Electrolytically refined copper (99.95% Pure) is used for components requiring high conductivity. Less Pure copper is used for chemical plant, domestic plumbing, etc. Copper is available in the form ofwire, sheet, strip, plate, round bar and tube. Copper is used in many alloys, including brasses, bronzes, aluminium bronze, cupronickel, nickel-silver and bryllium-copper.
Composition and mechanical properties of some copper alloys
| Type and uses | Cu (%) | Zn (%) | Other | Condition | 0.1 proof stress (N mm-2) | Tensile strength (N mm-2) | Elongation (%) | Vickers hardness |
| Muntz metal: die tampings, and extrusions | 60 | 40 | - | Extruded | 110 | 350 | 40 | 75 |
| Free-cutting brass: high-peed machining | 58 | 39 | 3 Pb | Extruded | 140 | 440 | 30 | 100 |
| Cartridge brass: severe cold working | 70 | 30 | - | Annealed | 75 | 270 | 70 | 65 |
| | | | | Work hardened | 500 | 600 | 5 | 180 |
| Standard brass: presswork | 65 | 35 | - | Annealed | 90 | 320 | 65 | 65 |
| | | | | Work hardened | 500 | 690 | 4 | 185 |
| Admiralty gunmetal: general-purpose castings | 88 | 2 | 10 Sn | Sand casting | 120 | 290 | 16 | 85 |
| Phosphor bronze: castings and bushes for bearings | remainder | remainder | 10 Sn 0.03-0.25 P | Sand casting | 120 | 280 | 15 | 90 |
Labels: engineering materials