It is believed that copper has been mined for over 5000 years. It can be found in elemental form and in the minerals cuprite, malachite, azurite, chalcopyrite and bornite. Copper is also often found as a by-product of silver production.
Copper, Brass & Bronze alloys explained
Basic Copper Properties
Next to silver, copper is the next best conductor. It is a yellowish red metal that polishes to a bright metallic lustre. It is tough, ductile and malleable. Copper has a disagreeable taste and a peculiar smell.
Copper is resistant to corrosion in most atmospheres including marine and industrial environments. It is corroded by oxidising acids, halogens, sulphides and ammonia based solutions.
Alloy C101
Copper alloy C101 is the designation for moderate copper used in engineering applications.
High ductility and impact strength also serve to make an extremely useful material.
Copper alloy C101 is the base material that common brasses and bronzes are produced from.
High Conductivity Copper
Copper alloy C101 is also known as HC or high conductivity copper. It has a nominal conductivity of 100% IACS (International Annealed Copper Standard). C101 also has high thermal conductivity. Copper alloy C101 is therefore the material of choice for use in conductors and electrical components but not when the service environment is a reducing atmosphere.
Chemical Composition of Copper alloy C101
Table 1. Typical chemical composition for copper alloy C101
|
%
|
C101
|
|
Others (Total)
|
0.0-0.10
|
|
Copper (Cu)
|
Balance
|
Properties of Copper alloy C101
Mechanical Properties of Copper alloy C101
Table 2. Typical mechanical properties for copper alloy C101
|
Grade
|
C101
|
|
Tensile Strength (MPa)
|
200-360
|
|
Proof Stress (MPa)
|
50-340
|
|
Elongation A50 mm
|
50-5%
|
|
Hardness Vickers
|
40-110 HV
|
Physical Properties of Copper alloy C101
Table 3. Typical physical properties for copper alloy C101
|
Property
|
Value
|
|
Density
|
8.92 g/cm3
|
|
Melting Point
|
1083 °C
|
|
Modulus of Elasticity
|
117 GPa
|
|
Electrical Resistivity
|
0.171 x 10-6 Ω.m
|
|
Thermal Conductivity
|
391.1 W/m.K
|
|
Thermal Expansion
|
16.9 x 10-6/K
|
Alloy Designations
HC copper corresponds to the following designations:
|
CEN
|
BS
|
UNS
|
ISO
|
|
CW004A
|
C101
|
C11000
|
Cu-ETP
|
Corrosion Resistance of Copper alloy C101
Corrosion resistance is either good or excellent in most environments and atmospheres other than those containing ammonia ions.
Fabrication of Copper alloy C101
Cold Working of Copper alloy C101
Copper alloy C101 can be readily cold worked. When in the annealed condition, it can be readily bent to shape and has excellent ductility.
It work hardens relatively slowly and can be annealed in neutral or oxidising atmospheres.
Hot Working of Copper alloy C101
Copper alloy C101 is very readily hot worked.
Heat Treatment of Copper alloy C101
Solution treatment or annealing can be done by rapid cooling after heating to 370-650°C.
Machinability
Copper alloy C101 has a machinability rating of 20 when Alloy 360 FC Brass is 100.
Welding of Copper alloy C101
Soldering of Copper alloy C101 is excellent. Brazability and butt welding are also rated as good. Gas shielded arc welding has a fair rating. All other welding processes are not recommended.
Applications of Copper alloy C101
Copper alloy C101 is typically used in:
- General engineering
- Electronics
- Automotive
- Domestic Appliances
- Cold formed components
Supplied Form
Copper alloy C101 is typically supplied by Aalco in the following forms:
- Flat bar
- Round bar
- Half hard sheet
DISCLAIMER
This Data is indicative only and must not be seen as a substitute for the full specification from which it is drawn. In particular, the mechanical property requirements vary widely with temper, product and product dimensions. The information is based on our present knowledge and is given in good faith. However, no liability will be accepted by the Company is respect of any action taken by any third party in reliance thereon.
As the products detailed may be used for a wide variety of purposes and as the Company has no control over their use; the Company specifically excludes all conditions or warranties expressed or implied by statute or otherwise as to dimensions, properties and/or fitness for any particular purpose.
Any advice given by the Company to any third party is given for that party’s assistance only and without liability on the part of the Company. Any contract between the Company and a customer will be subject to the company’s Conditions of Sale. The extent of the Company’s liabilities to any customer is clearly set out in those Conditions; a copy of which is available on request.
This information has been sourced, reviewed and adapted from materials provided by Aalco - Ferrous and Non-Ferrous Metals Stockist.
For more information on this source, please visit Aalco - Ferrous and Non-Ferrous Metals Stockist.