Copper CNC Machining Service
Copper is a popular and attractive metal commonly found in electrical applications due to its conductivity.
What is Copper?
Copper is a metal that is corrosion-resistant, extremely electrically conductive, and highly ductile. Its glossy orange-reddish appearance is instantly recognizable, and the metal looks attractive even when it goes through a natural oxidation process that forms a bluish-green coating called patina in response to its environment. Note, however, that copper weldability is considered moderate to poor.
We offer two types of copper via our CNC machining service:
- Copper 101: A 99.99% pure copper alloy with excellent electrical and thermal conductivity, high corrosion resistance, ductility, and impact strength.
- Copper 110 (via Protolabs Network): 99.90% copper alloy used in electrical applications thanks to high thermal and electrical conductivity plus good corrosion resistance.
Key Benefits of Copper
- Highly ductile/malleable
- Solid electrical and thermal conductivity
- Visually striking
Machined Copper Material Properties
| Ultimate Tensile Strength | Yield Strength | Hardness (Rockwell) | Electrical Conductivity | Thermal Conductivity | More Information | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Copper C101 |
41 ksi (283 MPa) |
8.7-34.8 ksi (60-240 MPa) |
40 | 96.5% (IACS) |
390 - 398 W/(m⋅°C) |
|
| Copper C110 |
32-41 ksi (220-280 MPa) |
8.7-34.8 ksi (60-240 MPa) |
95 |
101.5% (IACS) |
380 - 388 W/(m⋅°C) |
Other Specifications
| Factory Capabilities | Network Capabilities | |
|---|---|---|
| Maximum Part Size | 22 in. x 14 in. x 3.75 in. | 25.5 in. x 25.5 in. x 11.8 in. |
| Minimum Part Size | 0.25 in. x .025 in. | 0.019 in. |
| Tolerances | ±0.005 in. | ±0.001 in. |
| Minimum Wall Thickness | 0.040 in. | 0.030 in. |
| Factory Capabilities | Network Capabilities | |
|---|---|---|
| Maximum Part Size | 559mm x 356mm x 95.3mm | 650mm x 650mm x 300mm |
| Minimum Part Size | 6.35mm x 6.35mm | 0.50mm |
| Tolerances | ±0.13mm | ±0.020mm |
| Minimum Wall Thickness | 1.02mm | 0.75mm |
Applications for Copper CNC Machining
Copper is the go-to material for the industries and applications below. Its thermal and electrical conductivity make it a natural choice for high power electrical applications, such as the magnetrons embedded in microwave ovens. With the boom in electronic vehicles (EVs), the need for copper wiring has also increased. Of course, everything from your television to your daily appliances needs copper and its ductility makes it easy to maneuver it through tight spaces.
- Automotive
- Circuit breakers
- Domestic appliances
- Electronics
- Magnetrons
- Wiring
Finishing Options for Copper CNC Machining
- Additional plating
- Anodizing
- Basic assembly
- Chromate plating
- Cleaning
- Electroless nickel plating
- Part marking
- Passivate
- Powder coating
- Press fit and hardware
- Silk screening
Learn more about our CNC surface finishing options
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