Copper Plate is a flat, thick, solid form of copper produced through rolling or casting processes. It is known for excellent electrical and thermal conductivity, high corrosion resistance, and superior malleability.
Copper plates are widely used in electrical systems, industrial machinery, architectural structures, and heat-transfer applications due to their durability, performance, and long service life.
Common Grades Used
| Grade | Designation | Typical Use |
|---|---|---|
| ETP Copper | C11000 | Electrical & busbar plates |
| DHP Copper | C12200 | Heat exchangers, brazing |
| Oxygen-Free Copper | C10200 | High-vacuum, electronics |
| Cu-Ag Copper | C10700 | High-temperature conductivity |
Chemical Composition (C11000)
| Element | Typical % |
|---|---|
| Copper (Cu) | ≥ 99.90 |
| Oxygen | 0.02 – 0.04 |
| Impurities | < 0.01 |
For hydrogen-exposed or brazed applications, phosphorus-deoxidized copper (C12200) is preferred.
Physical Properties
| Property | Typical Value |
|---|---|
| Density | 8.94 g/cm³ |
| Melting Point | 1083 °C |
| Thermal Conductivity | 385 – 401 W/m·K |
| Electrical Conductivity | 97 – 101% IACS |
| Coefficient of Expansion | 16.5 × 10⁻⁶ /°C |
| Magnetic Property | Non-magnetic |
| Crystal Structure | FCC |
| Corrosion Resistance | Excellent |
Mechanical Properties
| Property | Annealed | Half-Hard | Hard |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tensile Strength | 200 – 220 MPa | 250 – 300 MPa | 350 – 420 MPa |
| Yield Strength | ~70 MPa | ~200 MPa | ~350 MPa |
| Elongation | 35 – 45% | 10 – 20% | 2 – 5% |
| Hardness | 40 – 55 HB | 70 – 95 HB | 100 – 120 HB |
Strengthening & Metallurgical Behavior
Copper plates exhibit a face-centered cubic (FCC) crystal structure with stable grains and excellent ductility.
Strengthening is achieved through cold working (rolling or forging), while annealing restores ductility.
❌ Copper plates are not precipitation or heat-treat hardenable.
Key Characteristics
✔ Very high electrical current-carrying capacity
✔ Excellent heat dissipation
✔ Uniform microstructure
✔ High corrosion resistance
✔ Excellent brazing and soldering behavior
✔ Long service life
✔ Fully recyclable
Refining & Processing
Electrolytic refining produces high-purity copper cathodes. These are melted, cast, hot rolled, cold rolled if required, annealed, and surface finished into plates.
✔ Excellent machinability with sharp tools
✔ Easy welding and brazing
✔ Minimal residual stress after annealing
Available Forms
Flat copper plates
Machined copper blocks
Laminated busbar plates
Grounding plates
Clad copper plates
Thickness range: 6 mm – 100 mm+
Custom cut-to-size available
Applications
Electrical & Power
Busbars,
switchgear plates,
transformer terminals,
substation grounding plates
Industrial & Thermal
Heat exchanger plates,
induction heating plates,
furnace components
Renewable Energy
Solar inverter plates,
EV charging systems,
wind turbine grounding
Engineering & Fabrication
Heavy electrical connectors,
welding backer plates
Advantages
✔ Maximum electrical conductivity
✔ High thermal performance
✔ Minimal energy loss
✔ Excellent corrosion resistance
✔ Long operational lifespan
✔ Low maintenance cost
Why Choose Copper Plates?
Copper plates are selected when applications demand high current density handling, efficient thermal management, mechanical rigidity, and reliable long-term performance.
Engineering Insight:
Copper plates outperform aluminum plates
by approximately 60% in current-carrying capacity
for the same cross-section.
Copper Plate vs Aluminum Plate
| Property | Copper | Aluminum |
|---|---|---|
| Conductivity | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Thermal Performance | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Corrosion Resistance | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐ |
| Weight | Heavy | Light |
| Lifecycle Cost | Lower | Medium |
Copper plates deliver unmatched electrical and thermal performance, durability, and reliability, making them indispensable for power, industrial, and energy-critical applications worldwide.