Copper – Materials and norms

Cu-DHP (formerly SF-Cu) is an oxygen-free copper with residual phosphorus content, thanks to which it acquires excellent welding and soldering properties and higher corrosion resistance as well. It is also widely used for cladding, roofing and distribution systems (air, hydraulic or oil pipes), air conditioners and heat exchangers. Compared to Cu-ETP, Cu-DHP has a lower electrical conductivity.

Cu-ETP (formerly E-Cu) also known as conductive copper, is a basic oxygen-containing grade of copper. It is used in cables, overhead conductors, busbars, contacts, domestic and industrial wires, radio and television parts, switches, terminals, earthing rods, commutator segments, coaxial lines, anodes for electroplating and electroforming, heat exchangers, seals, nails, rivets, gutters, cladding, roofing, edging, sieves or also in kitchen utensils. However, higher quality copper (oxygen-free) is more suitable when high strength is required (especially at high temperatures).

This grade with low oxygen content offers the benefits of both Cu-ETP and Cu-DHP. Cu-OF has very good formability and can be welded or soldered. It is used in production of key electrical, electronic and communication components: terminals, conductors, printed circuits, flexible circuits, radar components, end lugs, etc.

This alloy is very hard and strong with good conductivity. CuBe2 does not magnetize and does not create sparks, so it is used in components for explosive atmospheres. It is also used where resistance to material fatigue is required - for injection mold inserts, electrodes and clamping jaws for welding. Due to the beryllium content, stricter safety rules must be observed.

The CuBe2Pb (CW102C) alloy offers great resistance to corrosion and temperature changes. Therefore, CuBe2Pb (CW102C) is commonly used for manufacturing dust collectors, seals, corrosion protection elements, circular connectors, RF coaxial connectors, spring-loaded test probes on printed circuit boards, and for manufacturing non-sparking tools, electrochemical springs and membranes, bearings, seals, and casings. 

CuCo2Be has good mechanical properties and high thermal and electrical conductivity. This copper alloy is used in production of electrodes for spot welding, welding discs, plastic molds, inserts for steel tools (to speed up the cooling process), nozzles and needles, piston tips in aluminum die-casting machines, molds for non-ferrous metal castings, etc.

CuCoBe is equivalent to CuCo2Be. This alloy has good mechanical properties and high thermal and electrical conductivity. This copper alloy is used in production of electrodes for spot welding, welding discs, plastic molds, inserts for steel tools (to speed up the cooling process), nozzles and needles, piston tips in aluminum die-casting machines, molds for non-ferrous metal castings, etc.

This alloy exhibits considerable hardness as well as thermal and electrical conductivity. These properties can be adjusted by modifying the heat treatment. CuCoNiBe is used in production of fuse clips, switch components, connectors, spot welding electrodes, electrode holders, welding discs, welding jaws, piston tips for aluminum casting, injection nozzles, cooling pins in plastic injection machines and molds for casting non-ferrous materials.

Due to the chromium and zirconium surcharges, the copper significantly increases its strength and hardness while maintaining its conductivity. CuCr1Zr is used as a contact material, in equipment construction and welding and soldering technology (electrodes, electrode holders, nozzles).

The addition of nickel and silicon in copper leads to mechanical and physical properties that are excellent for machine parts operating under high loads (high strength and wear resistance while maintaining high electrical and thermal conductivity). CuNi2Si is used in electrical engineering, for high-strength bolts, in plain bearings, for chemical appliances, forged parts or overhead contact line terminals.

Cu-ETP was formerly known as E-Cu57. Conductive copper is a basic oxygen-containing grade of copper. It is used in cables, overhead conductors, busbars, contacts, domestic and industrial wires, radio and television parts, switches, terminals, earthing rods, commutator segments, coaxial lines, anodes for electroplating and electroforming, heat exchangers, seals, nails, rivets, gutters, cladding, roofing, edging, sieves or also in kitchen utensils. However, higher quality copper (oxygen-free) is more suitable when high strength is required (especially at high temperatures).

SE-Cu (newly referred to as Cu-HCP) is an oxygen-free grade of copper with a minimum residual phosphorus content. It is characterized by very good formability, weldability and solderability and excellent electrical conductivity. It is used in electrical engineering, in production of motherboards, cabling (high frequency, submarine), commutators, terminals, tubes, etc.