Overview
ASTM B152/B152M-24 covers copper sheet, strip, plate and rolled bar in listed copper UNS grades. A complete purchase separates copper type, temper, product form, unit system, dimensions, edges, surface and electrical or mechanical acceptance; ASTM B248/B248M supplies referenced general flat-product requirements.
Designation and acceptance
B152/B152M is a pure- and low-alloyed-copper flat-product specification, not a generic document for every brass, bronze or copper-alloy sheet. Copper UNS identity and temper jointly govern expected conductivity, strength and formability. Plate, sheet, strip and rolled bar have different commercial geometry, tolerance, edge and packaging decisions that must be stated with the order.
Members and selection
| Designation | Selection context |
|---|---|
| Oxygen-free copper | Select for conductivity, vacuum or hydrogen-sensitive fabrication only with the exact UNS and temper. |
| Electrolytic tough-pitch copper | Use where conductivity and general fabrication fit the application and reducing-atmosphere risks are controlled. |
| Deoxidized copper | Consider for brazing, welding or tube/thermal applications based on phosphorus level and conductivity needs. |
| Plate / sheet / strip / rolled bar | Name the exact flat-product form because dimensions, edges, coil handling and test expectations differ. |
Comparison framework
| Criterion | Decision context |
|---|---|
| Copper UNS | C10100, C10200, C11000 and deoxidized families have different oxygen/deoxidant and conductivity implications. |
| Temper | Annealed and cold-worked tempers trade formability, strength, flatness and springback. |
| Product form | Coiled strip, cut sheet, plate and rolled bar require different dimensional and packaging controls. |
| Acceptance property | Conductivity, resistivity, grain size, tensile, hardness or hydrogen-embrittlement evidence must be invoked as applicable. |
Performance
- Acceptance under ASTM B152 Copper Flats depends on the exact alloy or grade, delivered condition, product geometry and specified test basis rather than the standard number alone.
- Surface damage, residual stress, grain size and temper variation can govern fabrication yield even when chemistry conforms.
- Service suitability remains an engineering decision: electrical conductivity, hydrogen resistance and formability are copper-type and process dependent rather than guaranteed by the word copper.
Orderable product scope
- Copper strip in coils with thickness, width, coil ID/OD or mass and edge condition.
- Cut sheet and plate with thickness, width, length, flatness and protective handling.
- Rolled copper bar within B152 scope, distinct from B187 bus-bar products.
Processing
- Control rolling direction, bend radius and temper for stamping or deep forming.
- Use clean tooling and controlled handling to prevent scratches, embedded contamination and staining.
- Qualify welding, brazing or annealing against copper type, temper loss and conductivity requirements.
Applications
- Electrical and electronic components requiring controlled copper grade and conductivity.
- Heat-transfer, roofing, architectural and fabricated sheet components after environment review.
- Stamped, formed or brazed parts requiring a defined temper and grain/formability basis.
Selection
- Confirm that ASTM B152 Copper Flats actually covers the required product form and manufacturing route before comparing grades or quotations.
- Select alloy or grade and delivered condition from service, fabrication, section size and required property evidence; do not infer condition from a trade name.
- Require a written technical comparison and responsible-engineer approval before substituting another standard, alloy, condition or product route.
Procurement
- State ASTM B152/B152M-24, copper UNS, temper and exact plate, sheet, strip or rolled-bar form.
- State unit system, thickness, width, length or coil geometry, quantity, tolerances and edge condition.
- Define surface finish, grain direction/size, conductivity/resistivity, mechanical or embrittlement tests as applicable.
- Invoke B248/B248M general requirements and require inspection report, lot traceability, marking and moisture-safe packing.