Copper and its alloys are categorized based on composition, with each type possessing distinct physical and electrical properties suited for specific applications.
Pure Copper (High Conductivity)
T1 / T2 (Oxygen-Containing Copper): Cu+Ag ≥ 99.95% (T1) or ≥99.90% (T2). Conductivity is approximately 100% IACS (International Annealed Copper Standard) at 20°C. It offers a high cost-performance ratio and is the primary choice for busbars, windings, and large conductors. Note: The T2 grade may be susceptible to hydrogen embrittlement and the formation of a Cu–Cu₂O eutectic at high temperatures (around 1065°C).
TU1 / TU2 (Oxygen-Free Copper): Extremely low oxygen content (O ≤ 0.001% for TU1, ≤0.003% for TU2). Conductivity is slightly higher, ranging from 100% to 101% IACS. This type offers superior resistance to hydrogen embrittlement, provides more stable performance for vacuum brazing, and delivers higher overall reliability at a slightly increased cost.
TP1 / TP2 (Phosphorus-Deoxidized Copper): Contains residual phosphorus (approximately 0.012–0.040%) from the deoxidation process. Conductivity is between 97–99% IACS. It is highly weldable, resistant to hydrogen embrittlement, and suitable for piping and heat exchange components. Its contact resistance is extremely low, only slightly higher than T- and TU-type coppers.
Low-Silver Copper (e.g., TAg0.1): Conductivity is close to that of pure copper, but it has a higher softening temperature, making it suitable for high-temperature conductor applications.
Selection Guideline: For general power distribution, T2 is commonly used. For vacuum or hydrogen environments, opt for TU types. For applications involving dense welding where ultimate conductivity is not critical, TP types are recommended.
Special-Purpose Copper Alloys
Tellurium/Sulfur Copper (e.g., C14500, C14700): Conductivity ranges from 85–95% IACS, significantly higher than brass. Primarily used for precision-machined terminals and threaded components.
Copper-Chromium-Zirconium / Copper-Chromium (e.g., CuCrZr, C18150, C18200): Conductivity is 75–85% IACS, with excellent high-temperature strength. Applications include spot welding electrodes, contact bases, and thermally conductive mold components.
Copper-Iron-Phosphorus (e.g., C19400): Conductivity is approximately 60% IACS, with relatively high strength. Typically used for semiconductor lead frames and wiring terminals.
Copper-Nickel-Silicon (e.g., CW111C type): Conductivity ranges from 45–60% IACS, offering good elasticity. Used for connector contact springs and relay reeds.
Copper-Magnesium / Copper-Tin Micro-alloys: Employed in applications such as motor rotor bars and guide rails.
Other Common Copper Alloys
Brass (Cu-Zn, e.g., H62, H59): Offers good formability and machinability. Conductivity is relatively low (20–30% IACS). Commonly used for enclosures, nuts, and valve bodies. Due to its low conductivity, it is generally not used as the main conductor for high currents.
Tin Bronze (e.g., QSn6.5-0.1): Provides good wear resistance and elasticity. Conductivity is 10–20% IACS. Suitable for bearings and elastic shims.
Beryllium Copper (e.g., QBe2, C17200): Conductivity ranges from 18–22% IACS, with extremely high elasticity and fatigue life. Typically used for high-end elastic shims.
Common Surface Treatments for Copper
Surface treatments are applied to enhance performance characteristics such as corrosion resistance, contact properties, and solderability.
1. Tin Plating (Sn)
Function: Provides oxidation resistance and is a cost-effective option for crimping surfaces or bolted connections.
Thickness: Typically 5–15 µm.
Application Notes: To mitigate the risk of tin whisker growth, processes often involve using matte tin, a nickel underlayer, stress control, and necessary reflow heat treatment. For high-current busbar applications, long-term temperature rise must be considered, and validation through voltage drop and thermal cycling tests is recommended.
2. Silver Plating (Ag)
Function: Reduces contact resistance, offers excellent thermal conductivity and arc resistance. Ideal for frequently engaged/disengaged connections or breaking operations.
Thickness: Typically 3–10 µm. A nickel underlayer may be used as a diffusion barrier and to enhance wear resistance.
Application Notes: Silver surfaces are prone to tarnishing (sulfidation). An anti-tarnish sealant can be applied.
3. Nickel Plating (Ni)
Function: Primarily used as an underlayer diffusion barrier, offering wear resistance, corrosion resistance, and high-temperature tolerance. Can also be used as an outer layer.
