What is ETP Copper?
ETP (Electrolytic Tough Pitch) Copper, designated as C11000, is the most widely used grade of copper today.
Composition:
Contains ~99.9% pure copper
Includes a small, controlled amount of oxygen: typically, 150–400 ppm (0.02–0.04%)
The oxygen improves conductivity by helping oxidize and eliminate other harmful impurities during refining. However, in certain environments, it becomes a liability.
Properties:
Excellent electrical conductivity (~100% IACS)
Good ductility and formability
Susceptible to hydrogen embrittlement in high-temp + hydrogen-rich environments
Lower cost and widely available
Common Applications:
Power cables
Bus bars
Electrical wiring for buildings
Transformers and motor windings
General industrial uses
What is Oxygen-Free Copper?
Oxygen-Free Copper (OFC) refers to high-purity copper that contains almost no oxygen-typically less than 10 ppm, and often as low as 1–5 ppm. Grades include C10100 and C10200.
Also called OFHC (Oxygen-Free High Conductivity) copper, this material is refined using special processes (like induction melting in an oxygen-free environment) to eliminate all traces of oxygen.
Properties:
≥ 99.95–99.99% purity
Excellent electrical and thermal conductivity
Superior resistance to hydrogen embrittlement
High ductility, creep resistance, and vacuum stability
Easy to weld and shape
Produces no copper flakes during fabrication
High-Performance Applications:
Aerospace components
Particle accelerators
High-voltage electrodes
Audio/Visual high-end cables
Vacuum tubes
MRI machines
Semiconductor equipment
Key Differences Between ETP and OFC Copper
| Feature | ETP Copper (C11000) | Oxygen-Free Copper (C10100/C10200) |
| Oxygen Content | 150–400 ppm | <10 ppm (often 1–5 ppm) |
| Purity | ~99.9% | 99.95–99.99% |
| Electrical Conductivity | ~100% IACS | ~100% IACS (with better high-temp stability) |
| Hydrogen Embrittlement | Susceptible in specific environments | Highly resistant |
| Cost | Lower | Higher |
| High-Temp Suitability | Moderate | Excellent |
| Common Applications | Wiring, cables, motors | Aerospace, vacuum systems, audio, medical |
Standards & Availability
| Copper Type | UNS Designation | ASTM Standard | Shapes Available |
| ETP Copper | C11000 | ASTM B170 | Rods, wires, busbars, strips, sheets |
| Oxygen-Free Copper | C10100 / C10200 | ASTM B170, B187 | Rods, tubes, wires, strips, custom forms |
why choose us
why choose our products
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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