Copper rods and sheets are essential industrial materials known for their exceptional electrical and thermal conductivity, second only to silver. While rods are typically used as heavy-duty conductors, sheets are favored for their malleability and aesthetic appeal in architectural and manufacturing projects.
Copper Rods
Copper rods are solid cylindrical conductors produced through continuous casting or extrusion.
Common Types:
ETP (Electrolytic Tough Pitch): The most common industrial grade with 99.9% purity, used for power cables, busbars, and motor windings.
Oxygen-Free (OF/OFE): Extremely high-purity (99.95%+) used in sensitive electronics, vacuum equipment, and military applications because it resists oxidation.
Specialty Shapes: Beyond round rods, they are available in flat, square, and hexagonal profiles for structural or decorative use.
Primary Uses: Energy transmission, earthing/grounding systems, welding electrodes, and automotive wiring.
Copper Sheets
Copper sheets are thin, flat sections of copper (usually less than 6mm thick) valued for their workability.
Specifications:
Thickness: Often measured by weight (e.g., 16 oz or 20 oz per square foot) or gauge.
Common Grades: C101 (HC) for electrical components and C106 (Phosphorus Deoxidized), which is easier to weld and braze.
Primary Uses: Roofing, architectural cladding, kitchen backsplashes (due to antimicrobial properties), and heat exchangers.