Copper C102, called Oxygen-Free Copper (OFC), is a high-purity copper alloy with a minimum copper content of 99.99%. Unlike standard copper alloys, Copper C102 is produced through an oxygen-free process, eliminating residual oxygen and significantly improving its electrical conductivity and corrosion resistance. The result is an alloy that offers superior performance, particularly in high-precision applications with critical conductivity and reliability.
Copper C102 (Oxygen-Free Copper) is used in applications that require exceptional electrical and thermal conductivity, such as electrical power cables, connectors, and electronic components. It is especially favored in telecommunications, aerospace, and automotive industries, where high-performance materials are essential for efficiency and durability. Due to its excellent characteristics, Copper C102 is often selected for CNC Machining Service and used in producing CNC Machined Copper Parts in various applications.
Element | Composition Range (wt.%) | Key Role |
---|---|---|
Copper (Cu) | ≥99.99 | Forms the base material providing excellent conductivity |
Oxygen (O) | ≤0.001 | Removed during the oxygen-free process for improved conductivity and reduced oxidation |
Other Elements | ≤0.05 | Residual elements with minimal impact on properties |
Property | Value (Typical) | Test Standard/Condition |
---|---|---|
Density | 8.96 g/cm³ | ASTM B311 |
Melting Point | 1083°C | ASTM E29 |
Thermal Conductivity | 398 W/m·K at 20°C | ASTM E1952 |
Electrical Conductivity | 101% IACS at 20°C | ASTM B193 |
Coefficient of Expansion | 16.5 µm/m·°C | ASTM E228 |
Specific Heat Capacity | 385 J/kg·K | ASTM E1269 |
Elastic Modulus | 110 GPa | ASTM E111 |
Property | Value (Typical) | Test Standard |
---|---|---|
Tensile Strength | 210–290 MPa | ASTM E8/E8M – full-section test specimens |
Yield Strength (0.2%) | 160–220 MPa | ASTM E8/E8M – offset method |
Elongation | 35–50% | ASTM E8/E8M – gauge length = 50 mm |
Hardness | 40–80 HB | ASTM E10 – Brinell hardness, 10 mm ball/500 kg load |
Fatigue Strength | ~180 MPa | ASTM E466 – rotating bending fatigue at 10⁷ cycles |
Impact Resistance | Good | ASTM E23 – Notched, room temperature |
Note: These values are typical for annealed Copper C102 (Oxygen-Free Copper) and can vary based on specific processing conditions.
Copper C102 (Oxygen-Free Copper) is one of the best conductors of electricity, offering 101% IACS electrical conductivity. This makes it ideal for electrical wiring, connectors, and other components requiring high efficiency and minimal energy loss.
With excellent thermal conductivity, Copper C102 effectively transfers heat, making it suitable for heat exchangers, cooling systems, and components that need to dissipate heat quickly to prevent overheating.
Copper C102 (Oxygen-Free Copper) exhibits excellent corrosion resistance, especially in environments with moisture or harsh chemicals. The absence of oxygen in the material minimizes oxidation and enhances its durability, extending the life of components exposed to external elements.
Copper C102 is highly malleable and can be easily drawn, stamped, or shaped into various forms without compromising its integrity. This makes it ideal for CNC machining and applications requiring precise, intricate parts.
Copper C102 is non-magnetic, which is essential in electrical and electronic applications where magnetic interference must be minimized. It also remains stable at elevated temperatures, ensuring long-term reliability in high-heat environments.
Although Copper C102 is relatively soft compared to other metals, it can still work-harden during machining, particularly when excessive deformation is applied.
Solution: Use sharp tools and avoid excessive cutting forces. Lower cutting speeds and apply coolant to reduce heat buildup and prevent work hardening.
Copper C102 tends to produce long chips during machining, which can cause chip removal issues and interfere with the machining process.
Solution: Use chip breakers and tools with positive rake angles to help break the chips into smaller, more manageable pieces. Additionally, use a steady coolant or air blast flow to facilitate chip removal.
