Copper Alloys are materials formed by combining copper with elements such as zinc, tin, nickel, aluminum, silicon, or beryllium to enhance strength, corrosion resistance, hardness, and electrical performance while retaining copper’s natural advantages.
These alloys offer an optimal balance of conductivity, durability, and mechanical performance, making them essential across engineering, industrial, marine, and decorative applications.
Major Copper Alloy Families
| Alloy Family | Main Alloying Element(s) | Typical Cu % |
|---|---|---|
| Brasses | Zinc (Zn) | 55 – 95 |
| Bronzes | Tin, Al, Si, Mn, Be | 80 – 97 |
| Copper–Nickel | Nickel (Ni) | 70 – 90 |
| Nickel Silver | Ni + Zn (no silver) | 55 – 65 |
| High-Copper Alloys | Minor alloy additions | ≥ 96 |
Key Physical Properties
| Property | Typical Range |
|---|---|
| Density | 8.3 – 8.9 g/cm³ |
| Melting Range | 900 – 1085°C |
| Electrical Conductivity | 5 – 95% IACS |
| Thermal Conductivity | 60 – 400 W/m·K |
| Magnetic Behavior | Mostly non-magnetic |
| Corrosion Resistance | Good to excellent |
Key Mechanical Properties
| Property | Typical Range |
|---|---|
| Tensile Strength | 200 – 1400 MPa |
| Yield Strength | 70 – 1100 MPa |
| Elongation | 1 – 50% |
| Hardness | 60 – 450 HB |
| Fatigue Resistance | Moderate to excellent |
| Wear Resistance | Good to outstanding |
Strengthening & Metallurgical Behavior
✔ Solid solution strengthening (Zn, Sn, Ni, Al)
✔ Cold working / strain hardening
✔ Precipitation hardening (Be-Cu, Cu-Ni-Si)
✔ Grain refinement techniques
Phase Behavior:
α-phase alloys – ductile and formable
α + β alloys – higher strength, reduced ductility
Intermetallic-strengthened alloys – extremely high strength
Refining & Processing Properties
✔ Electrolytic refining to high-purity copper cathodes
✔ Controlled alloying in induction or reverberatory furnaces
✔ Excellent hot and cold workability
✔ Excellent soldering and brazing behavior
✔ Machinability ranges from poor (pure Cu) to excellent (leaded brass)
Available Forms
Sheets & plates
Coils & strips
Rods & bars (round, hex, square)
Tubes & pipes
Wires & cables
Forgings & castings
Precision extrusions
Applications of Copper Alloys
Electrical & Electronics: connectors, terminals, busbars, switch components
Marine & Offshore: condenser tubes, seawater piping, propellers, fasteners
Automotive & Aerospace: bearings, bushings, heat exchangers
Industrial Manufacturing: valves, pumps, gears, wear plates
Architecture & Consumer: decorative hardware, roofing, musical instruments
Advantages of Copper Alloys
✔ Wide strength and conductivity range
✔ Excellent corrosion resistance
✔ Superior wear and fatigue performance
✔ Easy fabrication and joining
✔ Long service life
✔ 100% recyclable with minimal property loss
Why Choose Copper Alloys?
Copper alloys are selected when performance, reliability, corrosion resistance, and long service life are more important than raw material cost. They offer a versatile solution across electrical, mechanical, marine, and decorative industries.
Quick Alloy Selection Guide
| Requirement | Recommended Alloy |
|---|---|
| Maximum Conductivity | Pure copper / high-copper alloy |
| Best Machinability | C36000 (Free-cutting brass) |
| Marine Resistance | Naval / Admiralty brass, Cu-Ni |
| High Wear Resistance | Aluminum bronze |
| High Strength + Conductivity | Beryllium copper |
| Decorative & Forming | Cartridge brass |