Introduction
Copper is a versatile metal known for its excellent electrical and thermal conductivity, corrosion resistance, and malleability. It is widely used across industries such as electronics, construction, and energy. Copper can be broadly categorized into pure copper and copper alloys. This document outlines the main classifications and types of copper materials.

1. Pure Copper

Pure copper (≥99.3% Cu) is valued for its high conductivity and is often used in electrical applications. Common grades include:

• C11000 (Electrolytic Tough Pitch Copper, ETP):

• Contains 99.9% copper and 0.04% oxygen.
• Excellent electrical conductivity (~101% IACS).
• Applications: Electrical wiring, busbars, and transformers.
  • C10100 (Oxygen-Free Electronic Copper, OFE):
• ≥99.99% copper, virtually oxygen-free.
• Superior conductivity and ductility.
• Applications: High-vacuum electronics, superconductors.
  • C10200 (Oxygen-Free Copper, OF):
• Similar to OFE but with slightly lower purity (99.95% Cu).
• Used in waveguides and critical electrical components.

2. Copper Alloys

Copper alloys are created by adding elements like zinc, tin, nickel, or aluminum to enhance specific properties such as strength, corrosion resistance, or machinability.

2.1 Brass (Copper-Zinc Alloys)

Brass primarily consists of copper and zinc, offering good machinability and corrosion resistance.

• C26000 (Cartridge Brass):

• 70% Cu, 30% Zn.
• Excellent cold-working properties.
• Applications: Cartridge cases, ammunition, decorative parts.
  • C28000 (Muntz Metal):
• 60% Cu, 40% Zn.
• High strength and corrosion resistance.
• Applications: Heat exchangers, architectural components.

2.2 Bronze (Copper-Tin Alloys)

Bronze alloys are known for their hardness, wear resistance, and historical significance.

• C51000 (Phosphor Bronze):

• 95% Cu, 5% Sn, with phosphorus.
• Excellent fatigue resistance and spring properties.
• Applications: Springs, electrical connectors, bearings.
  • C90700 (Tin Bronze):
• 89% Cu, 11% Sn.
• High corrosion resistance.
• Applications: Bushings, gears, marine hardware.

2.3 Copper-Nickel Alloys

These alloys offer exceptional corrosion resistance, especially in marine environments.

• C71500 (Cu-Ni 70/30):

• 70% Cu, 30% Ni.
• Resistant to seawater corrosion.
• Applications: Shipbuilding, heat exchangers, desalination plants.
  • C70600 (Cu-Ni 90/10):
• 90% Cu, 10% Ni.
• Similar properties to C71500 but lower cost.
• Applications: Condenser tubes, marine piping.

2.4 Nickel Silver (Copper-Nickel-Zinc Alloys)

Despite its name, nickel silver contains no silver. It is valued for its silvery appearance and corrosion resistance.

• C75200 (Nickel Silver 65-18):

• 65% Cu, 18% Ni, 17% Zn.
• Applications: Decorative items, musical instruments, and jewelry.

2.5 Other Specialized Copper Alloys

• Copper-Beryllium (C17200):

• High strength, hardness, and conductivity.
• Applications: Springs, connectors, and aerospace components.
  • Copper-Chromium (C18200):
• High strength and thermal conductivity.
• Applications: Welding electrodes, heat sinks.

3. Classification by Processing Method

Copper materials can also be classified based on their processing:

• Wrought Copper:Formed by rolling, extrusion, or drawing (e.g., sheets, tubes, wires).
• Cast Copper:Molten copper poured into molds to produce complex shapes (e.g., valves, fittings).

4. Summary Table of Copper Types

Automotive Industry
Construction Industry
Energy Industry
Food Industry
Machinery And Tool Industry
Medical Industry
Packaging Industry
Transportation Industry