the same sample piece or from
A
Expressed to the nearest 150 mm. a new sample piece shall be allowed.
8.3.3 If the results of the test on one of the specimens fail to
meet the specified requirements, two additional specimens
TABLE 13 Straightness Tolerances for Copper and Copper-Alloy shall be taken from different sample pieces and tested. The
TubeA in Any Drawn Temper—Inch-Pound Values
(Applicable to Specifications B75/B75M, B135/B135M, B466/B466M results of the test on both of these specimens shall meet the
and B643) specified requirements. Failure of more than one specimen to
NOTE 1—Applies to round tube in any drawn temper from 1⁄4 [6.35] to meet the specified requirements for a particular property shall
31⁄2 in. [88.9 mm], incl, in outside diameter. be cause for rejection of the entire lot.
Maximum Curvature 8.3.4 If the chemical analysis fails to conform to the
Length, ftB
(Depth of Arc), in. specified limits, analysis shall be made on a new composite
Over 3 to 6, incl ⁄
3 16
sample prepared from additional pieces selected in accordance
Over 6 to 8, incl ⁄
5 16

Over 8 to 10, incl 1⁄ 2

with 7.1.2. The results of this retest shall comply with the
A
specified requirements.
Not applicable to pipe, redraw tube, extruded tube or any annealed tube.
B
For lengths greater than 10 ft the maximum curvature shall not exceed 1⁄2 in. in
any 10-ft portion of the total length. 9. Test Specimens
9.1 Tension test specimens shall be of the full section of the
tube and shall conform to the requirements of Test specimens
TABLE 14 Straightness Tolerances for Copper and Copper-Alloy
TubeA in Any Drawn Temper—SI Values
section of Test Methods E8/E8M, unless the limitations of the
(Applicable to Specifications B75/B75M, B135/B135M, B466/B466M testing machine preclude the use of such a specimen. Test
and B643) specimens conforming to Type No. 1 of Fig. 13, Tension Test
NOTE 1—Applies to round tube in any drawn temper from 6.0 to 100 Specimens for Large-Diameter Tubular Products, of Test Meth-
mm, incl, in outside diameter. ods E8/E8M shall be used when a full-section specimen cannot
Length, mmB
Maximum Curvature be tested.
(Depth of Arc), mm
Over 1000 to 2000, incl 5.0
9.2 Whenever tension test results are obtained from both
Over 2000 to 2500, incl 8.0 full size and from machined test specimens and they differ, the
Over 2500 to 3000, incl 12 results obtained from full-size test specimens shall be used to
A
Not applicable to pipe, redraw tube, extruded tube or any annealed tube. determine conformance to the specification requirements.
B
For lengths greater than 3000 mm the maximum curvature shall not exceed
12 mm in any 3000-mm portion of the total length. 9.3 Tension test results on material covered by this specifi-
cation are not seriously affected by variations in speed of
testing. A considerable range of testing speed is permissible;
however, the rate of stressing to the yield strength shall not
8.3.2 If the percentage elongation of any tension test speci- exceed 100 ksi/min [700 MPa/min]. Above the yield strength
men is less than that specified and any part of the fracture is the movement per minute of the testing machine head under
outside the middle two thirds of the gage length or in a punched load shall not exceed 0.5 in/in. [mm/mm] of gage length (or
or scribed mark within the reduced section, a retest on an distance between grips for full-section specimens).
--`,`,,``,``,``,`,```,,,,,`,,,,`-`-`,,`,,`,`,,`---

Copyright ASTM International

Provided by IHS Markit under license with ASTM
6Licensee=Thyssenkrupp Materials NA/5966415001, User=Strouse, Paul
No reproduction or networking permitted without license from IHS Not for Resale, 11/25/2019 09:33:59 MST
 B251/B251M − 17
9.4 The surface of the test specimen for microscopical 12. Inspection
examination shall approximate a radial longitudinal section of 12.1 The manufacturer shall afford the inspector represent-
round tube and a longitudinal section of rectangular and square ing the purchaser, all reasonable facilities, without charge, to
tube perpendicular to, and bisecting, the major dimensional satisfy him that the material is being furnished in accordance
surface. with the specified requirements.
10. Test Methods
13. Rejection and Rehearing
10.1 The properties enumerated in the specifications listed
in Section 1 shall, in case of disagreement, be determined in 13.1 Material that fails to conform to the requirements of
accordance with the following applicable test methods: this specification shall be subject to rejection. Rejection shall
be reported to the manufacturer or supplier promptly and in
Test ASTM Designation
writing. In case of dissatisfaction with the results of the test, the
Chemical analysis B170,A E53, E62, E478 manufacturer or supplier shall have the option to make claim
Tension E8/E8M for a rehearing.
Rockwell hardness E18B
Grain size E3, E112
Expansion (pin test) B153 14. Certification
Mercurous nitrate test B154
Electrical resistivity B193 14.1 When specified on the purchase order the manufacturer
shall furnish to the purchaser a certificate stating that each lot
--`,`,,``,``,``,`,```,,,,,`,,,,`-`-`,,`,,`,`,,`---

