Copper, with its remarkable electrical and thermal conductivity, corrosion resistance, and ductility, is a cornerstone material in modern industry. Among the many grades of copper available, C10200 and C11000 stand out for their unique properties and wide-ranging applications. This Copper C11000 vs C10200 article delves into the differences between these 2 copper alloy materials. Including their characteristics, uses, and market considerations of these two copper grades, highlighting their significance in various industries.
What is C11000 Copper?
C11000 copper, commonly known as Electrolytic Tough Pitch (ETP) copper, is a commercially pure grade of copper containing a minimum of 99.9% copper with a small amount of oxygen (approximately 0.02% to 0.04%). It is one of the most widely used copper grades due to its excellent electrical and thermal conductivity, good ductility, and ease of fabrication. Because of its superior conductivity, C11000 is often the material of choice for electrical wiring, bus bars, connectors, and other components where high electrical performance is required.
What are Copper C11000 Compositions?
Copper C11000 is a commercially pure copper with excellent electrical and thermal conductivity. It contains a small amount of oxygen, which improves the refining process but slightly reduces suitability for certain applications like welding in high-vacuum environments.
C11000 Copper Properties
C11000 copper is prized for its physical and mechanical properties, which include:
Electrical Conductivity: ~101% IACS (International Annealed Copper Standard), making it ideal for electrical applications.
Thermal Conductivity: High, at approximately 390–400 W/m·K, excellent for heat dissipation.
Tensile Strength: Ranges from 200 to 400 MPa, depending on temper.
Yield Strength: ~70 to 300 MPa depending on whether it’s annealed or cold-worked.
Elongation: Can exceed 40% in annealed condition, offering good formability.
Hardness: Around 40 Brinell (annealed) to over 100 (hard drawn).
Corrosion Resistance: Good in non-oxidizing environments, though susceptible to certain acids and ammonia compounds.
What is Copper C11000 Grade?
The C11000 grade is classified under the UNS (Unified Numbering System) for copper alloys and is recognized by ASTM standards such as ASTM B152 (for plate, sheet, strip), ASTM B187 (for rods and bars), and others. As an ETP copper, it’s especially notable for applications where electrical conductivity is paramount. While not oxygen-free, the trace oxygen gives it better resistance to hydrogen embrittlement than some purer grades, making it more suitable for general manufacturing and electrical use.
Copper C11000 Material Applications
C11000 Copper Applications (Electrolytic Tough Pitch Copper)
C11000 copper, known for its excellent electrical and thermal conductivity, is one of the most commonly used copper grades in electrical and industrial applications.
-Electrical: Widely used in wires, cables, busbars, motor windings, and switchgear due to its high conductivity.
-Plumbing: Common in water pipes, fittings, and valves thanks to its good corrosion resistance and formability.
-Architecture: Used in roofing, cladding, and decorative elements for its workability and aesthetic finish.
-Industrial Equipment: Found in transformers, connectors, terminals, and heat exchangers.
-Consumer Goods: Utilized in cookware and art for its balance of performance and appearance.
Its combination of conductivity, affordability, and availability makes it a go-to material across multiple industries.
What is Copper C11000 Density?
The density of C11000 copper is approximately:
8.89 g/cm³
Or 8890 kg/m³
This density is typical for high-purity copper and makes it relatively heavy but ideal for conductive purposes due to the tight atomic packing of copper atoms.
What is C11000 Copper Material Price?
The price of C11000 copper depends on market conditions, quantity, form (sheet, bar, wire, tube), and supplier. As of recent market data:
General price range: $8 to $15 per kilogram
Bulk or wholesale prices: Can be lower with volume
Higher-grade or specialty forms: Such as precision tubes or rolled foil, can reach $20+ per kg
Keep in mind that copper is a globally traded commodity, and prices can fluctuate based on global demand, supply disruptions, and metal exchange rates (such as the London Metal Exchange – LME).
What is C10200 Copper?
C102000 contains a minimum of 99.95% copper with very low oxygen content (≤0.001%). It is produced through a process that eliminates almost all oxygen, making it highly suitable for applications requiring exceptional electrical and thermal conductivity, corrosion resistance, and weldability. It has electrical conductivity of around 101% IACS (International Annealed Copper Standard) and excellent formability.
C10200 Copper Properties
C10200 Copper, also known as Oxygen-Free Electronic (OFE) Copper, is one of the purest forms of commercially available copper, containing 99.95% minimum copper and extremely low oxygen content (≤0.001%). This purity makes it ideal for applications where high electrical and thermal conductivity are critical, such as in electronic components, vacuum systems, and high-end audio equipment.
In terms of mechanical properties, C10200 offers moderate strength with excellent ductility. In its annealed (soft) condition, it typically has a tensile strength of 220–260 MPa and a yield strength of 70–100 MPa, with an elongation of around 40%, making it highly formable. Its modulus of elasticity is about 117 GPa, and the hardness ranges between 40–60 Vickers, depending on temper.
The physical properties of C10200 are particularly impressive. It has a density of 8.94 g/cm³ and an electrical conductivity of at least 101% IACS, which means it conducts electricity better than standard copper. Its thermal conductivity is also excellent, typically around 391 W/m·K, making it highly effective for heat dissipation. The melting point of C10200 copper is approximately 1083°C, and it has a coefficient of thermal expansion of about 16.9 µm/m·°C over the 20–300°C range.
