【What is Copper (Cu)】

Copper (Cu) is a metal material with excellent properties used in a wide range of products from daily items to industrial products.

The JIS symbol of Copper (Cu) is indicated by adding a four-digit number after the “C” of “Copper,” which means copper in English.

Copper (Cu) is named from 1000 series to 7000 series depending on the type of alloy.

【Characteristic of Copper (Cu)】 

The most important characteristic of copper (Cu) is its high electrical and thermal conductivity.

On the other hand, it is rarely used as a structural component due to an expensive material. 

It is used as a material that takes advantage of its physical and chemical properties rather than its mechanical properties.

This excellent electrical and thermal conductivity is used in advanced industries such as telecommunications and precision equipment.

Copper (Cu) is a metal with many properties.

Besides its high electrical and thermal conductivity, it is characterized by its ease of processing, and is often used in products that take advantage of these features.

It also has many features such as heat resistance, corrosion resistance, and a beautiful appearance due to its metallic luster.

 

 【High electrical conductivity】

The most important characteristic of copper (Cu) is its high electrical conductivity.

Simply put, it is a metal that conducts heat and electricity well.

Copper is second only to silver in conductivity and is used in electrical wires etc.

Because of its price comparatively lower than silver.

It is also widely used as a material for heat exchangers and electronic devices, and it is now an indispensable metal used in our daily lives, such as air conditioners, refrigerators, PCs, and cell phones.

 

【High thermal conductivity】

Heat transfer is superior to steel materials and aluminium reflecting in the fact that copper (Cu) pots heat ingredients evenly.

 

【Excellent processability】

One of the reasons copper (Cu) has been used for a long time is its ease of processing, and it is particularly suitable for cutting and rolling process.

Another feature is the ease of plating and soldering.

Also, copper (Cu) is a soft metal that can be easily stretched or pressed into required shape.

Therefore, a wide variety of products can be produced using copper, such as copper wire, copper sheets, copper tubes, and copper rods.

Since various processing methods such as bending, cutting, and drawing can be used, the metal can be easily formed into complex shapes and fine patterns.

Copper (Cu) has a long service life as a metal, so it is often used in parts that require long-term use, such as valves and gears in addition to commercial products.

 【Heat sensitivity】

Generally, it is used at temperatures below 200℃, as it softens at temperatures above 200℃.

Since there is no degradation on the low-temperature side, it can be used without problems.

【High corrosion resistance】

Corrosion resistance refers to rust.

Copper (Cu) is more resistant to rust than other metals.

In particular, it has good corrosion resistance to seawater, which other metals is not as well as copper.

Because of its rust-resistant property, it is also often used as a material for construction and shipping, such as roofs and ship screws etc.

【Beautiful appearance】

It is the only metal having golden luster other than gold.

Therefore, it is also used in crafts. Copper (Cu) is available in a variety of colors, such as red, yellow, and white etc… 

The finished product is very beautiful because it can be made vivid tones and luster.

Brass is especially popular because of its gold color, which gives it a luxurious look.

Although it takes time and effort, beautiful color can be maintained by taking care of it, and it lasts longer as a product because it does not rust as much as other metals.

【Non-magnetism】

As applications that take advantage of its non-magnetism, it is also used as a measuring instrument for electrical equipment that strictly prohibits magnetism and as an explosion-proof tool in the chemical industry.

Copper (Cu) has a bactericidal effect.

Copper is used in the manufacture of coins, partly because of its sterilizing effect.

【Machining and etching process for Copper (Cu)】

Hirai Seimitsu Kogyo’s etching process can handle processing of copper (Cu) easily.

In addition to etching, there are other types of copper (Cu) processing, such as cutting, machining, and bending.

We have well-assorted stock of copper alloy materials. Please feel free to contact us if you have any need.

About Hirai Seimitsu Kogyo’s etching process

Hirai Seimitsu Kogyo’s etching process can be applied not only for copper (Cu) but also a variety of materials.

Click on “Etching Process” below for more details.
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Photo chemical Etching Process | 平井精密工業株式会社 (hirai.co.jp)