Copper – among others, like steel – is one of the key strategic materials for production in many industries. That material is known for centuries, mainly because copper is a main component of bronzes – hence the name: the Bronze Age. The Latin name of copper (Cuprum) shows its roots – it can be translated as "the material from Cyprus”, where in antiquity ages was mainly mined. Although today the biggest copper mine is in Chile (Chuquicamata), other significant mining sites are located all over the world, also in Poland (Lubin-Głogów Copper District in Lower Silesia).
Copper is a surprisingly common metal – is used for the production of current (coins in particular; earlier: Dinars, currently – eg. Euro and Euro Cents), electronics, and telecommunication (wiring is made mainly from copper due to its electrical conductivity), construction (pipes, especially to the CO are made of that material) and automotive industry. It is worth mentioning that copper is also used in fireworks – in the explosion burning copper creates colorful sparks.
The copper stone is achieved by processing copper pyrite. The material at the beginning of its processing is slagged and separated from the copper stone. Further treatment is focused on achieving raw copper – up to 98% of purity. The remaining 2% are base and precious metals (from iron and zinc to silver and gold). In the process of electrolysis these elements are separated from the main material and the effect of that stage of production is a material called "pure copper”, with a purity close to 100%.
Among many important properties of copper, it is worth highlighting the following:
very good machining properties and plasticity
– that is why that material is often used in industry-grade CNC milling and CNC turning machines,
W
hat is copper machining?
Pure copper is very hard to machine (just like pure aluminum, like type 1xxx) due to its ductility and plasticity. For that reason, the most machined material are copper alloys with elements like:
During the machining process, copper alloy shavings do not stick to the cutting tool. Such can create problems with an increase in temperature and unwanted forces during the process and decrease the quality of the surface finish and lead to faster tool wear.
It can be achieved by maintaining good work parameters (eg. good feed rate of proper heat dispersion system). Machining-wise, the copper alloys have similar properties to hardened steel, titanium allies, or white cast iron.
Copper alloy machinability classifies the Universal Machinability Rating (UMR). The base point of that methodology is the machinability of brass CZ121 ≈ MO58 (CuZn40Pb2). It is worth mentioning that some sources use other material as a basepoint – free-cutting brass: CuZn39Pb3. UMR classifieds things like:
Said classification is commonly called "the copper machinability index”.
Based on the UMR we can highlight three groups of copper alloys, based on their machinability:
Most copper-based materials for the electrical and electronic industries have a very low UMR score (between 18 and 30). On the other hand – rarely require machining. It is worth mentioning that copper CNC machining services are very popular in the optical industry.
Currency copper is used mainly in the electrical industry for the production of a vast variety of wiring. We can estimate that almost 60% of available copper is currently in use that way. Also, copper alloys are used in applications such as:
Copper is a very popular material and can be used in many applications. Also: post-processing of that metal opens many possibilities to increase its resistance to wear and other corrosive agents.
That is why ordering copper components can be tricky and require additional knowledge. The expertise of professional CNC machining operators can help to prepare that process cost-effectively for clients.
At RADMOT, we can offer CNC milling services, CNC turning services as well as many additional services, including washing, aluminum anodizing, laser marking and assembly.
Contact us and tell us what you need. We have been providing CNC services for almost 40 years. Our quote is completely free. And if you have any doubts about what technology will work best for you, our expertise is at your service.
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