A
Reference to Specification B170 is to the suggested chemical methods in the has been sampled, tested, and inspected in accordance with this
annex thereof. When Committee E01 has tested and published methods for specification and has met the requirements.
assaying the low-level impurities in copper, the Specification B170 annex will be
eliminated.
B
14.2 When material is specified to meet the requirements of
The value for the Rockwell Hardness number of each specimen shall be
established by taking the arithmetical average of at least three readings.
ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code, the certification
requirements are mandatory.
11. Significance of Numerical Limits
11.1 For purposes of determining compliance with the 15. Packaging and Package Marking
specified limits for requirements of the properties listed in the 15.1 The material shall be separated by size, composition,
following table, an observed value or a calculated value shall and temper, and prepared for shipment in such a manner as to
be rounded as indicated in accordance with the rounding ensure acceptance by common carrier for transportation and to
method of Practice E29: afford protection from the normal hazards of transportation.
Property
Rounded Unit for Observed or 15.2 Each shipping unit shall be legibly marked with the
Calculated Value
purchase order number, metal or alloy designation, temper,
Chemical composition nearest unit in the last size, shape, gross and net weight and name of supplier. The
Hardness right-hand place of figures specification number shall be shown, when specified.
Electrical resistivity of the specified limit
Tensile stength nearest ksi [nearest 5 MPa]
Yield strength nearest ksi [nearest 5 MPa] 16. Mill Test Report
Elongation nearest 1 %
Grain size: 16.1 When specified on the purchase order, the manufac-
Up to 0.055 mm, incl nearest multiple of 0.005 mm turer shall furnish to the purchaser a test report showing results
Over 0.055 to 0.160 mm, incl nearest 0.01 mm of tests required by the specification.

Copyright ASTM International

Provided by IHS Markit under license with ASTM
7Licensee=Thyssenkrupp Materials NA/5966415001, User=Strouse, Paul
No reproduction or networking permitted without license from IHS Not for Resale, 11/25/2019 09:33:59 MST
 B251/B251M − 17

SUPPLEMENTARY REQUIREMENTS

The following supplementary requirements shall apply only when specified by the purchaser in the
inquiry, contract, or order, for agencies of the U.S. Government.

S1. Referenced Documents unless disapproved by the purchaser at the time the order is
S1.1 The following documents of the issue in effect on date placed. The purchaser shall have the right to perform any of the
of material purchase form a part of this specification to the inspections or tests set forth when such inspections and tests
extent referenced herein: are deemed necessary to assure that the material conforms to
S1.1.1 ASTM Standard:2 prescribed requirements.
B900, Practice for Packaging of Copper and Copper Alloy S3. Identification Marking
Mill Products for U.S. Government Agencies.
S3.1 All material shall be properly marked for identification
S1.1.2 Federal Standards:4
in accordance with Fed. Std. No. 185 except that the ASTM
Fed. Std. No. 102 Preservation, Packaging and Packing
specification number and the alloy number shall be used.
Levels
Fed. Std. No. 123 Marking for Shipment (Civil Agencies) S4. Preparation for Delivery
Fed. Std. No. 185 Identification Marking of Copper and
S4.1 Preservation, Packaging, Packing:
Copper-Base Alloy Mill Products
S4.1.1 Military Agencies—The material shall be separated
S1.1.3 Military Standard:4
by size, composition, grade or class and shall be preserved and
--`,`,,``,``,``,`,```,,,,,`,,,,`-`-`,,`,,`,`,,`---

