Copper
Excellent thermal and electrical conductor, and one of the harder metals to machine cleanly because it is soft and gummy.
Soft and sticky. It smears rather than chips, so burrs and surface finish need deliberate attention, and tool geometry matters more than on steel.
Quote a Copper partWhat we hold and what we can hold
Figures below are what our shops achieve on prototype quantities. A production order may justify tighter — or looser — tolerances, and that is a conversation, not a default.
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Typical use | Busbars, heat spreaders, RF shielding, electrodes |
| Machinability | Good |
| Achievable tolerance | ±0.05 mm achievable |
| Typical lead time | 4–7 working days |
| Common grades | C110 ETP copper · C101 oxygen-free copper · C110 + 0.15% Cd (toughened) |
| Recommended finishes | Bead blasting · Brushing · Tumbling |
| Suitable processes | 3-axis milling · CNC turning |
What engineers ask about Copper
These are the questions that come up on almost every Copper drawing. If your question is not here, send it with the drawing and we will answer it in the quote.
Why are my copper parts covered in burrs?
Because copper is ductile — the tool smears the metal instead of shearing it. Positive rake, sharp edges and a dedicated finishing step remove them.
Is copper worth using instead of aluminium for a heat spreader?
Copper conducts heat roughly five times better than aluminium, but it is heavier, softer and more expensive. We review the thermal requirement and the mechanical constraint before recommending it.
Where this material fits
Surface finishes for Copper
When not to use Copper
We would rather tell you on day one than ship you a part that was never the right answer. If one of these applies to your project, say so in the enquiry.
- Structural parts that need stiffness — copper is soft
- Weight-critical assemblies
- Cost-sensitive high-volume work