Golden Sunbird Metals is China’s expert supplier of copper alloys, where excellence and innovation meet. Our diverse selection of copper-based materials is meticulously curated to meet the intricate needs of industries ranging from construction to electronics. We offer alloys such as brass, bronze, cupronickel, and phosphor bronze in various forms, such as pipes, plates, and bars, each engineered for specific applications. Whether it’s the Good Machinability and Wear Resistance of Free-cutting Brass (C36300, C38500, C37700) and Leaded-Brass (C35000, C35300), the Excellent Electrical Conductivity of ETP (C11000) and OFHC (C10100, C10200) Coppers, or the Marine Corrosion Resistance of Cupronickel (C70400, C70600, C71000, C71500), our products are designed to surpass industry standards. For bulk purchases at wholesale prices, contact us at [email protected]. Choose Golden Sunbird Metals to provide copper alloy solutions that fulfill and elevate your project requirements with unrivaled quality.

GOLDEN SUNBIRD METALS’ SUPPLY LIST OF COPPER ALLOY PRODUCTS:

Copper Alloy Pipe and Tube

Renowned for their excellent conductivity, corrosion resistance, and malleability, copper alloy pipes and tubes are indispensable in plumbing, HVAC systems, marine engineering, and seawater desalination applications where reliable conveyance of fluids or gases is crucial.

Copper Alloy Plate and Sheet

With outstanding thermal and electrical conductivity and corrosion resistance, copper alloy plates and sheets are essential in electrical engineering, architectural design, and manufacturing of heat exchangers, chemical processing equipment, and electronic components.

Copper Alloy Bar

Offering high strength, machinability, and thermal conductivity, copper alloy bars are utilized in various industries such as construction, automotive, and aerospace for structural components, fasteners, and precision machining applications.

FAQs

Copper alloys are materials composed of copper and one or more additional metals, which are combined to enhance or alter the properties of pure copper. These alterations can result in improved strength, durability, corrosion resistance, or electrical conductivity, depending on the type of metals used in the alloy and their proportions. The most commonly known copper alloys include bronze (copper and tin) and brass (copper and zinc).

  • Important Information:
    1. Copper alloys are composed of copper and other metals to enhance copper’s properties.
    2. Bronze and brass are the most well-known copper alloys.
    3. The modifications can improve strength, durability, corrosion resistance, and electrical conductivity.

Copper alloys are utilized across various industries due to their excellent thermal and electrical conductivity, corrosion resistance, and antimicrobial properties. These characteristics make them ideal for electrical wiring, plumbing, marine applications, and healthcare settings. For example, brass is commonly used in water fittings due to its durability and resistance to water corrosion, while bronze is favored for its strength and wear resistance in heavy-duty bearings and gears.

  • Important Information:
    1. Copper alloys are chosen for their thermal and electrical conductivity, corrosion resistance, and antimicrobial properties.
    2. Industries such as electrical, plumbing, marine, and healthcare benefit from these properties.
    3. Brass and bronze are preferred for specific applications due to their unique attributes.

The production of copper alloys typically involves melting the copper and the additional metal(s) together in a furnace. The proportions of each metal are carefully controlled to achieve the desired characteristics in the final alloy. Once melted, the mixture is poured into molds to solidify into ingots, bars, or other shapes. The cooling process is closely monitored to ensure that the alloy forms correctly and possesses the intended physical and chemical properties.

  • Important Information:
    1. Copper and additional metals are melted together in controlled proportions.
    2. The molten mixture is cast into various shapes.
    3. The cooling process is crucial for the alloy to attain its desired properties.

Brass and bronze are both copper alloys but differ mainly in their composition and resultant properties. Brass is made from copper and zinc, which makes it highly malleable and excellent for manufacturing items requiring precision, such as fittings and instruments. Bronze, on the other hand, primarily contains copper and tin, giving it superior strength and resistance to wear and corrosion. This makes bronze more suitable for applications involving heavy loads and environmental exposure, such as in construction and maritime industries.

  • Important Information:
    1. Brass is composed of copper and zinc, while bronze is primarily copper and tin.
    2. Brass is highly malleable, making it suitable for precision manufacturing.
    3. Bronze offers superior strength and resistance, ideal for heavy-duty applications.

Proper care and maintenance of copper alloys can significantly extend their service life and maintain their aesthetic appeal. It is crucial to regularly clean these alloys with a mild detergent and water, followed by drying to prevent water spots. For tougher stains, a mixture of lemon juice and baking soda can be effective. It is also essential to avoid using abrasive materials that can scratch the surface. Periodically, protective coatings or polishes may be applied to preserve the alloy’s appearance and protect it from corrosion.

