flat copper strips

Flat Copper Strips: The Comprehensive Guide

Flat copper strip is a thin, flat piece of copper that is usually rectangular in shape.

It is often used in electrical and electronics applications as a conductor for carrying electrical current.

It can be made from pure copper or from copper alloys, and it comes in a range of widths and thicknesses to suit different applications.

One of the reasons why copper strips are very common is due to their high thermal conductivity together with excellent electrical conductivity.

This explains why they are very popular in the electrical industry. In this article, we will be looking at a type of copper strips, the flat copper strips.

Let’s keep reading.

Flat copper strip refers to a rolled copper material which measures between 0.5mm to 10 mm in thickness.

Depending on where it is being manufacturer, the flat copper strip can be available in a variety of widths and thicknesses. This copper strip is known to possess lots of benefits, qualities and can be used in different applications.

Flat copper strip is commonly used in power distribution systems, transformers, motors, and generators, as well as in various industrial and consumer products.

The Grade of Flat Copper Strips

There are two main grades of flat copper strips in the market. That is the Grade C 106 and Grade C 101.

Grade C 106 Flat Copper Strip

Grade C 106 refers to a non-arsenical, deoxidized and phosphorus flat copper strip grade which has had all the oxygen removed through the controlled phosphorus addition in the melting cycles. Grade C 106 contains 99.85% copper content.

Grade C 106 also known as Cu-DHP or CW024A does have an excellent thermal and electrical conductivity with great formability. Grade C 106 is the most popular grade of flat copper strips and it is mainly used in fasteners, connectors, general engineering, transformers, non-electrical applications, heat sinks, storage tanks, motor components, gas plants and much more.

Grade C 101 Flat Copper Strip

Grade C 101 refers to an electrical copper and is well known for its high conductivity. It is a great copper grade for use in electrical applications thanks to its high levels of thermal conductivity. The C101 is mainly used in the production of the ordinary bronzes and brass. This grade is well refined during its manufacture using electrolytic disposition and thereafter heated to melting point before being oxidized to produce low content of oxygen.

What Are The Applications Of Flat Copper Strips?

Flat copper strips can be used in a wide variety of applications due to its high level of resistance to corrosion and great conductivity features.

Here are some of the areas where flat copper strips can be used:

  • Construction industry: They are used in offering protection to the outside structures like roofs, doors, gutters, domes, flashings and much more.
  • Automotive industry: They are commonly used in electrical powered vehicles.
  • Heat sinks and heat exchangers: Its inherent features and its lower purchase price make it a great material for use in heat exchangers and heat sinks.

Why We Need Flat Copper Strips?

There are different reasons why flat copper strips are needed.

The flat copper strips are in high demand since they require minimal maintenance after installation.

They also have the capacity to function even when used under harsh weather conditions.

The flat copper strips have great electrical and thermal conductivity.

They also have high resistance to corrosion levels and greater toughness when compared to other copper grades.

Advantages of the Flat Copper Strips

Flat copper strips have several benefits in different applications and industries where it is used.

Here are some of the most popular benefits of flat copper strips.

  • Lightweight: Flat copper strips are much sturdier when compared to other copper strips hence; there is no need of using them with insulation materials which helps in reducing their weight.
  • Dependable: Flat copper strips are known to be very durable and flexible making it possible for one to use them with ease reducing degree of errors and breakdowns.
  • Space Optimization: Flat copper wires will help in saving lots of space as they exclude the use of tapes and fillers. Their square and rectangular cross section makes them easier to be stacked.

How to Manufacture One Piece of Flat Copper Strip?

The entire productions start with transforming the unprocessed ore to a purified version that can be used in different applications. In most cases, sulfide and oxide are used in copper extraction.

Procedure 1: Copper Melting
Melting of copper is done on an electric furnace. Copper has a melting point of 1981°F which is quite high. The induction furnace is quite expensive although they guarantee safety. There are times when other elements like zinc can be added to help come up with copper alloy.

Procedure 2: Testing
Copper batches are then taken to the laboratory for inspection to ensure they meet the minimum production specification and requirements.

Procedure 3: Cutting
After approval of every copper batch, they are then formed onto the copper strip which is placed on the cutting table and cut using a saw. Smoothing of the strips rough surface is done.

Procedure 4: Hot-Rolling
Heating of the copper strip at 1,832 °F is done and flattened to ensure it is of same thickness and to ensure it is a workable material.

Procedure 5: Water Washing
The resulting product is passed through a washing procedure to help prevent the product any irregular materials that has passed through and help remove impurities. All the dark spots are removed using a metal brush while the red sections are cleaned by washing pool acid.

Procedure 6: Plate Rolling
The final step is heat treating and forging the flat copper strip into the sealing furnace and processing of it to a fine copper strip material.

What Assistance Can We Provide For Your Flat Copper Strips Project?

We have invested in a skillful and experienced team that are responsible of making high quality flat copper strips that will be of great help in the success of your project.

We have state of the are equipment’s that will help ensure we successfully complete your project in time.

Our knowledgeable staff will always take you through the entire procedure right from selection of materials through to the manufacturing stage.

Conclusion

Flat copper strip physical properties such as conductivity are twice stronger than of other metals like aluminum.

This makes flat copper strips a great option for use in applications and products that require fast transfer of heat.

Flat copper strips are very common in water pipes, gas lines, construction industry, rainwater systems and roofing.

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