Copper C10200 Material Applications
C10200 copper is widely used where high electrical and thermal conductivity, purity, and resistance to hydrogen embrittlement are essential.
Electronics: Used in high-frequency connectors, PCBs, semiconductors, and audio equipment for its superior conductivity.
Medical & Scientific Equipment: Ideal for MRI machines, vacuum devices, and cryogenic systems due to its purity and stability.
Aerospace & Defense: Found in satellites, radar systems, and vacuum-sealed components requiring high reliability.
Thermal Management: Common in heat sinks, exchangers, and laser equipment for excellent heat dissipation.
Industrial Applications: Used in welding electrodes, furnace parts, and precision machined components.
What is Copper C10200 Grade?
Copper C10200 is a high-purity copper grade that contains a minimum of 99.95% copper and extremely low oxygen content (typically less than 0.001%). It is classified under the UNS (Unified Numbering System) as C10200 and is renowned for its excellent electrical and thermal conductivity, second only to silver among commercial metals. Due to its exceptional purity, C10200 is often used in applications where copper must maintain conductivity without the risk of hydrogen embrittlement or contamination from oxygen, such as in high-frequency electronics, vacuum devices, semiconductor manufacturing, and high-end audio or power transmission systems.
What are Copper C10200 Compositions
| Element | Composition (%) |
| Copper (Cu) | ≥ 99.95% |
| Oxygen (O) | ≤ 0.0005% |
What is Copper C10200 Density?
The density of C10200 copper (Oxygen-Free Electronic Copper) is approximately:
8.94 g/cm³ (or 8940 kg/m³)
This high density is typical of pure copper grades and contributes to its excellent thermal and electrical conductivity.
What is C10200 Copper Material Price?
The price of C10200 copper (Oxygen-Free Electronic Copper) varies based on factors such as form (sheet, rod, tube), thickness, order quantity, and supplier. As of recent listings, the price per kilogram typically ranges between $8 and $17 USD, depending on the specific product and purchase volume.
For instance, C10200 copper tubes are priced between $8 and $17 per kilogram, with variations based on size and specifications . Similarly, C10200 copper plates are available in the range of $8.00 to $39.00 per kilogram, depending on thickness and order quantity.
It’s important to note that these prices are indicative and can fluctuate based on market conditions, supplier, and location. For the most accurate and up-to-date pricing, it’s recommended to contact suppliers directly with your specific requirements.
Copper 10200 vs C11000, What’s the Difference?
Both C10200 and C11000 copper grades play vital roles in modern industry, each with its unique set of properties and applications. C10200, with its ultra-high purity and exceptional conductivity, is ideal for specialized applications in electronics, vacuum systems, and high-end audio equipment. On the other hand, C11000, with its balance of conductivity, ductility, and ease of fabrication, is a versatile workhorse grade used extensively in electrical wiring, connectors, and general manufacturing.
Understanding the differences between these two grades allows engineers, manufacturers, and consumers to make informed decisions based on their specific needs. Whether it’s the high-purity requirements of C10200 or the cost-effective versatility of C11000, both grades of copper continue to drive innovation and efficiency across various sectors.
| Property | C10200 (Oxygen-Free Copper – OFHC) | C11000 (Electrolytic Tough Pitch – ETP) |
|---|---|---|
| Purity | ≥ 99.95% | ≥ 99.90% |
| Oxygen Content | < 0.001% (oxygen-free) | ~0.02% (contains oxygen) |
| Electrical Conductivity | ≥ 101% IACS | ≥ 100% IACS |
| Thermal Conductivity | Excellent | Excellent |
| Formability | Excellent | Very Good |
| Corrosion Resistance | Excellent (especially in reducing atmospheres) | Good |
| Weldability | Excellent (no hydrogen embrittlement) | Limited (prone to hydrogen embrittlement) |
| Cost | Higher | Lower |
| Common Uses | High-end electronics, vacuum systems, aerospace, audio/video systems | Electrical wiring, plumbing, roofing, general manufacturing |
C11000 vs C10200 Copper in Terms of Electrical Conductivity
C10200 copper and C11000 copper are both high-purity copper grades with excellent electrical conductivity, but they have some differences in terms of composition and performance.
Electrical Conductivity Comparison
C10200 Copper:
Electrical Conductivity: Around 101% IACS (International Annealed Copper Standard).
Purity: 99.95% copper with very low oxygen content (≤0.001%) .
Characteristics: Due to its oxygen-free nature, C10200 has slightly better electrical conductivity compared to C11000. It is also more resistant to corrosion and oxidation, making it suitable for high-precision applications such as semiconductors and high-end electronics .
C11000 Copper:
Electrical Conductivity: Around 100% IACS .
Purity: 99.90% copper with a small amount of oxygen (approximately 0.02% to 0.04%) .
Characteristics: C11000 is highly conductive and widely used in general electrical applications such as wiring, busbars, and connectors. The trace amount of oxygen can slightly affect its performance in high-temperature environments, making it less suitable for applications requiring extreme purity .