Copper and copper alloy

Background

Copper and copper alloy are amongst the most versatile materials available and are used for applications in every type of industry. World consumption of copper now exceeds 18 million tonnes per annum.

Copper is well known for it’s conductivity but it has other properties that have been exploited in a wide range of copper alloy. These alloys have been developed for a wide variety of applications and numerous fabrication processes employed to produce fished goods.
Suitable Fabrication Techniques

Fabrication techniques that copper alloy are largely suited to include machining, forming, stamping, joining, polishing and plating.
Machinability

The exceptional machinability of some copper alloy means that free machining brass sets the standard of machinability by which all other metals are judged.
Handling and Storage of Copper

The procedures for the handling and storage of copper and copper alloy are very similar to those used for aluminium and stainless steel.
Cleanliness

The most important factor is cleanliness. Contaminated copper  can be the cause of cracking or porosity during heat treatment or welding. Corrosion resistance can also be adversely affected. Tooling and work surfaces should be dedicated to use with copper  materials or thoroughly cleaned before use. If this is rule us not adhered to, cross contamination can occur.
Protective Packaging

Copper sheets should remain in their packaging until required and should be kept separated by protective material to avoid abrasion between the sheets.
Storage of Copper

Plates and sheets should be stored vertically in covered racks. All copper materials should never be walked upon.
Ductility and Malleability

The ductility and malleability of copper and copper alloy makes them ideally suited to fabrication methods that involve severe deformation such as:

·         Tube forming

·         Wire drawing

·         Spinning

·         Roll forming

·         Deep drawing

These fabrication methods require specialised, heavy equipment and skilled operators. If fabrication by one of these methods is required, more information should be sought independently.
Fabrication of Copper
Cutting of Copper

Most copper alloy are relatively soft and can be readily cut using common hand tools and standard cutting methods.
Damage During Cutting

While the relative softness of copper  makes it easy to cut, it is important to protect the component from unwanted damage during cutting. This damage may include, but not be limited to, bending, denting or scratching.
Cutting Pipe and Tube
Hacksaw

Sand Casting, Aluminum Sand Casting, Gravity Die Casting, Aluminum Die Casting