Copper

Applications for copper include architectural uses, coinage, condenser/heat exchangers, plumbing, radiator cores, musical instruments, locks, fasteners, hinges, ammunition components, and electrical connectors.

Small amounts of alloying elements are often added to it to improve certain characteristics. Alloying can increase or reduce the strength, hardness, electrical and thermal conductivity, corrosion resistance, or change the color. Common primary alloying elements include tin (resulting in bronze) or zinc (resulting in brass).

Outside of Copper C110, the most common copper grades on the market include C101 and C122.

Copper C101 is an Oxygen-free Electronic Copper. This a 99.99% pure copper that contains 0.0005% oxygen content. It has a minimum 101% IACS conductivity rating, and it is valued more for the chemical purity than electrical conductivity. Of the copper grades, C101 is the most expensive and generally used in engineering applications.

At a mechanical level, Copper C122 is almost identical to C110 but it is much easier to form and offers superior weldability and brazing capability. In terms of applications, it is typically used in pipes and tubing, but also excels in water environments due to its corrosion resistance.