Not all "Oxygen-Free" copper is created equal. When a project specification calls for high-conductivity material, procurement departments often face a choice between three primary grades: C10100 (OFE), C10200 (OF), and C10300 (Oxygen-Free Extra Low Phosphorus).
While all three eliminate the risk of hydrogen embrittlement, the difference in purity-specifically the presence of Phosphorus (P)-can either make or break your application's electrical efficiency. If your goal is 101% IACS conductivity, you cannot settle for anything less than C10100 Oxygen-Free Electronic copper.
What are the chemical differences between C10100, C10200, and C10300?
The metallurgical hierarchy of oxygen-free copper is defined by what is left behind after refining. C10100 is the pinnacle of purity, while C10300 is a specialized "deoxidized" version that carries a performance trade-off.
| Element | C10100 (OFE) | C10200 (OF) | C10300 (OFXLP) |
| Copper Purity (Min) | 99.99% | 99.95% | 99.90% |
| Oxygen Content | < 5 ppm | < 10 ppm | < 10 ppm |
| Phosphorus (P) | Not Allowed | Not Allowed | 0.001% - 0.005% |
| Conductivity (IACS) | 101% | 100% | 85% - 98% |
As shown, the "Extra Low Phosphorus" in C10300 acts as a scavenger for oxygen, but it also creates "electron scattering," which lowers the conductivity. If you are sourcing C10100 Round, Square & Flat Bar for high-current busbars, C10300 will run significantly hotter than C10100 due to its higher electrical resistance (I-squared R losses).
Why does Phosphorus content in C10300 matter for electronics?
In high-frequency and vacuum applications, Phosphorus is a contaminant. While C10300 is excellent for heavy-duty welding or brazing where electrical loss is secondary, it is unsuitable for vacuum electronics.
The Phosphorus in C10300 can outgas under high-vacuum conditions, contaminating sensitive sensors or particle accelerators. For these environments, we only recommend C10100 Seamless Tube & Pipe. By ensuring a 99.99% purity level, you eliminate the risk of outgassing and maintain the vacuum integrity required by MRI and UHV applications.
| If your application is... | Use C10100 (OFE) | Use C10300 (OFXLP) | Why? |
| Cryogenic Cooling | Yes | No | C10300 has poor RRR (Residual Resistivity Ratio). |
| Heavy Brazing | Yes | Yes | C10300 is more "forgiving" during industrial brazing. |
| 5G Antennas | Yes | No | C10300 causes higher signal attenuation. |
| General Switchgear | Yes | Yes | C10300 is a lower-cost "oxygen-free" option. |
Ask an Engineer: Which Oxygen-Free Grade Fits My Drawing?
How do C10100 and C10300 differ in welding performance?
Both grades are immune to the "Hydrogen Embrittlement" trap found in standard C11000 ETP copper (a topic we covered in detail regarding hydrogen embrittlement risks).
However, C10300 was designed specifically to improve the "weldability" of oxygen-free copper. The trace Phosphorus helps the weld pool flow more easily. But for high-end electronic assemblies, this "easier" weld comes at the cost of electrical purity. When GNEE METAL provides Custom CNC Machined Parts, we prioritize the material's final conductivity, ensuring that any welding or joining process is validated against the Verified MTR data to ensure 99.99% purity is maintained.
Summary: Protecting Your ROI with C10100
If your drawing simply says "Oxygen-Free Copper," a supplier might ship you C10300 to save on costs. While it is technically "Oxygen-Free," its 85-98% IACS conductivity will cause your system to operate inefficiently.
By insisting on C10100 OFE Grade 1, you are securing the maximum possible efficiency and thermal stability for your project. GNEE METAL ensures every order is batch-tested to exceed the most stringent electronic-grade standards.
Get a Quote for Certified C10100 (99.99% Purity)
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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