  • Important Information:
    1. Regular cleaning with mild detergent and water is recommended.
    2. Use lemon juice and baking soda for tough stains, avoiding abrasives.
    3. Protective coatings or polishes help preserve appearance and prevent corrosion.

Yes, copper alloys can be recycled without any degradation in performance. The recycling process involves collecting scrap copper alloy materials, melting them down, and then casting the molten metal into new shapes. This process not only conserves the valuable copper and other metals present in the alloys but also requires less energy compared to producing new alloys from raw materials. Recycling copper alloys plays a crucial role in the sustainability of the metal industry.

  • Important Information:
    1. Copper alloys can be recycled without losing performance.
    2. The recycling process conserves valuable metals and saves energy.
    3. Recycling is essential for the metal industry’s sustainability.

Copper alloys are utilized in a wide range of applications due to their versatile properties. In the electrical industry, they are used for wiring and components due to their excellent electrical conductivity. The plumbing sector employs copper alloys for pipes and fixtures because of their corrosion resistance and antimicrobial properties. Additionally, in the maritime industry, copper alloys are used for ship hulls and propellers to prevent biofouling. Musical instruments, such as brass wind instruments, also benefit from the acoustic properties of copper alloys.

  • Important Information:
    1. Copper alloys are used in electrical, plumbing, and maritime industries.
    2. They are chosen for their electrical conductivity, corrosion resistance, and antimicrobial properties.
    3. Musical instruments benefit from the acoustic properties of copper alloys.

The environmental impact of copper alloys is a topic of increasing concern. While the recycling of copper alloys significantly reduces the demand for raw materials and energy, the mining and production processes can have negative environmental impacts, including habitat destruction, water pollution, and greenhouse gas emissions. However, the industry is making strides in implementing more sustainable practices, such as improving mining techniques, using renewable energy sources, and increasing recycling rates.

  • Important Information:
    1. Recycling reduces the environmental impact of copper alloys.
    2. Mining and production can cause habitat destruction, water pollution, and emissions.
    3. The industry is moving towards more sustainable practices.

The cost of copper alloys generally tends to be higher than that of common steel or aluminum alloys, due to the higher price of copper as a base metal. However, the cost is justified by the superior properties provided by copper alloys, such as better electrical and thermal conductivity, resistance to corrosion, and antimicrobial properties. Prices can vary significantly depending on the type of copper alloy and market conditions.

  • Important Information:
    1. Copper alloys are typically more expensive than steel or aluminum alloys.
    2. The higher cost is justified by superior properties.
    3. Prices vary based on the type of alloy and market conditions.

The aluminum bronzes are a family of copper-based alloys offering a combination of mechanical and chemical properties unmatched by any other alloy series. This feature often makes aluminum bronzes the first choice and sometimes the only logical choice for demanding applications.
Excellent strength, similar to that of low alloy steels
Excellent corrosion resistance, especially in seawater and similar environments, where the alloys often outperform many stainless steels
Favorable high temperature properties, for short or long term usage
Good resistance to fatigue, ensuring a long service life
Good resistance to creep, making the alloys useful at elevated temperatures
Oxidation resistance, for exposure at elevated temperatures and in oxidizing environments
Ease of casting and fabrication, when compared to many materials used for similar purposes
High hardness and wear resistance, providing excellent bearing properties in arduous applications
Ductility, which, like that for all copper alloys, is not diminished at low temperatures;
Good weldability, making fabrication economical
Readily machined, when compared with other high-duty alloys
Low magnetic susceptibility, useful for many special applications, and
Ready availability, in cast or wrought forms.

Leaded brass is a brass alloy that contains a small percentage of lead, typically around 1-4%. The addition of lead provides several benefits, particularly for machining and manufacturing applications. Here are the key advantages:

1. Superior Machinability

Leaded brass is known for its excellent machinability. The presence of lead allows for easier cutting, drilling, and shaping, making it ideal for mass production of precision parts.

2. Improved Lubrication

Lead acts as a natural lubricant in the alloy, reducing friction and wear on cutting tools. This improves the efficiency of machining processes and extends the life of tools.

3. Good Corrosion Resistance

Like other brass alloys, leaded brass offers good resistance to corrosion, especially in environments exposed to water and atmospheric conditions. It is commonly used in plumbing and marine fittings.

4. High Strength and Durability

Leaded brass retains the strength and durability of brass while enhancing its workability. It is suitable for applications where both strength and ease of fabrication are required.

5. Excellent Electrical Conductivity

Leaded brass has good electrical conductivity, making it a popular choice for electrical connectors and components in the electronics industry.

6. Smooth Surface Finish

The addition of lead also contributes to a smoother surface finish during machining, which is particularly important for parts that require a high degree of precision or aesthetic quality.

