Copper is a native metal that is naturally occurred within the minerals malachite, azurite, cuprite, chalcopyrite, and bornite. It is one of the oldest metals that we use in our life and often found naturally in a usable form. Copper’s element symbol is Cu, with the atomic number of 29. Here we will introduce the characteristics and applications of Copper in different industries. Copper is soft with high ductility and machinability, it can be worked with cold or hot worked, by using welding, fasteners, or with adhesives. It also has a high thermal and electrical conductivity which made it widely used in the electrical industry. Copper possesses good resistance to corrosion as it has a level of patina that forms on its surface to protect it from getting rusted, so it has a long usage life as well. It is non-magnetic and non-sparking which can be used in military applications or made as other special tools. Copper is generally 100% recyclable without any loss of its quality. Besides, it is inherently hygienic which has antimicrobial properties, and biofouling resistance which is suitable to be installed as doorknob or handrail in the hospital or other areas that require high hygiene concern. Copper can also be combined with other metals to make alloys which is harden and stronger in comparison for the pure copper. For example, Brass is the alloy of copper and zinc, Cupronickel is the alloy of copper and nickel, whereas Bronze is formed when copper melted with tin. Many other copper alloys are available in the market to meet different application requirements.
Applications of Copper
In the construction industry, we commonly use copper to make pipes and tubing, to be used for our home water distribution system, heating and cooling systems, potable water, and also it can be found in the fire sprinklers system of our buildings. Due to its highly malleable and durability, copper is popular to be used as one of the elements in architectural building design. It can be made to form complex shapes such as striking green copper cladding, roof, facades, gutters which provide a beautiful, practical contribution to the modern building. Copper has its own color unlike the other metal, its shiny red color will naturally become brown and then gradually turn to green patina after exposure to the environment for a period of time. The industry now can provide a particular color to meet design requirement by pre-oxidized or pre-patinated its. Nowadays, copper and copper alloys are available in a wide range of color (for example, red-yellow brass, golden-brown bronze, gold-colored copper), and forms (for example, strip, solid sheet, punched, or meshed), those provide great performance, longevity, natural element, and environmental benefits to the building and globe.
Since the creation of the telegraph and electromagnet in the 1820s, copper is highly demanded for use as communication cables and wires for electrical conduction due to its high ductility, electrical conductivity, thermal conductivity, and malleability. Nearly half of all the copper is used for the electrical industry as copper wire. Copper wire is used for power transmission, electronics circuitry, telecommunications, and other electrical equipment. However, aluminum has become another choice as a conductor because it is relatively cheaper and has only 30% of the weight of copper, though it has only 61% of the conductivity of copper. If weight and price are not the concern of choosing the conductor, copper will be an ideal choice. The invention of Copper-clad aluminum wire will also be used to gain the advantages of the conductivity of copper and the lightweight of aluminum.
Copper is also used in the mechanism industry as machined components and parts such as gears, cylinder liners, fasteners for transmission parts, and fixed parts. Other engineering applications for machined copper part also include hydraulic tubing, valves, radiators, and many more which used in the engineering field. Copper can be added as an additive element to the steel and aluminum, as by adding a certain amount of copper to structural steel can increase its level of corrosion resistance and hardness.
In addition, copper and copper alloy are tough which is well suited to be used as tools or weapons. Many gardening tools are made of bronze and brass such as trowels, spades, and hoes which have 95% copper and 5% tin, this kind of metal is strong, does not rust easily, and has a longer life than iron or steel made tools. Since copper is an essential element for the growth of plant, copper gardening tools able to enrich the soil with coppertrace elements and provide nutrients to the plants.
Comparison: Copper or Steel?
It is always important to weigh the pros and cons when choosing the right material for your projects. Here we have summarized some of the key factors that you need to consider when choosing between copper and steel.
1. Cost: In consideration of the short term cost saving, steel will be a better choice in comparison with the copper. One of the steel’s selling point is that the cost of steel is less than the copper with the same amount.
2. Longevity: Both materials won’t going to ruin in a short period of time. But if you are looking for something that can last for decades, copper will be a better choice.
3. Strength: Steel has a greater level of strength as compared to copper. It is the strongest material and widely used in the construction field.
4. Environmental factors: Steel is more easily to rust and reversely affected by external environmental factors such as weather, moisture level. Copper is highly resistant to corrosion and that is the reason why we see the popularity of copper pipes instead of steel pipes in the plumbing sector. Thought copper itself has its own issues and restrictions but still preferable over the steel in some applications.
MecHero supplies a variety of copper products such as pipes/tubes, piping accessories, electrical components, or other tools in Malaysia. We offer copper and copper alloy in a different form (sheet and coil), sizes, thickness, and application. You can always contact us at +6011-7001 7687 or email to us at my.mechero@gmail.com for the inquiry. Tell us your requirements now about the copper and other alloys you're looking for and we can advise you accordingly.
