Copper CNC Machining Service

MinHe specializes in high-precision CNC machining of performance copper alloys. We deliver complex components engineered for maximum electrical conductivity, superior thermal management, and unparalleled resistance to extreme environments (C17200, C70600).
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Copper CNC Machining

Copper CNC machining delivers components with superior electrical and thermal conductivity alongside excellent corrosion resistance. By utilizing advanced machining strategies, we ensure precise tolerances and exceptional surface finishes, making it ideal for electrical connectors, heat exchangers, automotive components, and medical devices.

                                                                                                                                               
Price:Inquire
Lead Time:Within 7-15 Days
Wall Thickness:0.8 mm
Tolerance:±0.01 mm (±0.0004 in)
Max Part Size:200 × 80 × 100 mm
MinHe Supplied Copper Grades:C10100 (OFE), C11000 (ETP), C14500 (Tellurium Copper), C17200 (Beryllium Copper), C70600 (Cupro-Nickel)

Copper C10100 (OFE)

Copper C10100, or Oxygen-Free Electronic (OFE) Copper, offers the highest level of electrical and thermal conductivity (101% IACS) of any commercial alloy. Its exceptional purity and lack of oxygen make it essential for vacuum technologies, high-frequency electronics, and superconductive applications. Due to its soft and gummy nature, C10100 has poor machinability, requiring specialized cutting techniques to achieve high precision.

                                                                                                                                                                       
Tensile Strength, Yield (MPa)Fatigue Strength (MPa)Elongation at Break (%)Hardness (Brinell)Density (g/cm³)
69 – 280115 – 1404 – 4040 – 908.94

Copper C11000 (ETP)

Copper C11000, or Electrolytic Tough Pitch (ETP) Copper, is the most common commercial grade of high-purity copper. It is prized for its excellent electrical conductivity (100% IACS), high ductility, and ease of soldering. Widely utilized in standard electrical applications, C11000 offers a reliable and cost-effective solution for busbars, wires, grounding straps, and applications requiring optimal thermal transfer.

                                                                                                                                                                       
Tensile Strength, Yield (MPa)Fatigue Strength (MPa)Elongation at Break (%)Hardness (Brinell)Density (g/cm³)
69 – 290100 – 1405 – 4540 – 958.94

Copper C14500 (Tellurium)

Copper C14500, commonly known as Tellurium Copper, is the material of choice when excellent electrical conductivity (approx. 90% IACS) must be combined with good machinability. The addition of Tellurium allows for fast processing while maintaining high conductivity and forming properties. We specialize in transforming C14500 stock via CNC machining into high-performance electrical connectors, switchgear components, weld tips, and heat transfer parts.

                                                                                                                                                                       
Tensile Strength, Yield (MPa)Fatigue Strength (MPa)Elongation at Break (%)Hardness (Brinell)Density (g/cm³)
205 – 28080 – 1208 – 1575 – 958.90

Copper C17200 (Beryllium Copper)

Copper C17200 is known as the strongest of all copper alloys, offering strength comparable to steel. It combines high tensile strength, exceptional fatigue resistance, and excellent thermal conductivity. This alloy is often used in the heat-treated (age-hardened) condition for maximum performance, making it essential for non-sparking safety tools, high-reliability electrical contacts, pressure diaphragms, and specialized bushings.

                                                                                                                                                                       
Tensile Strength, Yield (MPa)Fatigue Strength (MPa)Elongation at Break (%)Hardness (Brinell)Density (g/cm³)
1035 – 1240250 – 3502 – 10360 – 4208.36

Copper C70600 (Cupro-Nickel)

Copper C70600 (90/10 Cupro-Nickel) is prized for its outstanding resistance to marine corrosion and biofouling, making it the industry standard for saltwater environments. It retains good strength and ductility across a wide temperature range, including cryogenic conditions. We specialize in transforming C70600 stock via CNC machining into vital components for shipbuilding, offshore oil and gas platforms, heat exchanger tubesheets, and piping systems.

