Copper for Sale | Standard & Custom Cuts

FAQs - Copper

Copper material is popular for use in a wide range of applications from electrical components to countertops because it's highly ductile and thermally and electrically conductive. It also has germ-killing properties. Online Metals has copper for sale at great prices and without the hassle of shopping around. You can conveniently price and order what you need online or call us for a quote today.

What Copper Sheet is best for forming?

Both alloys of Copper Sheet that we stock, C110 and C101, are very similar in chemical composition and will have good formability. The temper will determine just how malleable the copper sheet will be. If simple bends are required but strength is also important, H02 (half hard) will be the best temper to use. If more complicated bends are required or lightly hammering or shaping will be performed, H00-H01 (1/8-1/4 hard) will be the best option. When applications include heavy hammering or stamping, O temper (soft temper) will be the best option. Keep in mind that copper alloy sheets will harden with cold-working, so even soft temper sheet may need to be heated and re-annealed between hammering and stamping cycles.

What thickness should I use for decorative use?

When used for decorative and architectural purposes, copper is a great option because of the rich red-brown color. Backsplashes, counter tops, kick plates, faceplates, and other applications are made from copper. There isn’t one thickness more suited for any of these applications. Determining which thickness works best depends on the other processes being performed on the material. As a guide, a backsplash will need to be thicker to hold up against everyday wear and tear and will need to be light enough to install easily and bend if necessary. We normally recommend anywhere from 0.02"-0.04" for back splash and faceplates and anywhere from 0.032"-0.062" for counter tops because it will see more direct contact.

Which Copper alloy is best for an electrical application?

Copper is conductive and used for electrical applications. C110 alloy will work well in most electrical applications, that alloy will conduct heat and electricity very well. However, some applications require C101 oxygen free copper, which is a commercially pure high conductivity grade of copper that is frequently used in conductors and electrical components.

How do I keep Copper from turning green?

Copper will not rust. When exposed to air and water over time, it will form a layer of copper oxide that is normally green. Coating the material in a clear coat made for metal or for applications that are exposed less to the elements may prevent discoloration. Wax may be applied to stop the reaction. To clean the copper oxide from copper, use a mild acid along with an abrasive powder and scrub the material.