In the transmission of 5G millimeter-wave signals and precision RF data, the biggest enemy is attenuation. As frequencies rise, the skin effect dictates that current only flows on the outermost layer of the conductor. If that layer contains oxides or impurities, your signal strength will drop significantly.
For manufacturers of low-loss coaxial cables and phase-stable assemblies, C10100 Oxygen-Free Electronic copper is the industry standard for minimizing "insertion loss" and maximizing "shielding effectiveness."
Why does C10100 purity define signal clarity?
The difference between a standard copper shield and a C10100 shield lies in the grain boundary cleanliness. In standard ETP copper (C11000), oxygen inclusions create microscopic barriers that scatter electrons. At high frequencies, this scattering manifests as heat and signal distortion.
By using 99.99% pure C10100, engineers ensure that the conductor surface is metallurgically "clean." This allows for a uniform skin depth, which is vital for maintaining the impedance of the cable.
Skin Depth and Conductivity Impact at High Frequencies
| Frequency (GHz) | Skin Depth of C11000 (100% IACS) | Skin Depth of C10100 (101% IACS) | Signal Integrity Benefit |
| 1 GHz | 2.09 microns | 2.08 microns | Lower surface resistance |
| 10 GHz | 0.66 microns | 0.65 microns | Reduced signal attenuation |
| 28 GHz (5G) | 0.39 microns | 0.38 microns | Maximum power efficiency |
Consult an Engineer on Low-Loss C10100 Shielding Specs
Shielding Effectiveness: C10100 Bare Wire vs. Braided Foil
When sourcing material for high-performance cables, procurement managers often struggle to choose between braided wire and foil wraps.
C10100 Bare Wire is typically used for the center conductor or high-flexibility braided shields. Its high ductility allows it to be drawn down to ultra-fine diameters (34-46 AWG) without breaking, ensuring zero "nicks" that could cause signal leakage.
C10100 Foil is used for 100% coverage tape wrapping. Because our C10100 foil is vacuum-melted, it has a mirror-like surface finish that minimizes the "diffuse reflection" of electromagnetic waves.
Performance Comparison for Cable Procurement
| Procurement Criteria | Standard OF Copper (C10200) | GNEE METAL C10100 (OFE) | Impact on Cable ROI |
| Oxygen Content | < 10 ppm | < 5 ppm | Superior vacuum/brazing stability |
| Conductivity | 100% IACS | 101% IACS | 1% lower attenuation over distance |
| Purity Grade | Grade 2 (99.95%) | Grade 1 (99.99%) | Compliant with MIL-DTL-17 |
| Surface Finish | Standard Industrial | Electronic Grade | Reduced thermal noise floor |
Does C10100 help in reducing "Passive Intermodulation" (PIM)?
For 5G base stations, PIM is a critical failure mode. PIM is often caused by non-linearities in the signal path, such as oxide layers at the connection points. Using C10100 Oxygen-Free Electronic copper significantly reduces the risk of PIM because it eliminates the Cuprous Oxide (Cu2O) particles that act as tiny diodes in the signal path.
If you are sourcing Custom CNC Machined Parts for coaxial connectors, the purity of the base metal is just as important as the plating. As we analyzed in our article on C10100 surface treatments and plating, a gold or silver plate over a C10100 substrate provides the lowest possible intermodulation distortion.
For a deeper look at how these high-frequency properties are applied in the latest tech, see our guide on C10100 in 5G and Quantum Computing.
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GNEE METAL Product Range
| Product Type | Shapes Available | Common Grades | Diameter/Thickness Range | Length/Width Range | Applications |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Copper Tubes | Round, Square, Rectangular, Coiled | C10100, C10200, C11000, C12200, C12000 | OD: 0.5mm - 300mm Wall: 0.1mm - 20mm | Up to 6000mm or custom | HVAC, Plumbing, Heat Exchangers, Refrigeration, Hydraulic Lines |
| Copper Plates & Sheets | Flat Sheets, Perforated, Embossed, Tread Plate | C10100, C11000, C12200, C23000, C26000 | Thickness: 0.1mm - 200mm | Width: Up to 2500mm Length: Up to 6000mm | Electrical Busbars, Roofing, Cladding, Gaskets, Transformers |
| Copper Bars & Rods | Round Bar, Square Bar, Hexagonal Bar, Flat Bar | C10100, C11000, C14500, C17200, C18200 | Diameter: 1mm - 300mm | Length: 1000mm - 4000mm | Machined Components, Electrical Contacts, Busbars, Fasteners |
| Copper Wires | Round Wire, Flat Wire, Square Wire, Stranded, Braided | C11000, C11600, C17200, C17510 | Diameter: 0.05mm - 12mm | Coil weights: 1kg - 500kg | Electrical Wiring, Cables, Springs, Mesh, Welding Wire |
| Copper Strips & Coils | Thin Strip, Foil, Slit Coil, Profile Strip | C11000, C12200, C19400, C26000, C26800 | Thickness: 0.03mm - 5mm | Width: 2mm - 1000mm Coil ID: 300mm - 600mm | Transformers, Radiators, Shielding, Terminals, Connectors |
About Our Factory
We operate a full range of production lines including extrusion presses, cold drawing benches, high-speed rolling mills, slitting lines, and precision CNC machining centers, enabling us to produce copper tubes, plates, bars, wires, and strips entirely in-house. For quality assurance, we maintain a dedicated inspection laboratory equipped with spectral analyzers, universal testing machines, hardness testers, surface roughness testers, and optical measuring instruments. Every batch is tested for chemical composition, mechanical properties, and dimensional accuracy before shipment. Our production capacity reaches 500+ tons per month, and we hold ISO 9001:2015 certification with full traceability from raw material to finished product. Whether you need standard mill stock or custom-processed components, we deliver precision copper products with short lead times and complete material certification.
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