                                                                                                                                                                       
Tensile Strength, Yield (MPa)Fatigue Strength (MPa)Elongation at Break (%)Hardness (Brinell)Density (g/cm³)
110 – 310115 – 15015 – 4070 – 1208.94

Copper C18200 (Chrome Copper)

Copper C18200 (Chrome Copper) is a high-strength, heat-treatable alloy that combines excellent electrical and thermal conductivity with superior hardness and resistance to softening at elevated temperatures. This makes it ideal for use in high-stress, high-heat environments. We specialize in transforming C18200 stock via CNC machining into components such as resistance welding electrodes, continuous casting molds, and high-performance motor and switch parts.

                                                                                                                                                                       
Tensile Strength, Yield (MPa)Fatigue Strength (MPa)Elongation at Break (%)Hardness (Brinell)Density (g/cm³)
345 – 480170 – 24010 – 25120 – 1608.89

Copper C54400 (Free-Cutting Phosphor Bronze)

Copper C54400 is a highly versatile and fast-machining Phosphor Bronze alloy. It is favored for its combination of excellent strength, superior fatigue resistance, and high ductility, making it ideal for spring contacts and components requiring high reliability under repeated stress. We specialize in transforming C54400 stock via CNC machining into electrical terminals, precision gears, bushings, and resilient fasteners.

                                                                                                                                                                       
Tensile Strength, Yield (MPa)Fatigue Strength (MPa)Elongation at Break (%)Hardness (Brinell)Density (g/cm³)
345 – 480190 – 24010 – 30100 – 1408.80

Copper CNC Components

Copper CNC Terminal Block, C14500 High-Current Electrical Connector

Copper High-Current Terminal

CNC Bronze/Brass Precision Control Shaft, High-Tolerance Fluid Spindle

Beryllium Copper Sensor Shaft

Cupro-Nickel CNC Marine Flange, C70600 Saltwater Corrosion Resistant

Cupro-Nickel Marine Flange

Chrome Copper C18200 Electrode Holder, CNC Welding Fixture with Heat Fins

Chrome Copper Electrode Holder

Phosphor Bronze Precision Gear

CNC Machined Beryllium Copper Spindle, C17200 High Strength Sensor Shaft

High-Pressure Valve Stem

Surface Finishes for Copper Components

The right surface treatment is crucial for maximizing the performance and aesthetic life of your copper components. Our finishing capabilities focus on protecting the material against corrosion and tarnishing, while enhancing conductivity or wear resistance. We offer a comprehensive range of functional and aesthetic finishes to ensure your components meet strict requirements for conductivity, durability, and final appearance.

Silver Plated Copper Component, High Conductivity Finish

Silver Plating

Silver plating is applied to maximize both electrical and thermal conductivity, which is critical for high-frequency signal transmission and high-current power connections. The finish provides superior surface conductivity and resistance to contact wear.

Electroless Nickel Plated Copper Fitting, Uniform Wear Resistant Coating

Electroless Nickel

This chemical plating process creates a highly uniform, dense, and wear-resistant coating without requiring an electrical current. It provides excellent long-term corrosion protection and is ideal for parts with complex geometries.

Black Oxidized Copper Bracket, Matte Anti-Corrosion Finish

Black Oxidize

Black Oxide is a chemical conversion coating that creates a dark, matte-black finish on the copper surface. It offers aesthetic value and a degree of mild corrosion protection, making it popular for decorative or low-friction mechanical parts.

Polished Brass/Copper Cylinder, High Gloss Mirror Finish

Polishing

Polishing is a mechanical process used to achieve a smooth, bright, and highly reflective surface finish. This treatment reduces friction, improves cleanability, and is primarily used for aesthetic or low-contact mechanical applications.

Sand Blasted Copper Block, Uniform Matte Finish

Sand Blasting

This mechanical process uses fine abrasives to create a clean, uniform, non-reflective matte or textured surface. It is often used to mask minor surface imperfections and provides an excellent base for subsequent coatings.

As Machined Copper Cylinder, Raw CNC Finish

As Machined

This is the most economical and common option. It leaves the copper component with the natural surface finish imparted by the CNC machining toolpaths. The parts are cleaned but receive no additional surface treatment.

