What Are High Copper Alloys?
High copper alloys are a family of copper-based materials containing a high percentage of copper (typically above 95%) combined with small amounts of alloying elements such as beryllium (Be), chromium (Cr), zirconium (Zr), titanium (Ti), nickel (Ni), silicon (Si), tin (Sn), silver (Ag), or iron (Fe). These alloying elements significantly improve the mechanical strength, wear resistance, heat resistance, or spring properties of copper while maintaining much of its excellent electrical and thermal conductivity.
Types of high copper alloys
High copper alloy is a general term for alloys with higher Cu content among other copper alloys. It is a group of alloys that mainly improve mechanical properties and heat resistance. The copper content is usually between 99.3% and 96%, but it cannot be classified into any other copper alloy category. High copper alloy has good electrical and thermal conductivity, corrosion resistance, moderate strength, and easy processing and forming. It also has good high temperature resistance and softening ability, so it is widely used in automobile water tanks, heat sinks, motor commutators, relays and other fields. In addition to these properties, copper does not significantly impair its workability and conductivity, which are copper's biggest advantages, so it can be said to be a material that strikes a balance between the two. Many are named after added elements, such as beryllium copper, titanium copper, silver-containing copper, tin-containing copper, chromium copper, zirconium copper, copper-iron alloy, Corson copper and gold, etc.
Beryllium copper
It is a precipitation-hardened copper alloy that, as the name suggests, has Be (beryllium) added to increase its strength. It is a Cu-Be-Co (cobalt) based alloy. It is the strongest material among copper alloys and has many types depending on the ratio of Be. In addition to its tensile strength, it has a high elastic modulus and is therefore standardized for use in springs. Also used as mold materials, welding electrodes, and precision machinery parts.
Titanium copper
Cu-Ti based copper alloy, also known as age hardening alloy. It has the same strength and heat resistance as beryllium copper, but is less conductive. It is also known for its high spring limit. Although the tensile strength exceeds 1000N/mm2, the electrical conductivity is less than 20%IACS.
Corson Alloy
Copper alloys based on Cu-Ni-Si can also be used as spring materials due to their high elastic limit, vibration resistance, fatigue resistance and other properties. It is an age-hardening alloy with Ni 2 Si as the precipitated phase. It is a material with excellent tensile strength and hardness.
copper and silver
It is a copper alloy with added silver, and by adding silver, which has better electrical and thermal conductivity than copper, we are careful not to reduce these properties too much. The maximum working temperature is 300℃. Copper alloy with electrical conductivity second only to pure copper.
Tinned copper
It is an alloy based on tin (Sn) and copper, and its conductivity varies greatly depending on the amount of tin added. The maximum working temperature is 300℃.
chrome copper
This is a copper alloy with added chromium, which improves wear resistance at high temperatures due to the properties of chromium. If hardened at 1000°C and then age hardened at 500°C, the softening temperature is 500°C.
zirconium copper
Copper alloy containing zirconium. Improved heat resistance and used as heat-resistant conductive material. Moreover, among copper alloys, it has better electrical conductivity, showing electrical conductivity second only to silver-containing copper.
Copper/iron alloy
An alloy of iron, phosphorus and copper that increases strength through precipitation hardening and work hardening. It is a material resistant to corrosion and stress corrosion cracking and can be welded or brazed.
High Copper Alloys Comparison Table
| Alloy Type | Typical Grade (UNS) | Main Alloying Element | Cu Content (%) | Electrical Conductivity (% IACS) | Tensile Strength (MPa) | Max. Service Temp. | Typical Applications |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Beryllium Copper | C17200 | Be | 97–98 | 20–30 | 1,100–1,400 | 315°C | Injection molds, springs, aerospace, precision tools |
| Titanium Copper | C19900 | Ti | 96–97 | 13–20 | 800–1,000 | 350°C | Electronic connectors, relay springs, automotive terminals |
| Corson Alloy | C70250 | Ni + Si | 95–96 | 40–60 | 700–900 | 450°C | High-speed connectors, semiconductor lead frames |
| Silver Copper | C10700 | Ag | ≥99.9 | 100–105 | 220–280 | 300°C | Power transmission, electrical contacts, conductors |
| Tin Copper | C5191 / C5210 | Sn | 94–96 | 10–20 | 500–700 | 300°C | Electrical springs, switch components, connectors |
| Chromium Copper | C18200 | Cr | ≥99 | 75–85 | 420–550 | 500°C | Resistance welding electrodes, electrical contacts |
