Copper C182 (UNS C18200): Properties, Uses, and Composition
Imagine a material that combines exceptional electrical conductivity with impressive strength, making it indispensable in high-demand industries like aerospace, automotive,…
Imagine a material that combines the excellent electrical conductivity of copper with enhanced machinability, making it a favorite among engineers and manufacturers alike. Enter Copper C145, also known as Tellurium copper or C14500. This remarkable alloy has carved out a niche in various industries, thanks to its unique blend of properties and versatile applications. From the precision demands of electrical components to the robust requirements of industrial fasteners, Copper C145 stands out as a go-to choice.
In this article, we’ll dive deep into what makes Copper C145 so special. We’ll explore its chemical composition, breaking down the elements that give it its distinctive characteristics. We’ll also examine its mechanical and electrical properties, shedding light on why it’s favored for certain applications over pure copper. Whether you’re an engineer looking for specific data, a manufacturer needing practical guidance, or a student seeking to understand this alloy better, you’ll find valuable insights here. Prepare to uncover the secrets behind Copper C145 and discover why it’s a material worth knowing about.
Copper C145, also known as Tellurium copper, is a specialized copper alloy designed to enhance machinability while retaining copper’s core properties. This alloy is notable for its improved machinability and retention of copper’s essential qualities, making it a top choice for industries needing precise and efficient manufacturing.
Copper C145 plays a vital role in various industrial applications. Its unique combination of properties makes it ideal for sectors requiring high conductivity and machinability. This alloy is widely used in electrical components like circuit breakers and switches for its excellent conductivity and thermal performance. Its durability and consistent performance make it a preferred choice for electrical connectors and mechanical parts.
The alloy’s machinability and durability also make it suitable for plumbing fixtures, where precision and reliability are essential. Its versatility extends to automotive and aerospace applications, where it meets demands for complex machining and dependable performance.
By meeting the demands of various industries, Copper C145 proves to be a key material driving advancements in technology and manufacturing.
Copper C145, also known as Tellurium copper, is designed to improve machinability while keeping the advantageous properties of copper. Its composition is precisely crafted for peak performance in industrial uses.
Copper, making up 99.2% to 99.596% of Copper C145, ensures the alloy retains excellent electrical conductivity and corrosion resistance, similar to pure copper.
Tellurium, added in amounts of 0.4% to 0.7%, greatly enhances the machinability of the copper. It creates a uniform grain structure, resulting in shorter chips during machining, which reduces tool wear and boosts efficiency.
Phosphorus, found in tiny amounts (0.004% to 0.012%), refines the alloy’s grain structure and enhances its mechanical properties.
Trace amounts of other elements, totaling less than 0.1%, may be present. These could include lead, iron, or zinc, introduced during alloying. Their levels are controlled to avoid negatively impacting the alloy’s properties.
The precise chemical makeup of Copper C145 is key to its superior machinability and electrical conductivity. The blend of copper, tellurium, and phosphorus allows it to excel in high-speed machining while preserving copper’s core benefits. This careful balance makes Copper C145 perfect for applications requiring both precision and durability.
Copper C145, or Tellurium copper, has various mechanical properties that make it versatile for numerous applications.
Ultimate tensile strength measures how well Copper C145 can endure pulling forces. For the H02 condition, the ultimate tensile strength is approximately 42.8 ksi, while for the H04 condition, it is around 47 ksi. This strength ensures that the material can handle significant stress without failure.
Yield tensile strength, indicating when Copper C145 starts to deform plastically, is about 39.9 ksi for H02 and 38 ksi for H04 conditions. Its shear strength, reflecting resistance to shear forces, is 26.1 ksi for H02 and 27 ksi for H04 conditions. These values highlight the material’s resistance to deformation and shear forces, making it suitable for various structural applications.
The hardness of Copper C145 indicates its resistance to wear and deformation. The hardness is Rockwell B43 (Brinell 77) for the H02 condition and Rockwell B48 (Brinell 81) for the H04 condition. This property is crucial for applications requiring durable and wear-resistant materials.
Elongation at break shows how much Copper C145 can stretch before it breaks, reflecting its ductility. For the H02 condition, the elongation is 18%, and for the H04 condition, it is 12%. Higher elongation values signify greater ductility, allowing the material to absorb more energy before fracturing.
The modulus of elasticity for Copper C145 is 16,700 ksi, showing its stiffness and ability to return to its shape after deformation. Its Poisson’s ratio is 0.31, indicating the material’s deformation characteristics under load.
Copper C145 retains many of the beneficial electrical properties of pure copper, making it suitable for various electrical applications.
Copper C145 has excellent electrical conductivity at 94% IACS (International Annealed Copper Standard). This high conductivity ensures efficient transmission of electrical current, making it ideal for components like circuit breaker terminals and electrical connectors.
