When engineers and procurement managers transition to ultra-high-purity copper for critical applications, numerous questions arise regarding specifications, processing, and sourcing.
At GNEE METAL, we supply premium C10100 Oxygen-Free Electronic (OFE) copper globally. To streamline your material selection process, our metallurgical experts have compiled the top five most frequently asked questions from our clients in the medical, aerospace, and high-frequency electronics sectors.
Q1: What is the exact difference between C10100 and C10200 Oxygen-Free Copper?
A1: The difference lies in the extreme purity and the oxygen limit. While both are considered "oxygen-free," C10200 (OF) requires a minimum copper purity of 99.95% and limits oxygen to a maximum of 0.0010% (10 ppm).
C10100 (OFE), on the other hand, is the highest purity grade commercially available. It guarantees a minimum copper purity of 99.99% and strictly restricts oxygen to below 0.0005% (5 ppm). This minute difference makes C10100 the only acceptable choice for ultra-high vacuum (UHV) environments where absolute zero outgassing is required.
Q2: Can C10100 copper be used for high-temperature hydrogen brazing?
A2: Yes, absolutely. In fact, it is specifically engineered for this. Because C10100 has a maximum of 5 ppm oxygen, it is 100% immune to hydrogen embrittlement. When exposed to a reducing (hydrogen-rich) atmosphere during vacuum brazing or glass-to-metal sealing, there is no internal oxygen for the hydrogen to react with. The copper will not blister, crack, or lose its structural vacuum seal.
Q3: Why does C10100 have a conductivity rating of 101% IACS? Isn't 100% the maximum?
A3: The 100% IACS (International Annealed Copper Standard) was established in 1913 based on the best commercially available copper at that time. Modern electrolytic refining and vacuum casting have drastically improved material purity.
By eliminating the trace impurities that act as electrical resistance points, modern C10100 effortlessly exceeds the historical 1913 benchmark, achieving a guaranteed minimum conductivity of 101% IACS. For a deeper dive into the science behind this, read our full guide on what 101% IACS conductivity means.
Have a specific technical question? Ask Our Metallurgists
Q4: How do I verify I am actually receiving C10100 and not standard ETP copper?
A4: You cannot tell the difference visually; both look like standard copper. The only way to verify true OFE copper is through rigorous chemical analysis.
When sourcing, you must demand a batch-specific Material Test Report (MTR) confirming compliance with ASTM F68 and ASTM B170 Grade 1 standards. At GNEE METAL, every batch undergoes spectrometer testing before casting and after final extrusion. Furthermore, our C10100 products undergo independent SGS testing to guarantee the 99.99% purity and max 5ppm oxygen specification.
Q5: What forms of C10100 copper do you supply, and do you offer custom machining?
A5: We supply a comprehensive range of C10100 raw materials, including Plates/Sheets, Seamless Tubes, Bare Wire, Foil, and Round/Square/Flat Bars.
Beyond raw material supply, we offer extensive value-added processing. From precision waterjet cutting of thick plates to complex CNC milling and turning of custom waveguide flanges with tolerances of ±0.1mm, we deliver components ready for your final assembly line.
Request a Quote for C10100 Materials or Custom Parts
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.
Get Fast Quote & Logistics Plan