| Zirconium Copper | C15000 | Zr | ≥99 | 85–95 | 350–450 | 550°C | Continuous casting molds, welding equipment, high-temperature conductors |
| Copper-Iron Alloy | C19400 | Fe + P | 97–98 | 60–80 | 450–600 | 350°C | Electronic connectors, lead frames, communication components |
Material Selection Tips
Maximum strength: Beryllium Copper (C17200)
Highest electrical conductivity: Silver Copper (C10700)
Best balance of strength and conductivity: Corson Alloy (C70250)
Best for resistance welding electrodes: Chromium Copper (C18200)
Best high-temperature conductive alloy: Zirconium Copper (C15000)
Best for electronic connectors: Titanium Copper (C19900) and Corson Alloy (C70250)
Cost-effective spring material: Tin Copper (C5191/C5210)
Ideal for lead frames and communication components: Copper-Iron Alloy (C19400)
Mechanical And Electrical Properties Comparison
| Alloy | Electrical Conductivity (% IACS) | Tensile Strength (MPa) | Hardness (HB) | Elastic Modulus (GPa) | Heat Resistance | Wear Resistance |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Beryllium Copper (C17200) | 20–30 | 1,100–1,400 | 350–420 | 128 | Excellent | Excellent |
| Titanium Copper (C19900) | 13–20 | 800–1,000 | 240–320 | 125 | Good | Excellent |
| Corson Alloy (C70250) | 40–60 | 700–900 | 200–260 | 130 | Excellent | Very Good |
| Silver Copper (C10700) | 100–105 | 220–280 | 45–70 | 117 | Good | Fair |
| Tin Copper (C5191/C5210) | 10–20 | 500–700 | 140–220 | 115 | Good | Good |
| Chromium Copper (C18200) | 75–85 | 420–550 | 110–160 | 125 | Excellent | Excellent |
| Zirconium Copper (C15000) | 85–95 | 350–450 | 90–140 | 120 | Excellent | Good |
| Copper-Iron Alloy (C19400) | 60–80 | 450–600 | 120–180 | 125 | Good | Good |
Quick Selection Guide
| If You Need... | Recommended Alloy |
|---|---|
| Maximum mechanical strength | Beryllium Copper (C17200) |
| Highest electrical conductivity | Silver Copper (C10700) |
| Best balance of strength and conductivity | Corson Alloy (C70250) |
| Excellent wear resistance | Beryllium Copper / Chromium Copper |
| High-temperature electrical performance | Zirconium Copper (C15000) |
| Resistance welding electrodes | Chromium Copper (C18200) |
| Electronic connectors & lead frames | Corson Alloy (C70250) / Copper-Iron Alloy (C19400) |
| Spring contacts and terminals | Titanium Copper (C19900) / Tin Copper (C5191) |
Typical Applications Of High Copper Alloys
| Alloy | Primary Applications |
|---|---|
| Beryllium Copper (C17200) | Plastic injection molds, aerospace components, non-sparking tools, precision springs |
| Titanium Copper (C19900) | Electronic connectors, relay springs, automotive terminals, communication equipment |
| Corson Alloy (C70250) | High-speed connectors, semiconductor lead frames, EV connectors |
| Silver Copper (C10700) | Busbars, electrical contacts, power transmission equipment |
| Tin Copper (C5191/C5210) | Spring contacts, switch components, electrical connectors |
| Chromium Copper (C18200) | Resistance welding electrodes, electrode holders, electrical contacts |
| Zirconium Copper (C15000) | Continuous casting molds, welding equipment, high-temperature conductors |
| Copper-Iron Alloy (C19400) | Lead frames, communication connectors, electronic terminals |
Applications By Industry
| Industry | Common High Copper Alloys | Typical Components |
|---|---|---|
| Electrical & Power | Silver Copper, Chromium Copper, Zirconium Copper | Busbars, electrical contacts, switchgear, conductors |
| Electronics & Semiconductor | Corson Alloy, Titanium Copper, Copper-Iron Alloy | Connectors, lead frames, terminals, IC packaging |
| Automotive & EV | Corson Alloy, Titanium Copper, Tin Copper | Battery connectors, charging systems, relay springs |
| Resistance Welding | Chromium Copper, Zirconium Copper | Welding electrodes, electrode caps, welding arms |
| Plastic Injection Molding | Beryllium Copper | Mold inserts, core pins, cavity inserts |
| Aerospace & Defense | Beryllium Copper, Titanium Copper | Precision springs, structural components, aerospace connectors |
| Industrial Equipment | Chromium Copper, Zirconium Copper | High-current contacts, heat-resistant conductive parts |
How To Choose The Right High Copper Alloy
| If You Need... | Recommended Alloy | Why It Is Recommended |
|---|---|---|
| Maximum Mechanical Strength | Beryllium Copper (C17200) | Offers the highest strength and hardness while maintaining good conductivity. Ideal for molds, aerospace parts, and precision springs. |
| Highest Electrical Conductivity | Silver Copper (C10700) | Provides conductivity up to 100–105% IACS, making it ideal for busbars, electrical contacts, and power equipment. |
| Best Strength-to-Conductivity Balance | Corson Alloy (C70250) | Combines high strength with medium-high conductivity, widely used in EV connectors and semiconductor lead frames. |
| Excellent Fatigue Resistance | Titanium Copper (C19900) | Maintains spring force after repeated cycles, making it suitable for terminals, relays, and connectors. |