Copper C145 has a thermal conductivity of 2460 BTU-in/hr-ft²-°F, comparable to pure copper. This property allows the material to effectively dissipate heat, which is crucial for applications involving high thermal loads, such as in transformers and motor parts.
Understanding Copper C145’s mechanical and electrical properties helps engineers and manufacturers choose it for reliable and high-performing applications. By leveraging these properties, they can ensure the material meets the demands of various industries, providing durability, efficiency, and reliability.
Copper C145 is renowned for its exceptional electrical conductivity, impressive machinability, and remarkable versatility. These unique properties make it a cornerstone material across numerous industries, from electrical and welding to plumbing and specialized manufacturing. Its ability to combine strength, reliability, and ease of use ensures its place as a preferred choice in demanding applications.
Copper C145 is a powerhouse in the electrical industry, where efficiency and reliability are paramount. Its outstanding electrical conductivity ensures seamless energy transfer, while its durability guarantees long-lasting performance.
When it comes to welding, Copper C145 stands out for its exceptional machinability and heat resistance. These characteristics make it a reliable material for critical welding components.
Beyond its role in electrical and welding applications, Copper C145 shines in the fluid handling sector, where corrosion resistance and formability are essential.
Copper C145’s strength and machinability make it a go-to material for manufacturing and mechanical applications. Its reliability ensures that components made from this alloy can endure demanding conditions.
Copper C145’s versatility extends to specialized manufacturing applications that demand precision and performance.
Copper C145’s adaptability and performance have cemented its reputation as a vital material across industries. From powering electrical systems to ensuring precision in manufacturing and reliability in plumbing, this alloy delivers unparalleled value. Its unique blend of properties ensures that it continues to meet the evolving demands of modern engineering, making it a material of choice for a wide range of applications.
Copper C145 is highly regarded for its excellent machinability, significantly better than that of pure copper. With a machinability rating between 85% and 90%, it allows for high-speed machining with minimal tool wear and optimal chip formation, primarily due to the tellurium content. This makes Copper C145 an ideal choice for precision components produced on automatic screw machines and CNC equipment.
Copper C145’s excellent hot and cold working properties make it versatile for various forming processes.
Hot working of Copper C145 is typically done at temperatures between 725°C and 825°C. The alloy responds well to hot forging and rolling, maintaining its mechanical integrity while being shaped into complex forms. Hot working helps achieve desired mechanical properties and dimensional tolerances in the final product.
Copper C145 is also highly ductile and formable at room temperature. Cold working processes like drawing, bending, and stamping are commonly used to enhance its strength and hardness. Intermediate annealing may be necessary to relieve stress and maintain ductility during extensive cold working.
Copper C145 can be joined using various welding and brazing techniques, though some methods are more effective than others.
Annealing is crucial for Copper C145, especially after extensive cold working. The recommended annealing temperature range is 427°C to 649°C. Proper annealing restores ductility, relieves internal stresses, and improves mechanical properties, with slow cooling to avoid new stresses.
Copper C145 can undergo various surface treatments to enhance its performance and longevity in specific applications.
Copper C145’s exceptional machinability, along with its favorable hot and cold working characteristics, make it a versatile material for a wide range of industrial applications. Its ability to be welded, brazed, and soldered, combined with the benefits of annealing and surface treatments, ensures it can meet specific manufacturing needs effectively.
Copper C14500, also known as Tellurium copper, is highly resistant to corrosion, similar to pure copper. This makes it ideal for environments where corrosion can be an issue. Its corrosion resistance is vital for plumbing fixtures, electrical components, and manufacturing parts exposed to various environmental conditions.
Copper C14500 exhibits excellent heat management capabilities, contributing to its utility in applications requiring efficient heat dissipation and thermal stability.
Copper C14500 boasts high melting points, with a solidus at 1924°F (1051°C) and a liquidus at 1976°F (1080°C), making it suitable for high-temperature applications.
With a density of 0.323 lb/in³ at 68°F (8.94 g/cm³ at 20°C) and a specific heat of 9.2 x 10^-2 BTU/lb-°F (385 J/Kg °K), Copper C14500 efficiently absorbs and retains heat.
Copper C14500 excels in conducting heat, with a thermal conductivity of 2460 BTU-in/hr-ft²-°F (370 W/m°C), ideal for managing heat in electrical applications.
Its thermal expansion coefficient is 17.0 x 10^-6 per degree Celsius (20-200°C), crucial for components that must remain dimensionally stable under heat.
These thermal properties make Copper C14500 perfect for cooling systems, heat exchangers, and electronic components where efficient thermal management is essential.
Copper C145 is renowned for its excellent machinability but requires careful handling to ensure safety and preserve its quality. During machining, the formation of fine chips necessitates the use of protective equipment to prevent injury. Operators should wear safety goggles to protect against flying debris and gloves to safeguard against sharp edges.