Application Notes: Contact resistance is higher than that of silver or tin. If used as the outer layer, sufficient contact pressure must be ensured, or it should be covered with a thin layer of silver or tin.
4. Gold Plating (Au)
Function: Provides excellent corrosion resistance and very stable contact performance. However, due to high cost, its use on large cross-sections is limited. It is typically applied as a thin layer over nickel or silver.
Selection Guideline: For cost-sensitive, large-area contacts → Tin (Sn) plating. For extremely low resistance, arc resistance, or frequent engagement → Nickel + Silver (Ni+Ag). For high-temperature, high-wear applications → use Nickel (Ni) for reinforcement.
Our product range
| Product Category | Product Name | Common Standard Grades | Key Specifications (Typical) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Copper Tubes / Pipes | • Straight & Coiled Tubes • Refrigeration Tubes • Capillary Tubes • Heat Exchanger Tubes |
C11000 (ETP Copper) C12200 (DHP Phosphorous Copper) C12000 (DLP Phosphorous Copper) EN 12735-1: CU-DHP JIS H3300: C1220, C1100 |
Standards: ASTM B75, B88, B280, EN 12735 OD: 3mm - 300mm Wall Thickness: 0.3mm - 10mm Condition: Annealed (O), Hard (H) |
|
| Copper Sheets / Plates | • Hot Rolled Plates • Cold Rolled Sheets • Cut-to-Size Blanks |
C11000 (ETP Copper) C10200 (Oxygen-Free Copper) C26000 (Cartridge Brass) C70600 (90-10 CuNi) |
Standards: ASTM B152, B465 Thickness: 0.5mm - 50mm (Plates: >3mm) Width: up to 1500mm Length: up to 4000mm or custom Condition: Rolled, annealed, mill finish |
|
| Copper Rods / Bars | • Round, Square, Hexagonal Rods • Copper Alloy Rods • Precision Ground Bars |
C11000 (ETP Copper) C36000 (Free-Cutting Brass) C26000 (Cartridge Brass) C10200 (Oxygen-Free Copper) C17200 (Beryllium Copper) |
Standards: ASTM B187, B301, EN 12163, 12164 Diameter: 2mm - 200mm Length: Straight bars up to 6m, coils available Condition: Drawn, extruded, annealed |
|
| Copper Wires | • Bare Copper Wire (Hard/Soft) • Enamelled (Magnet) Wire • Stranded & Bunched Wires • Braided Wires & Flexibles |
C11000 (ETP Copper) C10200 (Oxygen-Free Copper) C10100 (C-OF Copper) Grade: 1/2 Hard, 1/4 Hard, Soft |
Standards: ASTM B1, B2, B3, IEC 60228 Diameter: 0.05mm - 12mm (bare) Conductivity: 100% IACS min. Packaging: Spools, coils, drums |
|
| Copper Foils | • Rolled Strips (in Coils) • Thin Foils • Connector Alloy Strips |
C11000 (ETP Copper) C26000 (Cartridge Brass) C19210 (Phosphor Bronze, 1.0%) C26800 (Yellow Brass) |
Standards: ASTM B152, B465, EN 1652 Thickness: 0.05mm - 3.0mm (Strips), <0.05mm (Foil) Width: 10mm - 600mm (typical coil width) Condition: Hard (H), 1/2 Hard, Soft (O), rolled temper |
Our factory
We are a specialized manufacturing factory with integrated production capabilities for copper and copper alloy products, including tubes, rods, bars, plates, sheets, strips, and wires. Our facility is equipped with modern production lines featuring extrusion presses, continuous casting machines, precision rolling mills, drawing benches, and controlled annealing furnaces, enabling us to control the entire process from raw material to finished product. Supported by an in-house laboratory for quality assurance and compliant with international standards (ASTM, EN, JIS), we provide customized solutions, reliable packaging, and efficient export logistics to serve global clients in HVAC&R, electrical, automotive, and industrial sectors.
copper product packaging
We take great care in packaging to ensure our copper products arrive in perfect condition. Standard packaging includes moisture-resistant materials, sturdy wooden crates or pallets, and protective corner guards to prevent damage during transit. For products requiring enhanced protection against oxidation, such as high-purity copper tubes or finely finished surfaces, we also offer optional nitrogen-purged (inert gas) packaging upon request. This service effectively minimizes surface oxidation during long-distance shipping or storage, ensuring your products maintain their optimal quality upon arrival.