| High-Temperature Conductive Applications | Zirconium Copper (C15000) | Excellent softening resistance and stable conductivity at elevated temperatures. |
| Resistance Welding Electrodes | Chromium Copper (C18200) | High conductivity, wear resistance, and thermal stability for welding applications. |
| Spring Contacts & Switch Components | Tin Copper (C5191/C5210) | Good elasticity, formability, and cost-effective performance. |
| Lead Frames & Electronic Components | Copper-Iron Alloy (C19400) | Offers an excellent combination of strength, conductivity, and dimensional stability. |
Available Product Forms
| Product Form | Typical Size Range | Supply Condition |
|---|---|---|
| Copper Plate | Thickness: 0.5–200 mm Width: Up to 1,200 mm |
Hot Rolled / Cold Rolled |
| Copper Bar & Rod | Diameter: 3–300 mm | Drawn / Forged / Machined |
| Copper Strip | Thickness: 0.05–6.0 mm Width: 5–600 mm |
Coil or Cut-to-Length |
| Copper Sheet | Thickness: 0.2–20 mm | Cold Rolled |
| Copper Tube & Pipe | OD: 3–300 mm | Seamless or Welded |
| Copper Wire | Diameter: 0.1–20 mm | Soft / Half Hard / Hard |
| Forged Components | Customized | Forged & Heat Treated |
| Machined Parts | Customized | CNC Machined |
Standards And Equivalent Grades
| Alloy Type | UNS | ASTM | EN | JIS | GB/T |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Beryllium Copper | C17200 | ASTM B194 / ASTM B196 | CuBe2 (CW101C) | C1720 | QBe2.0 |
| Titanium Copper | C19900 | ASTM B888 | CuTi2 | C1990 | QTi2 |
| Corson Alloy | C70250 | ASTM B888 | CuNi3Si1 | C7025 | QNi3Si |
| Silver Copper | C10700 | ASTM B152 | CuAg0.1 | C1070 | TAg0.1 |
| Tin Copper | C51900 / C52100 | ASTM B103 | CuSn6 / CuSn8 | C5191 / C5210 | QSn6.5-0.1 |
| Chromium Copper | C18200 | ASTM B187 | CuCr1 | C1820 | QCr0.8 |
| Zirconium Copper | C15000 | ASTM B224 | CuZr | C1500 | QZr0.15 |
| Copper-Iron Alloy | C19400 | ASTM B465 | CuFe2P | C1940 | QFe2.5 |
FAQ
1. What are high copper alloys?
High copper alloys are copper-based materials containing more than 95% copper with small additions of elements such as beryllium, chromium, zirconium, titanium, nickel, silicon, tin, or silver. These alloying elements improve strength, hardness, wear resistance, and heat resistance while maintaining excellent electrical and thermal conductivity.
2. What is the difference between pure copper and high copper alloys?
Pure copper offers the highest electrical and thermal conductivity but has relatively low mechanical strength. High copper alloys provide a better balance of conductivity, strength, fatigue resistance, and durability, making them suitable for demanding industrial applications.
3. Which high copper alloy has the highest electrical conductivity?
Silver Copper (C10700) provides the highest electrical conductivity, typically reaching 100–105% IACS. It is widely used in busbars, electrical contacts, and power transmission equipment where minimum electrical resistance is required.
4. Which high copper alloy has the highest strength?
Beryllium Copper (C17200) is the strongest high copper alloy, with tensile strength exceeding 1,100 MPa after age hardening. It is commonly used for molds, aerospace components, precision springs, and non-sparking tools.
5. Which high copper alloy is best for electrical connectors?
For modern electronic and automotive connectors, Corson Alloy (C70250) and Titanium Copper (C19900) are among the most popular choices because they offer an excellent combination of strength, conductivity, and fatigue resistance.
6. Which alloy is recommended for resistance welding electrodes?
Chromium Copper (C18200) and Zirconium Copper (C15000) are widely used for resistance welding electrodes due to their excellent electrical conductivity, high-temperature strength, and wear resistance.
7. What product forms are available?
High copper alloys are commonly supplied as:
Copper Plate
Copper Sheet
Copper Strip
Copper Bar & Rod
Copper Tube & Pipe
Copper Wire
Forged Components
Precision CNC Machined Parts
Custom sizes and drawings are also available.
8. What international standards do high copper alloys comply with?
High copper alloys can be manufactured according to international standards including ASTM, UNS, EN, JIS, and GB. Products can also be supplied with EN 10204 3.1 Mill Test Certificates and third-party inspection reports upon request.
9. Can high copper alloys be customized?
Yes. Most high copper alloys can be supplied with custom dimensions, special tempers, precision machining, heat treatment, polishing, cutting, and other value-added processing services to meet specific project requirements.
10. How do I choose the right high copper alloy?
Material selection depends on your application requirements:
Maximum Strength: Beryllium Copper (C17200)
Highest Conductivity: Silver Copper (C10700)
Electronic Connectors: Corson Alloy (C70250)
Spring Components: Titanium Copper (C19900)
Resistance Welding: Chromium Copper (C18200)
High-Temperature Conductors: Zirconium Copper (C15000)
