Copper benefits & properties
In addition to its well known traditional properties – electrical and thermal conductivity, malleability and resistance to corrosion – copper is far more versatile in combining with other metals to provide performance characteristics needed to satisfy today’s increasingly complex demands.
Some of the most important properties that have leas to the wide use of copper today are:
- it is an excellent electrical conductor, second only to that of silver. In 1913 copper was made a standard 100% conductivity, ie IACS (International Anneal Copper Standard).
- Ductile – can be rolled into foil with a thickness of as little as 7 micron.
- Good casting properties that facilitates the production of fine details.
- Easy to join by solder or welding.
- Resistant to most types of corrosion.
- Ability to form alloys that have attractive colour and can be given a high polish.
- More recently to excellent antimicrobial properties of copper have been realised.
Some of the benefits of copper are:
- very good hot and cold workability
- ability to form a natural patina in the atmosphere that aides corrosion protection
- 100% recyclable
- as copper is a noble metal which means it’s galvanic corrosion resistance with other metals is very good.
Applications for copper plate products
- Grounding and earthing systems
- Earth plates and grounding electrodes
- Lightning protection systems
- Electrical grounding connections in buildings and infrastructure
- Electrical switchboards and power distribution
- Copper busbars
- High-current connections
- Electrical distribution panels
- Transformer and substation connections
- Building lightning protection
- Grounding plates and conductors
- Connections between lightning protection systems and earth
- Heavy-duty electrical bonding components
- Roofing and architectural construction
- Heavy-duty roofing details
- Roof flashing and penetrations
- Cornices, gutters, and architectural features
- Decorative wall and façade elements
- Heat-transfer systems
- Heat exchanger components
- Heating and cooling equipment
- Thermal plates for building services and industrial facilities
- Plumbing and mechanical services
- Special-purpose fittings and connection plates
- Heat-transfer components
- Components exposed to demanding environmental conditions
- Structural and connection components
- Copper plates used as bearing or connection elements in specialist structures
- Plates for electrical/mechanical bonding
- Custom-fabricated brackets and supports where copper’s properties are advantageous
- Industrial buildings and infrastructure
- Electrical substations
- Data centres
- Power-generation facilities
- Manufacturing plants
- High-current electrical installations
Frequently asked questions
Q1: What is the difference between copper sheet and copper plate? A: Copper sheet is supplied in thicknesses up to 3mm and is suited to applications requiring formability, such as electrical components, decorative work and light fabrication. Copper plate starts at 4mm and above, offering greater rigidity for heavy fabrication, busbar manufacture, heat exchangers and architectural roofing and cladding.
Q2: What alloy grades of copper plate does Austral Wright Metals stock? A: We stock copper plate in alloy C10200 (oxygen-free copper), suitable for welding and brazing and offering superior electrical conductivity. C11000 (ETP) and C12200 (DHP) grades are available for specific applications — contact us to confirm availability.
Q3: Can copper plate be cut to custom sizes? A: Yes. Copper plate can be guillotined, laser or water jet cut to custom dimensions. This service is not provided by Austral Wright Metals. Sizes outside the standard stock range are available subject to mill runs. Contact us to discuss your specific requirements.
Q4: Is copper plate suitable for electrical applications? A: Yes. C10200 (oxygen-free copper) and C11000 (ETP copper) are the grades most commonly used in electrical applications including busbars, transformer windings and electrical distribution infrastructure. C12200 (DHP copper) is not recommended for electrical applications due to its reduced conductivity.
Q5: What is the maximum thickness of copper plate available? A: We stock copper plate up to 10mm thickness in alloy C10200. Thicker plate or non-standard dimensions may be available subject to mill runs — contact us for a quote.
Q6: Where can I buy copper plate in Australia? A: Austral Wright Metals stocks copper plate for delivery or collection from branches in Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide and Perth. Submit an enquiry online or contact your nearest branch directly.
Q7: What is copper plate used for? A: Industrial copper plate is used in busbars and power distribution, transformer and generator components, heat exchangers, chemical vessels, roofing and architectural cladding, and heavy fabrication. The correct alloy grade depends on the application — C10200 for electrical and welding, C12200 for roofing and architectural work.
Q8: Does copper plate corrode? A: Copper naturally develops a protective patina over time when exposed to the atmosphere, which aids corrosion resistance rather than degrading the metal. For most industrial and architectural applications this is a desirable property.
Q9: What is the difference between oxygen-free copper and standard copper plate? A: Oxygen-free copper (C10200) has a purity of 99.95% and is not susceptible to hydrogen embrittlement at elevated temperatures, making it preferred for high-conductivity electrical and welding applications. Standard electrolytic tough pitch copper (C11000) has a purity of 99.9% and is the most widely used commercial grade for electrical busbars and motor windings.
Customers can request copper plate products to be produced to their individual specifications, or select from our extensive stocks of copper and copper alloy sheet, coil and extrusions.
For the latest copper sheet pricing information contact us for a quote: https://www.australwright.com.au/enquiry-form/