Pros and Cons of Copper Machining

Copper alloys remain essential materials for high-performance CNC machining, prized for their superior electrical, thermal, and mechanical properties. Understanding its core characteristics—both its inherent advantages and the challenges it presents during high-tolerance processing—is crucial for successful product development and manufacturing.

Pros

  • Unrivaled Conductivity: Copper is the best non-precious metal for electrical current transmission (up to 101% IACS) and thermal dissipation (heat sinks), making it essential for electronics and power components.
  • Extreme Strength (Alloys): Specialty alloys like Beryllium Copper (C17200) achieve strength and hardness levels comparable to certain grades of steel, enabling use in high-stress and fatigue-resistant environments.
  • Exceptional Corrosion Resistance: Copper naturally resists fresh water, chemical solutions, and atmospheric corrosion. Alloys like Cupro-Nickel (C70600) provide unparalleled defense against saltwater and biofouling.
  • High Ductility & Weldability: Pure copper exhibits high ductility, making it suitable for forming and cold working, and is generally highly weldable, offering flexible manufacturing and assembly solutions.

Cons

  • Material Cost: Copper and its specialized alloys carry a significantly higher cost compared to commodity metals like aluminum and steel, increasing overall material investment and scrap costs.
  • Poor Chip Control (Pure Grades): Pure copper (C10100, C11000) is notoriously soft and gummy, leading to poor chip breaking, material sticking (galling), and requiring specialized tooling, low feeds, and high-pressure coolant.
  • High Density: With a density roughly three times that of aluminum, copper is unsuitable for applications where lightweight properties are paramount, such as primary aerospace structures and mobile components.
  • Process Heat Management: Copper’s high thermal conductivity requires strict process control, aggressive cooling, and optimized toolpaths to manage high cutting temperatures and prevent tool wear during machining.

Applications of Copper Components

Copper components are critical across industries that demand superior performance in energy transmission, thermal stability, and endurance. They are widely specified for applications requiring maximum electrical conductivity, unparalleled corrosion resistance, and exceptional mechanical reliability.

  • Electronics & High-Current Systems: Used for busbars, high-current terminals, high-frequency coaxial connectors, and switchgear components where minimal resistance and excellent heat dissipation are vital (C10100, C14500).
  • Marine, Oil & Gas (Corrosion Control): Used extensively for seawater piping, heat exchangers, pumps, and valve components due to Cupro-Nickel (C70600)'s ability to resist saltwater corrosion and biofouling.
  • High-Stress & Fatigue Applications: Required for specialized bushings, precision gears, deep-sea instrumentation, and safety tools, utilizing Beryllium Copper (C17200)'s steel-like strength and anti-spark properties.
  • Thermal Management & Welding: Used for specialized cooling plates, precision heat sinks, and resistance welding electrodes (C18200 Chrome Copper) due to high thermal transfer rates and resistance to softening at elevated process temperatures.
Diverse CNC Machined Copper Components including Busbars, Gears, Flanges, and Contacts, showcasing multiple alloy types.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

   
                
           

Q: Which copper alloy is recommended for combining high conductivity with good machinability?

           

A: The best choice is C14500 (Tellurium Copper). It maintains high electrical conductivity while being significantly easier to machine and control than pure copper grades like C10100.

       
       
           

Q: What is the biggest challenge when CNC machining pure copper (C10100/C11000)?

           

A: The primary challenge is galling and poor chip breaking. Pure copper is notoriously gummy, requiring specialized sharp tooling, aggressive cooling, and specific high-speed settings to ensure a quality surface finish.

       
                
           

Q: What is the best method to ensure maximum long-term electrical conductivity on a finished copper part?

           

A: We recommend Silver Plating or Gold Plating. This provides the lowest contact resistance and offers superior long-term protection against the tarnish and oxidation that reduce bare copper's conductivity.

       
                
           

Q: Why do high-strength alloys like Beryllium Copper (C17200) require specific heat treatment after machining?

           

A: C17200 requires **age-hardening (precipitation hardening)** after initial processing. This thermal treatment is necessary to unlock the material’s peak strength and hardness, transforming it into a high-performance component.