7. Cost-Effective

Leaded brass is relatively inexpensive compared to other alloys that offer similar properties, making it a cost-effective option for manufacturers.

8. Wear Resistance

Leaded brass offers decent wear resistance, making it useful in applications where components are exposed to friction, such as bearings and bushings.

Overall, leaded brass is widely used in industries like plumbing, electronics, automotive, and manufacturing due to its machinability, strength, and corrosion resistance.

Beryllium copper (BeCu) is a copper alloy with a small percentage of beryllium, offering a unique combination of properties that make it highly desirable for various industrial applications. Here are the key advantages of beryllium copper:

1. High Strength and Hardness

Beryllium copper is known for its exceptional strength and hardness, often comparable to high-strength steels. It can be heat-treated to achieve even greater hardness, making it ideal for high-performance applications like tools, dies, and springs.

2. Excellent Conductivity

BeCu has good electrical and thermal conductivity, which makes it a preferred material for electrical connectors, contacts, and other components where conductivity is crucial.

3. Non-Sparking Properties

One of the key advantages of beryllium copper is that it is non-sparking, meaning it doesn’t create sparks when struck or rubbed against other metals. This makes it ideal for use in environments where flammable gases, liquids, or dust are present, such as in the oil and gas industry or mining.

4. Corrosion Resistance

Beryllium copper offers excellent resistance to corrosion, particularly in marine environments and exposure to various chemicals, enhancing its longevity in harsh conditions.

5. Fatigue Resistance

BeCu has superior fatigue resistance, allowing it to maintain its shape and strength even under repeated stress or mechanical cycling. This is especially important in components like springs and diaphragms that experience constant loading and unloading.

6. Non-Magnetic

Beryllium copper is non-magnetic, which is a critical feature for applications in industries such as electronics, telecommunications, and aerospace, where magnetic interference must be avoided.

7. Wear Resistance

The alloy is highly resistant to wear, making it suitable for components that are subject to friction and mechanical stress, such as bushings, bearings, and gears.

8. High Thermal Stability

Beryllium copper retains its mechanical properties over a wide range of temperatures, maintaining its strength and stability even at elevated temperatures.

9. Ease of Machining and Forming

Despite its high strength, BeCu is relatively easy to machine, form, and fabricate. It can be precision-machined into complex shapes without sacrificing its durability.

10. Toxicity Control

While beryllium itself can be hazardous in powdered or airborne form, finished beryllium copper products are safe to handle, provided that proper precautions are taken during manufacturing.

Common Applications:

  • Electrical components: Connectors, switches, and springs in electronics.
  • Non-sparking tools: Tools for explosive or hazardous environments.
  • Aerospace: High-stress components that require lightweight, non-magnetic materials.

These properties make beryllium copper a versatile alloy for demanding applications across industries like aerospace, automotive, electronics, and oil and gas

Beryllium copper (BeCu) comes in various grades, each tailored for specific applications based on their mechanical properties and beryllium content. The two most commonly used grades of beryllium copper are C17200 and C17300, but there are also other important grades used for specialized purposes. Below is a breakdown of the most commonly used beryllium copper grades:

1. C17200 (Alloy 25) – High Strength Beryllium Copper

  • Composition: Contains about 1.8-2% beryllium.
  • Properties:
    • Known for its high strength, hardness, and good conductivity.
    • It can be heat-treated to achieve ultimate tensile strengths of up to 200 ksi (kilopounds per square inch).
    • Offers excellent wear resistance, fatigue resistance, and non-sparking characteristics.
  • Uses:
    • Electrical connectors, contacts, and springs.
    • Non-sparking tools for hazardous environments (oil and gas, mining).
    • Aerospace components, high-performance bearings, and bushings.

2. C17300 (Alloy M25) – Free-Machining Beryllium Copper

  • Composition: Similar to C17200, but with the addition of a small percentage of lead (typically less than 0.5%) to improve machinability.
  • Properties:
    • Offers similar strength and hardness to C17200 but with enhanced machinability.
    • The added lead allows for better chip formation during machining, making it easier to work with.
  • Uses:
    • Ideal for precision-machined components like connectors and fasteners.
    • Used in applications requiring tight tolerances and fine finishes, such as aerospace and automotive parts.

3. C17500 (Alloy 3) – High Conductivity Beryllium Copper

  • Composition: Contains around 0.3-0.6% beryllium and about 1.4-2% cobalt.
  • Properties:
    • Known for its high electrical and thermal conductivity, though it has lower strength compared to C17200.
    • Offers good corrosion resistance and is also non-sparking.
  • Uses:
    • Electrical connectors and switches that require both good conductivity and moderate strength.
    • Welding electrodes and current-carrying springs.

