Every CNC shop owner knows the struggle: You get an order for pure copper nozzle tips. You load C11000 bars. Ten minutes later, your machine is stopped because long, stringy copper chips have wrapped around the tool like a bird's nest. The surface finish looks torn, and your tool life is plummeting.
While C11000 (Electrolytic Tough Pitch) is the global standard for conductivity, it is a nightmare for subtractive manufacturing.
This guide compares C11000 with its free-machining cousin, C14500 (Tellurium Copper), to help you decide when the extra material cost is worth the massive savings in production time.
Why is C11000 So Hard to Cut?
Pure copper is soft and ductile. When a cutting tool hits it, the metal doesn't want to break; it wants to stretch and tear. This creates significant heat and "gummy" chips that refuse to snap.
The C14500 Solution
C14500 is essentially high-purity copper with a small addition of Tellurium (0.4% - 0.7%). Tellurium forms microscopic precipitates within the copper matrix. These precipitates act like "chip breakers" at the molecular level. When the tool cuts, the chips break instantly into small, manageable flakes rather than long strings.
Technical Specifications Comparison
Physical & Mechanical Properties
| Property | C11000 (ETP Copper) | C14500 (Tellurium Copper) |
| Machinability Rating | 20% (Poor) | 85% (Excellent) |
| IACS Conductivity | 101% | 90% - 93% |
| Tensile Strength | 220 - 385 MPa | 250 - 395 MPa |
| Hardness (HV) | 40 - 110 HV | 70 - 120 HV |
| Elongation | > 35% | > 15% |
Chemical Composition (Nominal)
| Element | C11000 | C14500 |
| Copper (Cu) | Min 99.90% | Min 99.0% |
| Tellurium (Te) | - | 0.40% - 0.70% |
| Phosphorus (P) | - | 0.004% - 0.012% |
International Standards Cross-Reference
Ensure your drawing matches the local standard. GNEE supplies material compliant with:
| Region | Standard | Grade Designation |
| USA | ASTM B301 | C14500 |
| Europe | EN / DIN | CW118C / CuTeP |
| Japan | JIS | C1450 / H3250 |
| China | GB/T | TTe (QA) |
Manufacturing & Processing Guide
If switching to C14500, you can optimize your CNC parameters:
Cutting Speed: Run at speeds similar to Free-Cutting Brass (C36000).
Tooling: Standard Carbide tools work perfectly. No need for specialized coatings.
Surface Finish: Expect a smooth, burr-free finish directly from the tool.
Welding: C14500 is excellent for soldering and brazing, but avoid oxyacetylene welding due to porosity risks.
Ideal Applications
Plasma/Laser Cutting Nozzles: High heat transfer + precision drilled holes.
Electrical Switch Pins: High volume turned parts.
Welding Torch Tips: Where complex geometry is needed.
FAQ
Q: Is C14500 magnetic?
A: No, it is non-magnetic.
Q: Is Tellurium toxic?
A: The solid alloy is safe. However, avoid inhaling dust or fumes during machining or welding. Use proper ventilation.
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.