This alloy boosts productivity but also requires specific safety measures. Regular maintenance and the use of machine guards minimize accident risks. Utilizing coolant systems can help reduce heat build-up and control chip formation, improving safety and prolonging tool life.
While Copper C145 can be welded and brazed, take precautions to avoid hazards. Ensure proper ventilation to prevent inhaling harmful fumes and wear protective gear to prevent burns and skin contact with hot materials.
Machining and welding can produce dust and fumes that are health hazards if inhaled. Use ventilation systems and respirators as needed to protect respiratory health. Regular air quality checks ensure compliance with safety standards.
Although tellurium and phosphorus are present in small amounts, they can be hazardous if mishandled. Wear gloves and protective clothing to reduce skin contact and ventilate work areas to avoid harmful fume buildup.
Store Copper C145 in a dry, clean area to prevent corrosion. Keep it away from heat and ignition sources. Dispose of waste responsibly following local regulations, ensuring cutting fluids are treated properly. Recycling scrap material is recommended.
Refer to the Safety Data Sheet (SDS) for Copper C145 for detailed handling, storage, and disposal instructions. This document is crucial for complying with safety regulations and protecting worker health.
Below are answers to some frequently asked questions:
Copper C145, also known as Tellurium copper or Alloy C14500, primarily consists of copper, making up 99.5% to 99.9% of the alloy. It also contains tellurium, which ranges from 0.4% to 0.7%, and phosphorus, ranging from 0.004% to 0.12%. This specific composition enhances its machinability and electrical conductivity, making it suitable for various industrial applications.
Copper C14500, also known as Tellurium Copper, has notable mechanical and electrical properties. Mechanically, in its annealed condition, it has an ultimate tensile strength of 220 MPa (32 x 10^3 psi) and a yield strength of 69 MPa (10 x 10^3 psi). The material also exhibits 50% elongation at break and a shear strength of 150 MPa (22 x 10^3 psi). Its Rockwell F hardness is 40, with an elastic modulus of 120 GPa (17 x 10^6 psi) and a shear modulus of 43 GPa (6.3 x 10^6 psi). The Poisson’s ratio is 0.34. Electrically, C14500 boasts high conductivity, with 94% IACS (International Annealed Copper Standard) equal volume conductivity and 95% IACS equal weight conductivity. In practical terms, it achieves 93% IACS at 68 °F, equating to 0.539 MegaSiemens/cm at 20 °C. These properties make C14500 a valuable material for applications requiring excellent machinability and conductivity.
Tellurium copper (C14500) is commonly used in various applications due to its excellent machinability and high electrical conductivity. It is frequently employed in the production of electrical components such as circuit breaker terminals, electrical connectors, motor or switch parts, and transistor bases. The alloy is also used to manufacture parts in high-speed automatic screw machines, including forgings, screw machine parts, and plumbing fittings. Additionally, it is utilized for welding tips, torch tips, and other machining tools because of its resistance to hydrogen embrittlement and the ability to produce clean chips during machining. Furthermore, tellurium copper is suitable for relay parts, switch gears, transformers, and various conductors due to its good corrosion resistance and thermal conductivity.
C14500 tellurium copper has significantly better machinability compared to pure copper, with a machinability rating of 85-90% versus pure copper’s 20%. This is due to the addition of tellurium, which helps produce short, clean chips during machining, unlike the long, tangled chips formed by pure copper. This difference results in more efficient machining processes, reduced tool wear, and allows C14500 to be machined at speeds up to five times faster than pure copper. These improvements make C14500 a preferred choice in applications requiring efficient machining, while still retaining high electrical and thermal conductivity.
For welding Copper C14500 (Tellurium copper), Gas Tungsten Arc Welding (GTAW) is the preferred method due to its ability to provide high localized heat input, which is essential given the material’s high thermal conductivity. Preheating sections over 3.0mm to around 250°C is recommended to reduce thermal stresses and prevent cracking. Surface preparation is crucial to avoid porosity, ensuring surfaces are clean and free from contaminants.
Brazing is generally more suitable than welding for C14500. It avoids high-temperature issues and provides reliable joints. Use compatible filler metals and fluxes, such as nickel-based brazing alloys, for strength and corrosion resistance. Proper joint preparation and controlled heating are important to ensure the filler metal flows correctly into the joint.
C14500 Tellurium Copper retains the excellent corrosion resistance properties of pure copper. It is particularly resistant to marine water, making it suitable for applications exposed to seawater or similar environments. Additionally, it exhibits good bacteriostatic and anti-microbial properties, which help prevent the growth of microorganisms like lichen and moss. This combination of properties makes C14500 a reliable choice for various applications requiring durability against corrosion.
