Copper is the metal of choice for most craftsmen and builders because of
its useful qualities. Apart from being highly resistant to corrosion and
microbes, it is also easy to work with. It’s no wonder this metal and all its
alloys are utilized for a vast range of applications, including electronics,
electrical engineering, plumbing, and construction. If you’re looking for a
metal that is both durable and striking to include in your project, copper is
your best bet.
Before you go looking for a copper supplier in your area, it would
definitely help to find out more about copper first. After all, there are many
different alloys and grades of copper to choose from so having more knowledge
about the metal is key to picking the type that best suits your project.
Essentially, copper compounds and alloys are categorized into these two types.
High
Conductivity Copper
More than 30 percent of all copper supplies are utilized for electrical
applications. The wires and cables within the walls and ceilings of your home
and the distribution line connected to the utility posts outside are all made
of copper. Thanks to the metal’s excellent ductility and malleability, it can
be molded into small leads and thin sheets that are needed for these
applications. More importantly, copper is also known for its high conductivity,
exceeded only by silver, which makes it a great electrical wire material.
Even if it only comes next to silver in terms of electrical
conductivity, copper is still preferred for manufacturing electrical wires
because it is much less expensive. Take note though that copper comes in
various grades, each having a unique degree of purity. The purer the copper,
the higher its conductivity. Most copper materials that have undergone the
initial purification process contain at least 93 percent copper.
Deoxidized
Copper
Like most other metals, copper usually contains a trace amount of
oxygen. If not removed, this oxygen can make copper brittle when brazed or
welded with other metals, specifically through contact with hydrogen used in
the process. To remove the oxygen molecules, phosphorous or boron is added to
the mixture to increase the material’s density and purge all impurities. The
resulting material is dense and tough enough to be ideal for making plumbing
systems and domestic gas supply parts.
Most copper panels and tubes used for making roofing materials and
central heating systems are deoxidized as well. This method also improves
copper’s ability to be alloyed with other metals, such as zinc and tin. The
quality of the resulting alloys, however, still depends on the amount of other
metals included in the mixture.
If you want to know where to buy copper sheets and tubes for
your project, consider looking for a company that has been in operation for
many decades, such as Rotax Metals. Not only does such supplier have a huge
selection of products, but it surely also has experts who can give you the best
advice on getting your money’s worth. Working with the highest quality
materials will ensure the success of your project, be it home-building,
sculpture, or piping.
About
Rotax Metals: As the leading supplier of copper, brass, and
bronze tubes, sheets, and bars in North America, we take pride in our huge
inventory and excellent customer service. Whether you are a fabricator looking
for a high-quality metal that you can make into customized machine parts or an
architect wanting to add metallic flare to your designs, we’ve got you covered.
We have highly skilled professionals who can assist you in choosing the right
metals for your needs.
Sources:
10 Copper Facts
Introduction to Copper: Types of Copper
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