Copper (UNS C18000)
Copper C18000 is a high-performance copper alloy that belongs to the group of copper-nickel-silicon alloys. It is renowned for its excellent electrical and thermal conductivity, as well as its high strength and wear resistance.
| Chemical Composition | ||
|---|---|---|
| Element | Min | Max |
| Copper | 95.3% | 97.4% |
| Chromium | 0.4% | 0.8% |
| Iron | —— | 0.15% |
| Nickel | 1.8% | 3.0% |
| Silicon | 0.4% | 0.8% |
The following table provides a list of copper C18000 properties in both SI and US customary/Imperial units.
Click on the icon to switch between Metric and Imperial units.
| Physical Properties | Metric |
|---|---|
| Density | 8750 kg/m3 |
| Mechanical Properties | Metric |
| Tensile Strength (Ultimate) | 580 MPa |
| Tensile Strength (Yield) | 480 MPa |
| Young’s Modulus (E) | 115 GPa |
| Elongation at Break | 10% |
The values in this table are approximate and can vary depending on various factors such as the specific manufacturing process and heat treatment applied to the alloy.
Advantages & Disadvantages of Copper C18000
| Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|
| Excellent Electrical Conductivity | High Cost |
| High Thermal Conductivity | Limited Availability |
| Good Corrosion Resistance | Sensitivity to Certain Environments |
| High Strength | |
| Machinability |
Applications of Copper C18000
Copper C18000 is utilized in various industries for different applications due to its unique combination of properties. Some common applications of Copper C18000 include:
- Electrical connectors and terminals: Copper C18000’s excellent electrical conductivity and corrosion resistance make it suitable for applications that require efficient and reliable electrical connections. It is used in connectors, terminals, and bus bars in electrical and electronic devices.
- Switches and circuit breaker components: The high strength and conductivity of Copper C18000 make it an ideal choice for switches and circuit breaker components. It can handle high currents and provide reliable performance.
- Welding electrodes and tips: Copper C18000’s high thermal conductivity and good resistance to wear and heat make it suitable for welding applications. It is used for welding electrodes, resistance welding tips, and spot welding applications.
- Heat sinks and cooling components: Due to its excellent thermal conductivity, Copper C18000 is used in heat sinks and cooling components to efficiently dissipate heat from electronic devices, power systems, and machinery.
- Automotive components: Copper C18000 is used in various automotive applications, such as electrical connectors, terminals, and sensor components. Its high conductivity ensures efficient electrical performance in automotive systems.
- Aerospace components: In the aerospace industry, Copper C18000 is employed in electrical connectors, terminals, and other components that require high conductivity and resistance to corrosion in challenging environments.
- Medical equipment: Copper C18000’s biocompatibility, along with its electrical and thermal properties, makes it suitable for certain medical equipment and devices, including connectors, probes, and electrodes.
- Heat exchangers: Copper C18000’s thermal conductivity makes it suitable for heat exchangers, where it facilitates the efficient transfer of heat between fluids.