MIL-STD-129 Marking for Shipment and Storage

packaged, Level A or C, packed Level A, B, or C as specified
S2. Quality Assurance in the contract or purchase order, in accordance with the
requirements of Practice B900.
S2.1 Responsibility for Inspection: S4.1.2 Civil Agencies—The requirements of Fed. Std. No.
S2.1.1 Unless otherwise specified in the contract or pur- 102 shall be referenced for definitions of the various levels of
chase order, the manufacturer is responsible for the perfor- packaging protection.
mance of all inspection and test requirements specified. Except S4.2 Marking:
as otherwise specified in the contract or purchase order, the S4.2.1 Military Agencies—In addition to any special mark-
manufacturer shall use his own or any other suitable facilities ing required by the contract or purchase order, marking for
for the performance of the inspection and test requirements shipment shall be in accordance with MIL-STD-129.
S4.2.2 Civil Agencies—In addition to any special marking
4
Available from DLA Document Services, Building 4/D, 700 Robbins Ave., required by the contract or purchase order, marking for
Philadelphia, PA 19111-5094, http://quicksearch.dla.mil. shipment shall be in accordance with Fed. Std. No. 123.

APPENDIX

(Nonmandatory Information)

X1. STANDARD DENSITIES

X1.1 For reference purposes of calculating weights, cross

sections, etc., the densities of the copper and copper alloys
covered by the specifications listed in Section 1 shall be taken
as in Table X1.1.

Copyright ASTM International

Provided by IHS Markit under license with ASTM
8Licensee=Thyssenkrupp Materials NA/5966415001, User=Strouse, Paul
No reproduction or networking permitted without license from IHS Not for Resale, 11/25/2019 09:33:59 MST
 B251/B251M − 17
TABLE X1.1 Densities
Copper or
ASTM Density, Density,
Material CopperAlloy
Designation lb/in.3 [g/cm3]
UNS No.
B68/B68M copper C10100 0.323 [8.94]
B75/B75M copper C10200 0.323 [8.94]
B743 copper C10300 0.323 [8.94]
C10800 0.323 [8.94]
C12000 0.323 [8.94]
C12200 0.323 [8.94]
(B75/B75M C14200 0.323 [8.94]
only)

B135/B135M brass C22000 0.318 [8.80]

C23000 0.316 [8.75]
C26000 0.308 [8.53]
C27000 0.306 [8.47]
C27200 0.305 [8.44]
C28000 0.303 [8.39]
C33000 0.307 [8.50]
C33200 0.308 [8.53]
C37000 0.304 [8.41]
C44300 0.308 [8.53]

B466 copper nickel C70400 0.323 [8.94]

C70600 0.323 [8.94]
C71000 0.323 [8.94]
C71500 0.323 [8.94]
C72200 0.323 [8.94]

SUMMARY OF CHANGES

Committee B05 has identified the location of selected changes to this standard since the last issue (B251 – 10)
that may impact the use of this standard.

(1) The terminology was transferred to Terminology B846.

(2) The specification was converted from an inch-pound only
document to a combined document, with designation B251/
B251M. SI values in B251M were incorporated.

ASTM International takes no position respecting the validity of any patent rights asserted in connection with any item mentioned
in this standard. Users of this standard are expressly advised that determination of the validity of any such patent rights, and the risk
of infringement of such rights, are entirely their own responsibility.

This standard is subject to revision at any time by the responsible technical committee and must be reviewed every five years and
if not revised, either reapproved or withdrawn. Your comments are invited either for revision of this standard or for additional standards
and should be addressed to ASTM International Headquarters. Your comments will receive careful consideration at a meeting of the
responsible technical committee, which you may attend. If you feel that your comments have not received a fair hearing you should
make your views known to the ASTM Committee on Standards, at the address shown below.

This standard is copyrighted by ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959,
United States. Individual reprints (single or multiple copies) of this standard may be obtained by contacting ASTM at the above
address or at 610-832-9585 (phone), 610-832-9555 (fax), or [email protected] (e-mail); or through the ASTM website
(www.astm.org). Permission rights to photocopy the standard may also be secured from the Copyright Clearance Center, 222
--`,`,,``,``,``,`,```,,,,,`,,,,`-`-`,,`,,`,`,,`---

Rosewood Drive, Danvers, MA 01923, Tel: (978) 646-2600; http://www.copyright.com/

Copyright ASTM International

Provided by IHS Markit under license with ASTM
9Licensee=Thyssenkrupp Materials NA/5966415001, User=Strouse, Paul
No reproduction or networking permitted without license from IHS Not for Resale, 11/25/2019 09:33:59 MST