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Copper

Excellent thermal and electrical conductivity

Copper in CNC Machining

Copper is widely used in CNC machining for parts that require excellent electrical conductivity, thermal conductivity, corrosion resistance, and dimensional accuracy. Its unique combination of physical and mechanical properties makes it suitable for electrical, electronics, automotive, telecommunications, and industrial applications.

Copper can be machined into complex and precise components, although its high ductility and thermal conductivity require appropriate cutting tools, speeds, feeds, and chip evacuation strategies. Different copper alloys provide varying levels of strength, machinability, conductivity, and wear resistance.

At Elite Mold Tech, copper CNC machining supports custom components with precise dimensions, complex geometries, and various surface finishing requirements.

Available Copper at Elite Mold Tech:

Price

$$$

Lead Time:

< 10 days

Wall Thickness:

0.75 mm

Tolerances:

±0.125mm (±0.005″)

Max Part Size:

200 x 80 x 100 cm

Available Grades:

Copper C11000, C10100, C14500

Copper C11000

Copper C11000, also known as Electrolytic Tough Pitch Copper, is one of the most commonly used commercially pure copper grades. It offers excellent electrical and thermal conductivity along with good corrosion resistance, making it suitable for electrical and heat-transfer applications.

Tensile Strength, Yield (MPa) 69

Fatigue Strength (MPa) 76

Elongation at Break (%) 30

Hardness (Brinell) 45

Density (g/cm³) 8.94

Copper C10100

Copper C10100 is a high-purity oxygen-free copper with excellent electrical and thermal conductivity. Its very high purity makes it particularly suitable for demanding electrical, electronic, and high-conductivity applications.

Tensile Strength, Yield (MPa) 69

Fatigue Strength (MPa) 69

Elongation at Break (%) 40

Hardness (Brinell) 40

Density (g/cm³) 8.94

Copper C14500

Copper C14500, also known as Tellurium Copper, is an alloy designed to provide improved machinability while maintaining good electrical and thermal conductivity. It is commonly used for electrical connectors, electrodes, terminals, and precision components.

Tensile Strength, Yield (MPa) 220

Fatigue Strength (MPa) 100

Elongation at Break (%) 15

Hardness (Brinell) 75

Density (g/cm³) 8.89

Surface Finishing Options for Copper

Copper CNC machined parts can undergo different surface finishing processes to improve appearance, corrosion resistance, conductivity, and surface durability.

As Machined
Sand Blasting
Tumbling
Electropolishing
Electroless Nickel Plating
Nickel Plating
Chrome Plating
Polishing
Brushed Finish
Painting

Pros and Cons of Copper CNC Machining

Copper machining provides excellent electrical and thermal performance, making it an important material for many precision applications. However, its softness and ductility can create machining challenges that require appropriate tooling and cutting parameters.

Excellent Electrical Conductivity: Copper provides outstanding electrical conductivity, making it ideal for electrical and electronic components.
High Thermal Conductivity: Its ability to transfer heat efficiently makes copper useful for heat sinks, heat exchangers, and thermal components.
Corrosion Resistance: Copper offers good resistance to corrosion in many environments and can maintain its performance over time.
Good Machinability: Certain copper alloys, such as C14500, provide improved machinability while retaining useful conductivity.
Excellent Ductility: Copper can be formed and machined into complex shapes and detailed components.

Soft Material: Pure copper is relatively soft and can be prone to deformation, scratching, and surface damage during machining.
Heat Generation: Its high thermal conductivity can transfer heat away from the cutting area, requiring proper machining parameters.
Material Buildup: Copper can adhere to cutting tools if inappropriate tool geometry or cutting conditions are used.
Higher Material Cost: Copper can be more expensive than common materials such as aluminum or mild steel.

Description

Application

CNC machining produces parts with excellent mechanical properties, accuracy and repeatability from metal and plastic. 3-axis & 5-axis CNC milling available.

Strengths

Excellent mechanical properties,High accuracy & repeatabillity

Weaknesses

Greater geometry restrictions than 3D printing

Properties

Lead Time

< 10 days

Wall Thickness

0.75 mm

Tolerances

±0.125mm (±0.005″)

Max part size

200 x 80 x 100 cm

CNC Machining Metals, Copper

Copper C101 | CU OFE

Property Value Mechanical Properties Ultimate tensile strength 220 – 280 MPa Yield

CNC Machining Metals, Copper

Copper C110 | CU ETP

Property Value Mechanical Properties Ultimate tensile strength 220 – 280 MPa Yield

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