Copper is a commercial metal that is used throughout the world due to its mechanical and structural properties. This metal offers excellent thermal and electrical conductivity. Also, it resists corrosion as its malleability and ductility allows the metal to be easily worked and fabricated.
There are different grades of metal based on its purity levels. When impurities are introduced during its composition, these impurities will have an impact on its electrical and thermal properties as well as on how it can be fabricated. The copper will also be refined in ways to impact the purity levels in desired ways to provide positive benefits based on the application. Here are the different grades of pure copper that are commercially available.
Pure Coppers
Commercially pure coppers contain 0.7% in total impurities in its composition. They are extremely soft and ductile. Often, other elements will be added into pure coppers to increase their stiffness. The amount and type of alloys and additives will vary as the diluted coppers will be given a UNS number from C10100 to C13000 based on what elements are added and its impurity levels.
Oxygen Free Coppers
Oxygen free coppers are the purest coppers available. They contain 99.99% copper at a minimum with the lowest level of volatile impurities. This copper is made with induction melting as cathode copper of prime quality is placed into a granulated graphite bath covering as the atmosphere contains low hydrogen and nonoxidizing conditions. This type of copper is highly conductive, as it is commonly used for high vacuum electronics such as glass-to-metal seals and transmitter tubes. Its UNS designation is C10100 to C10200.
Electrolytic Coppers
Electrolytic tough pitch copper is made from copper that has been refined using electrolysis. This process involves placing copper compounds into a solution as electricity is applied to pass through it to purify the copper metal. Electrolytic copper will contain less than 50 ppm of metallic impurities. It has an electrical conductivity of 100% up to 101% IACS (International Annealed Copper Standard) as it possesses high conductivity and excellent ductility. It is used in most electrical applications including windings, wires, busbars, and cables. The metal can also be worked with hot and cold processes. It has a UNS number of C11000.
Free-Machining Coppers
Free-machining coppers has sulfur and telluride added to increase its machinability. About 0.5% of these elements will be added. Free machining coppers will be used to create gas welding nozzles, machined electrical components, and the tips of soldering irons as well as torches. Free-machining copper containing sulfur falls under the UNS C14700 designation while copper containing telluride will have the C14500 rating.
Understanding the different grades of copper will allow you to select the right metal that will be cast and machined for the application. It will also help you to determine the copper that will provide the appropriate amounts of thermal and electrical conductivity while being cost-effective to your company.
About us
GNEE is a leading international trader and supplier specializing in a comprehensive range of high-quality copper and copper alloy products. We serve a global clientele across various industries, including HVAC/R, automotive, electronics, construction, and industrial manufacturing.
Our Extensive Product Portfolio
We boast a vast inventory and robust supply chain for virtually all forms of copper products. Our expertise covers:
Copper Seamless Tube / Capillary Copper Tube
Copper Welded Tube / Copper Air Conditioning Tube
Copper Refrigeration Tube / Copper Water Tube
Deoxidized Copper Tube / Copper Coil Tube
Copper Sheets & Plates&Strips：
Copper Strip / Copper Thin Strip
Copper Heavy Duty Strip / Precision Copper Strip
Copper Foil Sheet / Copper Thin Sheet
Copper Thick Plate / Copper Chequered Plate
Copper Shim Stock / Copper Busbar
Copper Round Bar / Copper Square Bar
Copper Hexagon Bar / Copper Flat Bar
Copper Alloy Rod / C11000 Electrolytic Tough Pitch (ETP) Copper Rod
Copper Wire / Bare Copper Wire
Copper Alloy Wire / Oxygen-Free Copper Wire
Copper Profiles / Copper Fittings
Material Grades & International Standards
We provide materials that conform to major international standards to ensure performance, reliability, and global acceptance. Commonly supplied grades and standards include:
Common Grades:
Pure Copper: C10100 (Oxygen-Free Electronic Copper), C10200 (Oxygen-Free Copper), C11000 (Electrolytic Tough Pitch - ETP Copper)
Copper Alloys:
Brass: C26000 (Cartridge Brass), C27200 (Brass), C36000 (Free-Cutting Brass), C38500 (Architectural Bronze)
Phosphor Bronze: C51000
Aluminum Bronze: C60800
Copper-Nickel: C70600 (CuNi 90/10)
Admiralty Brass: C44300
ASTM Standards:
B68 / B68M: Seamless Copper Tube
B75 / B75M: Seamless Copper Pipe
B111 / B111M: Copper and Copper-Alloy Seamless Condenser Tubes and Ferrule Stock
B152 / B152M: Copper Sheet, Strip, Plate, and Rolled Bar
B187 / B187M: Copper Bus Bar, Rod, and Shapes
B301: Free-Cutting Brass Rod
