C14500, commonly known as Tellurium Copper, is a free-machining copper alloy designed to provide excellent machinability while retaining most of the electrical and thermal conductivity of pure copper.
A controlled addition of tellurium forms finely dispersed copper tellurides that act as chip breakers, dramatically improving machining performance without the use of lead.
Chemical Composition (Typical)
| Element | Typical Value |
|---|---|
| Copper (Cu) | ~99.3 – 99.6% |
| Tellurium (Te) | ~0.4 – 0.7% |
| Oxygen | Very Low |
| Other Impurities | Strictly Controlled |
Electrical & Thermal Properties
| Property | Typical Value |
|---|---|
| Electrical Conductivity | ~90 – 93% IACS |
| Thermal Conductivity | Very High |
| Electrical Resistivity | Low |
| Density | ~8.9 g/cm³ |
Mechanical Properties
| Property | Typical Range |
|---|---|
| Tensile Strength | ~250 – 350 MPa |
| Yield Strength | ~200 – 300 MPa |
| Hardness | ~80 – 110 HB |
| Ductility | Moderate |
Strengthening & Metallurgical Behavior
✔ Dispersion-strengthened copper alloy
✔ Fine Cu₂Te particles improve machinability
✔ Moderate strengthening without major conductivity loss
✔ Lead-free and environmentally compliant
Key Applications
Electrical & Electronics
Electrical connectors, terminals, switchgear components, busbar clamps
Precision Machined Components
CNC-machined copper parts, threaded fittings, pins, fasteners
Thermal Applications
Heat sinks, cooling plates, thermal blocks
Industrial & Automotive
EV connectors, high-current contacts, precision electrical hardware
Advantages of Tellurium Copper C14500
✔ Exceptional machinability (80–90% of free-cutting brass)
✔ Retains ~90%+ copper conductivity
✔ Lead-free free-machining copper
✔ Excellent dimensional stability
✔ Good corrosion resistance
✔ High surface finish quality
Why Choose C14500?
Tellurium Copper C14500 is the best choice when precision machining is required without sacrificing electrical or thermal performance. It bridges the gap between pure copper (high conductivity, poor machinability) and brass (easy machining, low conductivity).
In Simple Terms:
Pure Copper → Best conductivity, poor machinability
Tellurium Copper (C14500) → Best machinability + conductivity
Free-Machining Brass → Easy machining, low conductivity