High Copper Alloys for Electrical Contact Assemblies

All three are grades of pure copper. C10100 is produced under the strictest controls with a nominal purity of 99.99%, C10200 is slightly lower purity at 99.95%, with C11000 being the lowest purity at 99.9%. The increased purity offers more reliable electrical performance over a wide range of service conditions. The most specific drawback is the potential of C11000 to suffer from high temperature hydrogen embrittlement due to the presence of oxygen in the copper.

The addition of small amounts of silver results in a small increase in high temperature mechanical performance without a corresponding loss in conductivity.

Phosphorus is a cost-effective deoxidizing agent in copper reducing the risk of high temperature embrittlement, but residual phosphorus in the melt has a pronounced negative effect on conductivity.

The additions of tellurium, sulfur, and lead, respectively, create copper bars that are easier to machine compared to the more pure copper grades. This ease of machining comes with a trade off in conductivity, and, in the case of C18700, the lead additions are not Restriction of Hazardous Substances (RoHS)-compliant.

The addition of beryllium adds a strong age hardening response creating a range of very high strength copper alloys. Strengths of these alloys can be 3x higher compared to other low alloy grades but the strength comes with a high conductivity debit, which can be as low as 20% of pure copper. These are also among the most expensive alloys discussed here.

The addition of chromium offers a favorable pathway to moderately increase the strength without trading too much conductivity. These alloys are also age hardenable. However, maximum hardness is achieved by aging from the cold worked condition.

A wrought hardenable copper alloy that retains a high level of conductivity while offering increased room temperature and elevated temperature strengths.

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We are a leading manufacturer and exporter specializing in a comprehensive range of high-quality copper products, including copper tubes, copper plates/sheets, copper bars, copper rods, copper wires, and copper strips. Our advanced manufacturing facilities are equipped with state-of-the-art continuous casting lines, extrusion presses, cold rolling mills, and drawing machines to ensure precision and consistency. Rigorous quality control is integral to our process, conducted through spectrometers for material verification, tensile testers, eddy current testers, and hydrostatic pressure testers, guaranteeing that all our products meet international standards for performance and durability.

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