Both are oxygen-free coppers, prized for high conductivity and immunity to hydrogen embrittlement. C10100 (OFHC) represents the ultimate in purity for critical applications, while C10200 (OFE) is the high-performance commercial standard.
Chemical Composition & Designation Comparison
| Specification | C10100 (OFHC - Oxygen-Free High-Conductivity) | C10200 (OFE - Oxygen-Free Electronic) |
|---|---|---|
| UNS Number | C10100 | C10200 |
| Common Name | Oxygen-Free High-Conductivity Copper | Oxygen-Free Electronic Copper |
| Copper (Cu) Min. | 99.99% | 99.95% |
| Oxygen (O) Max. | 0.0005% (5 ppm) | 0.0010% (10 ppm) |
| Phosphorus (P) | Not intentionally added (0.0003% Max.) | May contain trace amounts |
| Key Standard | ASTM F68 (for electron devices) | ASTM B152 / B75 (general wrought) |
| Primary Philosophy | Maximum Purity & Consistency | High-Performance Commercial Grade |
Physical & Electrical Properties Comparison
| Property | C10100 (OFHC) | C10200 (OFE) | Practical Implication |
|---|---|---|---|
| Density | 8.94 g/cm³ | 8.94 g/cm³ | No difference in weight. |
| Melting Point | 1083°C | 1083°C | Identical. |
| Electrical Conductivity (IACS, Min.) | ≥ 101% | ≥ 100% | C10100 has a higher guaranteed minimum. Actual measured values often overlap (~101-102% IACS). |
| Thermal Conductivity (Typical) | ~392-398 W/(m·K) | ~391 W/(m·K) | The difference is negligible for most thermal designs. |
| Residual Resistivity Ratio (RRR) | Very High (often >200) | High | C10100 is superior for cryogenic/superconducting applications where extreme purity minimizes resistance at near 0K. |
| Outgassing Rate (in Vacuum) | Extremely Low | Very Low | C10100 is preferred for ultra-high vacuum (UHV) systems (e.g., space, particle accelerators). |
Mechanical & Fabrication Properties Comparison
| Property/Capability | C10100 (OFHC) | C10200 (OFE) | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tensile Strength (Annealed) | 200-240 MPa | 200-240 MPa | Mechanical properties are functionally identical for the same temper (O60, H04, H08, etc.). |
| Yield Strength (Annealed) | 35-70 MPa | 35-70 MPa | |
| Elongation (Annealed) | 45-60% | 45-60% | |
| Immunity to Hydrogen Embrittlement | Yes (Perfect) | Yes (Perfect) | The critical shared advantage over oxygen-bearing coppers. Safe for use in hydrogen or reducing atmospheres. |
| Formability & Ductility | Excellent | Excellent | Both are exceptionally easy to bend, flare, and shape. |
| Weldability & Brazeability | Excellent | Excellent | No practical difference for standard joining processes. |
Application Focus
| Aspect | C10100 (OFHC) | C10200 (OFE) |
|---|---|---|
| Typical Applications | • Aerospace & Defense critical components • Particle Accelerators & fusion devices (cavities, waveguides) • Superconducting Magnet stabilizers (cryogenic) • Satellite UHV systems • Where spec mandates OFHC. |
• High-Vacuum chambers & plumbing (SEM, coating systems) • Semiconductor fabrication equipment • High-power RF/Microwave components (waveguides) • Advanced Cooling systems (heat sinks, liquid cold plates) • Premium Audio/Video conductors. |
| Cost | Significantly Higher (Premium, +20-40%) | Relatively Lower (High-performance commercial) |
| Availability | May require special order, longer lead times. | Widely available from specialty metals suppliers. |
| Selection Driver | "Zero-Compromise" Purity & Guaranteed Performance | "Best-in-Class" Performance for Demanding Industrial/Research Use |
How should I choose between C10100 and C10200?
Choose C10100 (OFHC) Pipe if: Your application involves extreme environments (space, cryogenics, UHV), is governed by a strict aerospace/defense/mega-science project specification, or where the absolute minimum impurity content is a critical design parameter for performance or safety.
Choose C10200 (OFE) Pipe if: You need superior performance for high-vacuum systems, high-frequency electronics, or thermal management, require guaranteed immunity to hydrogen embrittlement, and seek the optimal balance of top-tier properties and cost-effectiveness. This is the correct and sufficient choice for over 90% of demanding applications.
About us
Founded in 2008, our company specializes in the international trade of high-quality copper products. We are dedicated to providing a comprehensive range of copper-based solutions to a global clientele.
Our core product portfolio encompasses a diverse spectrum of copper and copper alloy forms, including:
Copper Tubes & Pipes: Precision-engineered for applications in HVACR, plumbing, and industrial systems.
Copper Sheets & Plates: Available in various grades and thicknesses for roofing, fabrication, and architectural uses.
Copper Bars & Rods: Supplied as solid profiles, hexagons, or squares for machining, electrical components, and manufacturing.
Copper Wires & Strands: From fine enamelled wires to large conductive cables for electrical and winding applications.
Copper Foils & Strips: Thin-rolled products essential for electronics, transformers, RF shielding, and flexible circuits.
We also offer related products such as Copper Coils, Copper Profiles, Copper Blanks, Copper Busbars, Copper Fittings, Copper Alloys (including brass and bronze), Copper Anodes, and Copper Cathodes.
Email:sales@gneesteel.com