Copper C102’s excellent conductivity and soft nature can cause tool wear over time, especially when machining at high speeds.
Solution: Use carbide or high-speed steel tools with appropriate coatings (e.g., TiAlN) to minimize wear and extend tool life. Additionally, slower cutting speeds and optimized feed rates can reduce unnecessary tool degradation.
Parameter | Recommendation | Rationale |
---|---|---|
Tool Material | Carbide tools with TiAlN coating | Increases tool lifespan and reduces wear in tough materials |
Geometry | Positive rake, sharp edges | Enhances chip flow and reduces material buildup |
Cutting Speed | 250–350 m/min | Prevents excessive heating and enhances tool longevity |
Feed Rate | 0.10–0.20 mm/rev | Ensures smooth cutting and prevents material deformation |
Coolant | Flood coolant or air blast | Reduces heat buildup and aids in chip removal |
Operation | Speed (m/min) | Feed (mm/rev) | Depth of Cut (mm) | Coolant Pressure (bar) |
---|---|---|---|---|
Roughing | 200–300 | 0.15–0.25 | 2.0–4.0 | 25–40 (Flood coolant) |
Finishing | 300–350 | 0.05–0.10 | 0.5–1.0 | 30–50 (Flood coolant) |
Copper C102 (Oxygen-Free Copper) is ideal for a variety of CNC machining processes, particularly for parts that require high precision, conductivity, and durability. Below are the typical machining services:
Machining Process | Suitability for Copper C102 (Oxygen-Free Copper) |
---|---|
Ideal for producing electrical connectors, busbars, and intricate parts with high conductivity requirements | |
Suitable for machining flat surfaces, pockets, and complex shapes that require fine detail | |
Excellent for producing cylindrical parts such as rods, tubes, and connectors | |
Ideal for creating precise holes with minimal burr formation | |
Perfect for enlarging holes with tight tolerances and a smooth surface finish | |
Achieves superior surface finishes on parts with high dimensional precision | |
Enables complex, multi-feature parts to be machined in a single setup, ensuring higher accuracy | |
Provides extremely tight tolerances for critical components used in high-performance systems | |
Ideal for intricate parts with fine details that would be difficult to machine with traditional methods |
Electroplating: Enhances wear resistance and corrosion protection by applying a thin coating of metals such as nickel, silver, or gold.
Polishing: Achieves a smooth, reflective finish that enhances the appearance and functionality of electrical components.
Brushing: Produces a matte finish that reduces surface glare while maintaining a high-quality finish for visible components.
PVD Coating: Offers superior wear and corrosion resistance, along with an attractive color finish for aesthetic parts.
Passivation: Enhances corrosion resistance by removing impurities from the surface.
Powder Coating: Provides durable protection from wear and environmental factors for parts exposed to harsh conditions.
Teflon Coating: Ideal for parts requiring chemical resistance and low friction surfaces.
Chrome Plating: Adds durability, enhances wear resistance, and provides a shiny, corrosion-resistant finish.
Electrical & Power Distribution: Copper C102 (Oxygen-Free Copper) is used for connectors, electrical contacts, and high-performance busbars where both strength and electrical conductivity are crucial.
Aerospace & Defense: Ideal for high-stress components like connectors, landing gear, and actuators in aerospace applications.
Automotive: Used for high-performance electrical connectors, terminals, and other components in electric and hybrid vehicles.
Consumer Electronics: Precision components such as heat sinks, connectors, and springs for consumer electronics requiring high conductivity and reliability.
What are the advantages of using Copper C102 (Oxygen-Free Copper) in high-performance electrical applications?
How does Copper C102 compare to other copper alloys regarding thermal conductivity?
Can Copper C102 (Oxygen-Free Copper) be used in harsh environments?
What is the impact of Copper C102's high purity on its performance in electronics?
How does Copper C102 (Oxygen-Free Copper) perform in mechanical stress environments?