C10100 (OFE) is the premier grade for high-purity copper plates used in power electronics and vacuum systems. To meet the ASTM B170 Grade 1 standard, the material must reach 99.99% purity and maintain an oxygen level of Max 5ppm. These specifications are critical for preventing hydrogen embrittlement during welding and ensuring a guaranteed 101% IACS conductivity. Unlike standard ETP copper (C11000), C10100 plates are Vacuum Induction Melted (VIM) to eliminate the trace impurities that cause thermal bottlenecks.
When should I choose C10100 over cheaper C11000 plates?
For most electrical jobs, C11000 (ETP) is sufficient. However, if your design involves vacuum brazing, laser welding, or ultra-high vacuum (UHV) environments, C11000 is a liability. The high oxygen content (up to 400ppm) in ETP copper will cause the joints to crack or "outgas."
By sourcing C10100 Oxygen-Free Electronic copper, you are buying insurance against these failures. For Custom CNC Machined Parts, C10100's uniform grain structure also prevents "smearing" on critical sealing surfaces, a topic we explored in our C10100 surface finish guide.
Sourcing Comparison – C10100 vs. C11000
| Feature | C10100 (OFE) Plate | C11000 (ETP) Plate | The Procurement Risk |
| Purity (Cu) | 99.99% (Min) | 99.90% | Impurities drop thermal ROI |
| Oxygen (O) | Max 5 ppm | 100 - 400 ppm | High risk of weld cracking |
| Conductivity | 101% IACS | 100% IACS | Lower efficiency/Overheating |
| Machinability | Excellent (Uniform) | Moderate (Inclusions) | Inconsistent tool life |
What are the standard stock sizes and tempers for C10100 sheets?
Stock availability is often the biggest bottleneck for procurement. We maintain a heavy inventory of C10100 Plate and Sheet in various thicknesses and tempers. Choosing the right temper-such as Half-Hard (H02)-is critical for ensuring the plate doesn't "smush" during bolting, as detailed in our C10100 hardness and temper guide.
Availability and Mechanical Data
| Format | Thickness Range | Standard Dimensions | Common Tempers |
| Sheets | 0.02" – 0.125" (0.5 - 3mm) | 24" x 96" / 36" x 96" | Soft (OS025) / H01 |
| Plates | 0.125" – 4.00" (3 - 100mm) | 36" x 96" / 48" x 120" | Half-Hard (H02) / H04 |
| Foil | Under 0.020" (0.5mm) | Precision Strips | Annealed / Hard |
How to verify the 101% IACS and 99.99% purity on your MTR?
A common sourcing trap is receiving a generic certificate of conformity instead of a true Mill Test Report (MTR). For C10100, the MTR must list the specific trace elements and the gas analysis (ONH test) to confirm the 5ppm oxygen limit.
Every batch of GNEE METAL copper plate includes full traceability to the heat number. This ensures the 101% IACS conductivity and 99.99% purity are verified by the mill, not just estimated. For cryogenic projects, we can also provide RRR (Residual Resistivity Ratio) data, which typically ranges from 100 to 450 for this grade.
FAQ
1. Is there a minimum order for custom-cut plates?
We provide both full-size sheets and precision-cut pieces via waterjet or sawing. All custom cuts come with the original MTR to maintain compliance for Aerospace or Medical projects.
2. How do you prevent the plates from turning black in storage?
C10100 is reactive to sulfur and humidity. We package all shipments in VCI (Volatile Corrosion Inhibitor) paper and nitrogen-purged wrapping to prevent the oxidation issues discussed in our C10100 corrosion guide.
3. What is the standard tolerance for plate thickness?
We follow ASTM B152 standards for thickness and flatness. For high-precision heat sinks, we can provide precision-ground plates with even tighter tolerances.
4. Why is C10100 better for welding than standard copper?
The Max 5ppm oxygen limit is the key. In C11000, oxygen reacts with hydrogen in the weld torch to form steam inside the metal, leading to porosity. C10100 is "hydrogen-safe."
5. Do you offer silver-plated or tin-plated plates?
Yes. We can provide custom surface treatments to reduce contact resistance or improve corrosion resistance in high-power busbar applications.
Discuss Your Project Requirements
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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