In the world of high-purity copper, "Oxygen-Free" is often used as a generic term. However, for engineers working on Ultra-High Vacuum (UHV) systems or high-frequency electronics, the distinction between C10200 (OF) and C10100 (OFE) is critical.
While both grades eliminate the risk of hydrogen embrittlement, the difference lies in the impurity cocktail. C10100 Oxygen-Free Electronic copper is refined to 99.99% purity (Min), whereas C10200 stops at 99.95%. That extra 0.04% of purity isn't just a marketing number; it's about the strict exclusion of volatile elements like Zinc, Lead, and Sulfur to < 5ppm total oxygen content.
The Volatility Factor in Ultra-High Vacuum (UHV)
When your application involves high temperatures under vacuum, the impurities in C10200 can "outgas." Elements like Phosphorus and Zinc have high vapor pressures. In a sealed vacuum chamber, these impurities evaporate and contaminate the environment, leading to electrode poisoning or dielectric breakdown.
For these environments, we recommendC10100 Seamless Tube & Pipe. Its vacuum-rated integrity ensures that the material won't compromise the system's vacuum level, making it the only viable choice for high-power vacuum tubes and particle accelerators.
Skin Effect and Signal Loss in High-Frequency Transmission
For manufacturers of high-end audio cables or high-frequency PCB layers, the grain structure of the conductor directly impact signal clarity.
C10200 (OF): While excellent for general electrical use, it may contain traces of silver or arsenic that subtly increase resistance at the grain boundaries.
C10100 (OFE): Achieving 101% IACS conductivity, it ensures a more uniform crystal lattice. This minimizes the "skin effect" distortions at high frequencies.
If you are manufacturing high-performance conductors, using C10100 Bare Wire ensures zero signal drop-off and superior ductility. For shielding applications where surface smoothness is paramount, our C10100 Foil provides the necessary 99.99% purity to maintain signal integrity in 5G and aerospace radar systems.
Cryogenics and Thermal Conductivity: MRI Applications
The decision between C10100 and C10200 usually comes down to the environment. In cryogenics (Liquid Helium temperatures), the RRR (Residual Resistivity Ratio) of C10100 Plate and Sheet is significantly higher than C10200. This is vital for superconducting magnets used in MRI machines, where heat must be dissipated instantly to prevent a quench.
| Feature | C10200 (OF) | C10100 (OFE) | Advantage |
| Purity | 99.95% | 99.99% | Higher chemical stability |
| Oxygen | < 10 ppm | < 5 ppm | Superior vacuum performance |
| Conductivity | 100% IACS | 101% IACS | Reduced I-squared R loss |
Download C10100 vs. C10200 Chemical Composition Table (PDF)
Precision Machining and Standards Compliance
At GNEE METAL, we understand that in precision Custom CNC Machined Parts, even a small oxide inclusion can cause tool chatter or surface pitting. C10100's lack of inclusions leads to a cleaner finish and tighter tolerances.
Our materials are batch-tested to exceed ASTM F68 and ASTM B170 Grade 1 specifications. We provide full traceability from the cathode to the finished component, ensuring you never receive "re-melted" copper passed off as Oxygen-Free.
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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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