Key Differences
| Feature | C10100 (OFE) | C10200 (OF) |
|---|---|---|
| Common Name | Oxygen-Free Electronic | Oxygen-Free |
| Minimum Cu Content | 99.99% | 99.95% |
| Oxygen Content | ≤ 0.0005% (virtually none) | ≤ 0.0010% (very low) |
| Electrical Conductivity | 101% IACS (The Benchmark) | 100% IACS |
| Primary Application | Ultra-high vacuum electronics, critical aerospace | High-reliability electrical conductors, bus bars |
| Cost | Higher | Moderate |
Detailed Explanation
1. Purity and Designation
C10100 (OFE): The "OFE" stands for Oxygen-Free Electronic. It is the purest commercially available copper, with a minimum 99.99% copper content. The "Electronic" in its name signifies its use in the most critical electronic applications.
C10200 (OF): The "OF" stands for Oxygen-Free. It is also very pure, with a minimum 99.95% copper content. While its oxygen content is extremely low, it is slightly higher than that of C10100.
2. Electrical Conductivity
This is the most critical performance difference.
C10100 has the highest possible electrical conductivity, rated at 101% IACS (International Annealed Copper Standard). It is the standard against which all other conductors are measured.
C10200 has an excellent conductivity of 100% IACS. For the vast majority of electrical applications, it is considered a perfect conductor.
Why does purity matter for conductivity?
Even tiny amounts of impurities (including oxygen) disrupt the orderly lattice structure of the copper crystal, scattering electrons and reducing conductivity. The superior purity of C10100 results in marginally less resistance.
3. Key Application Differences
The choice between them is driven by the specific demands of the application.
Use C10100 (OFE) when:
Outgassing is a critical concern: In ultra-high vacuum environments (e.g., particle accelerators, satellite waveguides, critical electronic tubes), any oxygen can react to form water vapor (H₂O), which ruins the vacuum. C10100's virtual absence of oxygen prevents this "outgassing."
Resistance to Hydrogen Embrittlement is required: In high-temperature environments in the presence of hydrogen, oxygen in copper can react to form steam (H₂O) bubbles, causing internal pressure and embrittlement. Since C10100 has no oxygen, it is immune to hydrogen embrittlement.
Absolute peak conductivity is non-negotiable: For the most efficient superconducting magnet stabilizers or critical scientific equipment.
Use C10200 (OF) when:
You need superior conductivity and formability but are not operating in an ultra-high vacuum or hydrogen atmosphere.
For high-reliability bus bars, power conductors, and waveguides where the marginal gain from C10100 is not justified by its higher cost.
It serves as an excellent, high-performance alternative to C11000 (ETP Copper) for applications requiring better ductility and resistance to oxidation.
C10100 vs. C10200: Comprehensive Comparison
| Property | C10100 (Oxygen-Free Electronic, OFE) | C10200 (Oxygen-Free, OF) |
|---|---|---|
| Common Name | Oxygen-Free Electronic | Oxygen-Free |
| Definition | The purest commercially available copper, intended for critical electronic applications. | High-purity copper without oxygen, offering superior conductivity and formability. |
| Chemical Composition | C10100 (Oxygen-Free Electronic, OFE) | C10200 (Oxygen-Free, OF) |
|---|---|---|
| Copper (Cu) % Min | 99.99% | 99.95% |
| Oxygen (O) % Max | 0.0005% | 0.0010% |
| Total Other Impurities | ~0.01% | ~0.05% |
| Key Feature | Virtually no oxygen; highest purity. | Extremely low oxygen; very high purity. |
| Physical Properties | C10100 (Oxygen-Free Electronic, OFE) | C10200 (Oxygen-Free, OF) |
|---|---|---|
| Electrical Conductivity | 101% IACS (Benchmark) | 100% IACS (Excellent) |
| Thermal Conductivity | ~391 W/m·K | ~388 W/m·K |
| Density | 8.94 g/cm³ | 8.94 g/cm³ |
| Melting Point | 1083°C (1981°F) | 1083°C (1981°F) |
| Mechanical Properties (Typical for Annealed Condition) | C10100 (Oxygen-Free Electronic, OFE) | C10200 (Oxygen-Free, OF) |
|---|---|---|
| Tensile Strength | 30-40 ksi (205-275 MPa) | 30-40 ksi (205-275 MPa) |
| Yield Strength (0.2% Offset) | 10-20 ksi (70-140 MPa) | 10-20 ksi (70-140 MPa) |
| Elongation (in 2 inches) | 45% - 50% | 45% - 50% |
| Hardness (Rockwell F) | ~40 HRF | ~40 HRF |
| Key Feature | Excellent ductility and formability. | Excellent ductility and formability. |
about us
GNEE is a leading manufacturer and global supplier of high-quality, precision-engineered copper products. We specialize in providing a comprehensive range of copper solutions tailored to meet the rigorous demands of various industries worldwide, including HVAC/R, automotive, construction, electrical engineering, and industrial machinery.
Our Extensive Product Portfolio:
Copper Tubes & Pipes:
We supply a full spectrum of copper tubes, including Round Pipes, Square Pipes, Welded Pipes, Seamless Pipes, Heat Exchanger Tubes, and Condenser Tubes, designed for superior thermal conductivity and corrosion resistance.
Copper Sheets & Plates:
Our flat-rolled products range from delicate Copper Foils and Thin Sheets to heavy-duty Plates and Circles (Round Plates), ideal for fabrication, roofing, and electrical applications.
Copper Bars & Rods:
We offer Copper Bars in various profiles such as Round Bars, Square Bars, and Hexagonal Bars, providing excellent machinability and strength for precision parts.
Copper Wires & Strips:
Our product line also includes high-conductivity Copper Wires and finely manufactured Copper Strips, essential for electrical components and connectors.
All our products are manufactured to international quality standards, with a strong focus on common American grades and ASTM specifications to ensure global compatibility and performance. Our key materials include:
C11000 (Electrolytic Tough Pitch - ETP Copper)
C10200 (Oxygen-Free Copper - OFC)
C12200 (Phosphorus Deoxidized Copper, DHP)
C10100 (Oxygen-Free Electronic Copper - OFE)
C26000 (Cartridge Brass, 70/30)
C27200 (Brass, 65/35)
C44300, C68700 (Admiralty Brass)
C70600 (Copper Nickel, 90/10)
C71500 (Copper Nickel, 70/30)
These materials conform to critical standards such as ASTM B111 (Copper and Copper-Alloy Seamless Condenser Tubes and Ferrule Stock), ASTM B68 (Seamless Copper Tube), ASTM B75 (Seamless Copper Tube), ASTM B88 (Seamless Copper Water Tube), ASTM B152 (Copper Sheet, Plate, Strip, and Rolled Bar), ASTM B187 (Copper Bus Bar, Rod, and Shapes), and ASTM B601 (Temper Designations for Copper and Copper Alloys).
