For
many of our stampings, different types of copper are used. There are hundreds of different alloys all
engineered for different grades of quality in several areas; conductivity,
machinability, and strength, and corrosion resistance. As copper is the most conductive non-precious
metal, each alloy is an attempt to improve other characteristics of the
material without compromising the quality of the connection beyond what is
required by the application.
Often
the factors come down to price and availability, as many different alloys and
materials will fit the bill for different kinds of applications. The three we see most often here at Keats
Manufacturing are straight coppers, beryllium coppers, and brasses.
Straight
copper, again, is the most conductive non-precious metal, making it ideal for
electrical conductivity. However, most
applications do not require the conductivity that pure copper provides, and so
other alloying metals are introduced to lower cost, improve workability, and
maintain conductivity.
Brasses
offer the lowest cost, and increased malleability. Brasses are zinc and copper alloys, and the
quality of conductivity is determined by zinc content. Brass is used in many applications because of
its affordability and ease of machining.
However, its susceptibility to corrosion limits its use to controlled or
closed environments, often in electronics and enclosed home and commercial
wiring applications. Beryllium coppers
on the other hand have superior corrosion resistance, and higher strength than
their brass counterparts. Consequently,
they are used in locations either more susceptible to corrosion, or in settings
where quality of contact is of utmost importance, like communication or
aerospace industries.
We’re
sure as time goes on, more and more effective materials will be engineered for
ever more specific applications – and we’re also sure our stamping expertise
and experience will continue to serve our customers, whatever materials they
choose to use.
