Copper is one of the world’s most popular and widely used metals today. Its excellent conductivity, high ductility, and corrosion resistance make it a favourable choice for various industrial and commercial applications. Copper is available in various grades, and each grade has a different set of properties and applications.
C101 and C106 are two different and most commonly used grades of copper, and they differ primarily in their chemical composition and characteristics. These grades are often used in various industrial and electrical applications. Here's a comparison between C101 and C106 copper:
Chemical Composition
Copper C101 is a grade of pure copper with 99.99% copper content. It is also known as Oxygen-Free Electronic (OFE) copper and contains a very low oxygen content, typically less than 0.001%. This makes it highly pure and suitable for applications where electrical conductivity and thermal conductivity are crucial.
Copper C106, on the other hand, is a phosphorus-deoxidised copper with a copper content of 99.90%. It also has good electrical and thermal conductivity and high flexibility. However, the addition of phosphorus improves the material's strength and hardness compared to pure copper.
Mechanical Properties
C101 copper is relatively soft and malleable. It has low tensile strength and hardness, which can make it less suitable for applications where mechanical strength is critical. Copper C101 has a higher purity level and is more malleable and ductile than Copper C106. It also has excellent corrosion resistance in most environments, especially when exposed to moisture.
C106 copper, being a phosphorised alloy, is harder and stronger compared to C101 copper. It has improved mechanical properties, making it more suitable for certain mechanical and structural applications. C106 calso has good corrosion resistance, although it may not be as corrosion-resistant as C101 copper due to the presence of phosphorus.
Common Applications
Both Copper C101 and C106 find their applications in a wide variety of industrial and commercial settings. Copper C101 is primarily used for electrical applications such as transformers, connectors, and high-frequency RF (radio frequency) components. Its exceptional electrical conductivity makes it a favourite choice in the electronics industry.
C106 copper is often used in applications where a combination of electrical conductivity and mechanical strength is required, such as in electrical contacts, springs, and certain fasteners. It is also used in the automotive industry for manufacturing radiators, heat exchangers and brake tubing.
Conclusion
In summary, Copper C101 and C106 are excellent copper grades with unique properties that make them suitable for various industrial and commercial applications. C101 is exceptionally pure and has excellent electrical conductivity but may lack the mechanical strength of C106, which is an alloy with improved strength and hardness due to the presence of phosphorus.
If you are still deciding which grade to use, consult the knowledgeable team at P&P Non-Ferrous for guidance. We can help you choose the right grade of copper for your application, ensuring optimal performance and durability, and answer any questions you may have.
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