4. C17510 (Alloy 10) – High Conductivity Beryllium Copper

  • Composition: Contains about 0.2-0.6% beryllium and around 2.5% nickel.
  • Properties:
    • Offers the highest electrical and thermal conductivity among BeCu alloys.
    • Lower strength than C17200 but still offers good mechanical properties for specific applications.
  • Uses:
    • Electrical contacts, terminals, and components where high conductivity is required.
    • Heat exchangers and other thermal management systems.

5. C17400 (Alloy 174) – High Strength with Moderate Conductivity

  • Composition: Contains about 0.2-0.6% beryllium.
  • Properties:
    • Offers a balance between strength and electrical conductivity.
    • Can be heat-treated to achieve moderate hardness and strength.
  • Uses:
    • Components like springs, connectors, and electronic devices where both strength and conductivity are important.

Key Considerations When Choosing a Grade:

  • Strength vs. Conductivity: Higher beryllium content (like in C17200) offers more strength but slightly lower conductivity, while lower beryllium content (like in C17500 and C17510) provides better conductivity but reduced strength.
  • Machinability: C17300 is ideal for precision machining because of its added lead content, while C17200 is better for high-stress applications.
  • Corrosion Resistance: All grades of beryllium copper have excellent corrosion resistance, but specific applications may favor certain alloys based on environmental exposure.

Each grade is tailored to offer the best combination of properties for a wide range of industries including aerospace, electronics, oil and gas, automotive, and telecommunications.

Copper-nickel alloys (CuNi) are a group of metal alloys that consist primarily of copper and nickel, with small amounts of other elements like iron and manganese. These alloys are highly valued for their unique combination of properties, making them suitable for a wide range of applications, particularly in marine, chemical, and thermal industries. Here are the key advantages of copper-nickel alloys:

1. Exceptional Corrosion Resistance

  • One of the most significant advantages of copper-nickel alloys is their outstanding resistance to corrosion, especially in seawater and saline environments. This makes them highly suitable for marine applications, such as shipbuilding, seawater piping, and offshore oil and gas platforms.

2. High Resistance to Biofouling

  • Copper-nickel alloys are naturally resistant to biofouling, which is the growth of marine organisms like algae, barnacles, and mussels on submerged surfaces. This reduces maintenance and cleaning costs in marine applications and improves the longevity of equipment.

3. Thermal Stability and Conductivity

  • Copper-nickel alloys offer good thermal conductivity and stability at elevated temperatures. This makes them ideal for heat exchangers, condensers, and other thermal systems where efficient heat transfer is important.

4. Excellent Mechanical Properties

  • These alloys maintain good mechanical strength and ductility, even at low temperatures, making them versatile for various industrial uses. They can withstand high pressure, making them suitable for piping systems and fittings.

5. Good Resistance to Stress Corrosion Cracking

  • Copper-nickel alloys have excellent resistance to stress corrosion cracking, especially in harsh environments such as chloride-rich or acidic conditions. This makes them more durable than other alloys that may be prone to cracking under stress.

6. Antimicrobial Properties

  • Copper-nickel alloys possess inherent antimicrobial properties, which can inhibit the growth of bacteria, fungi, and other microorganisms. This makes them useful in applications where hygiene is critical, such as in medical equipment or food and beverage processing.

7. Ease of Fabrication

  • Copper-nickel alloys are easy to fabricate, weld, and form into complex shapes. They exhibit good workability and can be readily processed into pipes, tubes, fittings, and other components without losing their advantageous properties.

8. Resistance to Hydrogen Embrittlement

  • Unlike some other metal alloys, copper-nickel alloys resist hydrogen embrittlement, making them well-suited for use in environments where hydrogen is present, such as chemical processing plants.

9. Non-Magnetic Properties

  • Copper-nickel alloys are non-magnetic, which is important in applications where magnetic interference must be avoided, such as in sensitive electronic equipment or naval systems.

10. Long Service Life

  • The combination of corrosion resistance, strength, and biofouling resistance gives copper-nickel alloys a long service life in many applications, reducing the need for frequent replacements and lowering long-term costs.

Common Applications:

  • Marine: Ship hulls, seawater piping, condenser tubes, and heat exchangers.
  • Desalination plants: Tubing and piping systems for seawater treatment.
  • Offshore oil and gas: Platforms, risers, and subsea components.
  • Chemical processing: Equipment exposed to corrosive chemicals, such as heat exchangers and pressure vessels.
  • Electrical components: Resistance wire and thermocouples due to their good conductivity and stability.

Overall, copper-nickel alloys are prized for their ability to perform well in harsh environments, particularly where corrosion, biofouling, and mechanical strength are key concerns. This makes them an excellent choice for industries like marine engineering, power generation, oil and gas, and desalination.