Copper Tube Handbook: Introduction
Introduction
Since primitive man first discovered copper, the red metal has constantly served the advancement of civilization. Archaeologists probing ancient ruins have discovered that this enduring metal was a great boon to many peoples. Tools for handicraft and agriculture, weapons for hunting, and articles for decorative and household uses were wrought from copper by early civilizations. 
The craftsmen who built the great pyramid for the Egyptian Pharaoh Cheops fashioned copper pipe to convey water to the royal bath. A remnant of this pipe was unearthed some years ago still in usable condition, a testimonial to copper's durability and resistance to corrosion.
Copper Lasts
Modern technology, recognizing that no material is superior to copper for conveying water, has reconfirmed it as the prime material for such purposes. Years of trouble-free service in installations here and abroad have built a new reputation for copper piping in its modern form—light, strong, corrosion resistant tube. It serves all kinds of buildings: single-family homes, high-rise apartments and industrial, commerical and office buildings.
Copper Today
Today, copper tube for the plumbing, heating and air-conditioning industries is available in drawn and annealed tempers (referred to in the trades as "hard" and "soft") and in a wide range of diameters and wall thicknesses. Readily available fittings serve every design application. Joints are simple, reliable and economical to make—additional reasons for selecting copper tube.
Today, nearly 5,000 years after Cheops, copper developments continue as the industry pioneers broader uses for copper tube in engineered plumbing systems for new and retrofitted residential, industrial and commerical installations.
The Table of Contents link on the right hand sidebar on every page of this section provides a view of the full contents of this publication and the links to go to specific sections of this handbook. The entire Copper Tube Handbook can also be downloaded in pdf format [about 6.38 MB].
Copper Tube Handbook
Table of Contents provides a view of the full contents of this publication and the links to go to specific sections of this handbook.
The entire Copper Tube Handbook can be downloaded in pdf format [6.38 MB].
CDA Tube, Pipe and Fittings Council members:
