Let's be honest: in 80% of electrical applications, C11000 (Electrolytic Tough Pitch, ETP) is the king. It offers 101% IACS conductivity and is cost-effective. But every week, we get inquiries from buyers insisting on C10100 or C10200 (Oxygen-Free) simply because they think "more expensive means better."
It doesn't work that way. Choosing the wrong grade doesn't just hurt your budget; it can ruin your production line. Here is the real breakdown from the factory floor.
The "Oxygen" Factor
C11000 (ETP): Contains a tiny amount of oxygen (0.02% to 0.04%). For standard busbars, wiring, and grounding, this is absolutely fine.
C10100/C10200 (OF): Produced in a vacuum or inert gas. Oxygen is reduced to below 0.0005%.
So what?
If your process involves heating the copper in a hydrogen atmosphere (like brazing or annealing), C11000 is a disaster waiting to happen. The hydrogen reacts with the oxygen inside the copper to form steam. This steam creates internal pressure and cracks the metal. This is called "Hydrogen Embrittlement" .
When to Upgrade (and When Not To)
Stick to C11000 (ETP) if:
You are making standard switchgear, control panels, or busbars.
You are doing simple mechanical connections (bolting, riveting).
Cost is a priority. C11000 is the market benchmark price.
Upgrade to C10200/C10100 (OF) ONLY if:
You are Welding/Brazing: You need to heat the copper heavily without it cracking.
Vacuum Applications: You are making parts for vacuum tubes or semiconductors where outgassing is a killer.
Extreme Deformation: You need to deep draw or stretch the copper significantly. Oxygen-free copper is more ductile.
The Price Reality
Switching from C11000 to C10100 typically adds a premium of 15% to 25% on the raw material cost due to the complex manufacturing process.
The Verdict:
If you aren't welding it and it's not going into space, C11000 is likely what you need. Don't let a generic spec sheet force you to overspend.
Still unsure? Send us your drawing. Our engineers will tell you if C11000 can survive your manufacturing process.
Product Forms We Can Provide
| Product Category | Material Standards | Common Alloys | Key Specifications (Can be Customized) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Copper Tubes | ASTM B75, B88, B280,B111; EN 12449, 12451; DIN EN 12735; JIS H3300 | C10100 (OFE), C11000 (ETP), C12200 (DHP), C23000, C70600,C71500 | OD: 3mm - 300mm Wall Thickness: 0.5mm - 20mm Temper: Soft (O), Half-Hard (H50), Hard (H80) Form: Straight Lengths, Coils, U-Bends |
| Copper Sheets / Plates | ASTM B152, B248, B248M; EN 1652; DIN 1787; JIS H3100, H3250 | C10100 (OFE), C11000, C10200 (OF), C26000, C86200 | Thickness: 0.3mm - 100mm Width: Up to 1200mm Length: Up to 3000mm (or coils) Surface: Mill, Polished, Brushed |
| Copper Rods / Bars | ASTM B187, B301, B411; EN 12163, 12164; DIN 17672; JIS H3250 | C10100 (OFE), C11000, C14500, C36000, C63000 | Diameter/Rect. Size: 3mm - 300mm Shape: Round, Square, Hexagonal, Rectangular Condition: Drawn, Extruded, Hot Rolled |
| Copper Wires | ASTM B1, B2, B3, B258; EN 13601; IEC 60228; JIS H3100 | C10100 (OFE), C11000, C14420, C14500 | Diameter: 0.1mm - 20mm Temper: Soft, Annealed, Hard-Drawn Form: Bare, Tinned, Stranded, on Spools |
| Copper Foils / Strips | ASTM B103, B370; EN 1652; DIN 1787; JIS H3100 | C10100 (OFE), C10200, C11000, C19400, C26800 | Thickness: 0.02mm - 2.0mm Width: Up to 600mm Temper: Rolled, Annealed |
| CNC Machining Parts | As per Customer Drawing/Req. | All Common Copper Alloys (including C10100, C11000, C86200, etc.) | Process: Turning, Milling, Drilling, Tapping Tolerance: ±0.005mm - ±0.1mm Post-Processing: Deburring, Polishing, Plating |
Our factory
Our manufacturing facility operates a comprehensive and modern production line, equipped with advanced continuous casting, precision rolling, high-speed drawing, and multi-axis CNC machining centers, enabling us to process copper and copper alloys (such as C10100, C11000, C12200, C71500,C70600 etc.) into a full range of products including tubes, sheets, rods, wires, and foils. To ensure top-tier quality, we have implemented a rigorous in-process and final inspection system, utilizing state-of-the-art equipment such as spectrometers for material verification, digital tensile testers for mechanical property checks, precision dimensional gauges, and eddy current or ultrasonic testers for defect detection, guaranteeing that every product meets or exceeds international standards such as ASTM, EN, and JIS, as well as specific customer requirements.
Product packaging and delivery time
We provide engineering-grade protective packaging for each and every product. Whether it's heavy copper tubes and plates, or precision rods, wires, and ultra-thin foils, we employ multi-layer composite protection: the inner layer uses scratch-resistant PE film and custom padding for physical isolation and cushioning; the middle layer is treated with moisture-proof sealing and includes desiccants; the outer layer utilizes reinforced wooden crates or high-strength waterproof wrapping film, depending on the shape and weight, for stabilization and protection. This ensures that the products withstand moisture, oxidation, and impact during long-distance sea or land transportation, arriving in perfect condition at your site. In terms of delivery, we commit to efficiency and reliability: standard specification products can be prepared and shipped within 7-15 working days, while customized products will also enter production scheduling promptly. We maintain full transparency throughout the process, allowing you to precisely control timelines and ensure your project proceeds as planned.
