Exceptional Conductivity and Corrosion Resistance – The Excellence of CW004A Copper Alloy
2025-03-19

CW004A is a European standard oxygen-free copper (OFC) alloy, conforming to EN-13601-2002. This standard specifies CW004A’s chemical composition, physical and mechanical properties, and processing methods, ensuring that the material meets the rigorous requirements of various industrial applications.

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1.Chemical Composition

ElementContent (%)
Copper (Cu)≥ 99.9
Lead (Pb)≤ 0.005
Oxygen (O)≤ 0.04
Bismuth (Bi)≤ 0.0005

Other elements (total)

≤ 0.03


Note: CW004A may contain trace amounts of silver (Ag), usually less than 0.015%.


2.Key Properties

(1)Physical Properties

  • Exceptional Electrical Conductivity: CW004A boasts an electrical conductivity of 58.0 MS/m (or 101% IACS), making it one of the best conductors available.

  • Superior Thermal Conductivity: With a thermal conductivity of 398 W/(m·K), CW004A efficiently dissipates heat, making it ideal for thermal management applications.

  • Density: 8.9 g/cm³, ensuring stability and durability in various applications.


(2)Mechanical Properties

  • Moderate Strength and Hardness: CW004A has a tensile strength ranging from 200 to 360 MPa, offering sufficient mechanical integrity while maintaining flexibility.

  • Excellent Ductility and Toughness: It exhibits a high elongation rate of 4% - 35%, allowing it to withstand mechanical stress without fracturing.


(3)Processing Characteristics

  • High Workability: CW004A can be easily processed through cold and hot working techniques, making it suitable for diverse manufacturing applications.

  • Excellent Weldability: The alloy is highly compatible with welding and brazing processes, ensuring strong and reliable joints in electrical and structural applications.


(4)Corrosion Resistance

CW004A exhibits strong chemical stability in atmospheric conditions, freshwater, and non-aggressive environments. A protective oxide layer naturally forms on its surface, preventing further oxidation and extending the material’s lifespan, even in harsh conditions.


3.Applications of CW004A

(1) Power Industry

Transformer windings and cores

Electrical cable conductors

Conductive components in switchgear and circuit breakers


(2)Electronics Industry

Printed circuit boards (PCB)

Pins, electrodes, and connectors for electronic components

High-precision electrical terminals


(3)Telecommunications Industry

Optical fiber and electrical cable conductors

Transmission lines to enhance signal stability and speed


(4) Aerospace Industry

Electrical wiring and connectors in aircraft and spacecraft

Components for thermal management systems in high-altitude and space environments


(5)Automotive Industry

Electrical and thermal components in engines and transmissions

Wiring systems for vehicle electronics and power distribution


4.CW004A vs. Other Copper Alloys

(1)CW004A

  • Main Composition:99.9% Cu

  • Electrical Conductivity:101% IACS

  • Strength:Low

  • Corrosion Resistance:High

  • Typical Applications:Electrical, electronics, mechanical


(2)CW008A (OFHC Copper)

  • Main Composition:99.95% Cu

  • Electrical Conductivity:102% IACS

  • Strength:Low

  • Corrosion Resistance:Higher

  • Typical Applications:Vacuum environments, high-performance cables, semiconductors


(3)CW009A (CuAg0.1)

  • Main Composition:Cu + 0.1% Ag

  • Electrical Conductivity:98% IACS

  • Strength:Low

  • Corrosion Resistance:High

  • Typical Applications:High-temperature wiring, electrical contacts


(4)CW106C (CuCr1Zr)

  • Main Composition:Cu + Cr + Zr

  • Electrical Conductivity:75% IACS

  • Strength:High

  • Corrosion Resistance:Moderate

  • Typical Applications:Welding electrodes, electrical contacts, structural applications


Conclusion:

  • CW004A is ideally suited for electrical conductivity applications, offering the highest conductivity among copper alloys, though with relatively lower strength.

  • In contrast, alloys like CW106C (CuCr1Zr) provide higher strength at the cost of slightly reduced conductivity, making them better suited for high-strength applications.

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In summary, CW004A, as a high-purity oxygen-free copper, plays an irreplaceable role in the electrical, electronics, telecommunications, aerospace, and automotive industries due to its exceptional electrical conductivity, superior thermal performance, and excellent corrosion resistance. While its mechanical strength is relatively low, it remains the optimal choice for applications demanding maximum conductivity.

As industrial technology continues to advance, this high-performance copper alloy will play an increasingly vital role in next-generation manufacturing and high-end electronic devices, providing a solid foundation for modern technological progress.


We can process this alloy into round bars, plates, round pipes/square pipes, and coils according to your requirements. If you have any inquiries, please feel free to contact us. Our email address is: sale@bolaibao1.com. We look forward to your inquiry!