Copper is a fundamental material in electronics, power transmission, and industrial systems due to its exceptional electrical and thermal conductivity. However, not all copper grades are equal—different applications demand different copper properties. This article presents a comprehensive, SEO-optimized comparison of four key copper grades: C10100, C10200, C11000, and C12200. Whether you are sourcing copper for semiconductors, HVAC systems, or power infrastructure, understanding the differences among these grades is crucial for optimal performance and value.
🔍 What Are the Main Copper Grades?
C10100 – Oxygen-Free Electronic (OFE) Copper
- Purity: ≥ 99.99%
- Oxygen Content: ≤ 5 ppm
- Standards: ASTM B170
- Electrical Conductivity: ≥ 101% IACS
- Thermal Conductivity: ~398 W/m·K
- Features: The purest commercially available copper, ideal for ultra-high vacuum (UHV) and cryogenic applications due to virtually no oxide inclusions. Offers excellent performance in RF and microwave systems.
- Common Uses:
- Semiconductor fabrication equipment
- RF/microwave components
- Particle accelerators
- Cryogenic systems
C10200 – Oxygen-Free High Conductivity (OFHC) Copper
- Purity: ≥ 99.95%
- Oxygen Content: ≤ 10 ppm
- Standards: ASTM B152, B187, B187M
- Electrical Conductivity: ≥ 100% IACS
- Thermal Conductivity: ~391 W/m·K
- Features: Offers high electrical performance and good workability. Commonly used where welding is required and oxygen content must be minimized.
- Common Uses:
- Vacuum tube components
- High-frequency connectors
- Heat sinks and thermal plates
- Aerospace electrical systems
C11000 – Electrolytic Tough Pitch (ETP) Copper / T2 Copper
- Purity: ≥ 99.90%
- Oxygen Content: 200–600 ppm
- Standards: ASTM B187, GB/T 5231 (T2)
- Electrical Conductivity: ≥ 100% IACS
- Thermal Conductivity: ~385 W/m·K
- Features: Most widely used copper for electrical systems. Economical and easy to fabricate, but not suitable for hydrogen-rich or vacuum environments due to embrittlement.
- Common Uses:
- Electrical wires and cables
- Busbars and motor windings
- Power distribution systems
- PCB connectors
C12200 – Deoxidized High Phosphorus (DHP) Copper
- Purity: ~99.9% Cu with 0.015–0.040% phosphorus
- Oxygen Content: Practically zero (deoxidized)
- Standards: ASTM B152, B111, B75
- Electrical Conductivity: 85–90% IACS
- Thermal Conductivity: ~310 W/m·K
- Features: Enhanced corrosion resistance and excellent weldability. Often selected for plumbing, heat exchangers, and fluid handling systems.
- Common Uses:
- Refrigeration tubing
- Heat exchangers and condensers
- Medical gas pipelines
- Solar thermal collectors
📊 Copper Grade Comparison Table
| Grade | Purity (%) | Oxygen (ppm) | Conductivity (%IACS) | Thermal Conductivity (W/m·K) | Key Use Cases |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| C10100 | ≥ 99.99 | ≤ 5 | ≥ 101 | ~398 | UHV, RF, cryogenics |
| C10200 | ≥ 99.95 | ≤ 10 | ≥ 100 | ~391 | Vacuum electronics, aerospace |
| C11000 | ≥ 99.90 | 200–600 | ≥ 100 | ~385 | General electrical applications |
| C12200 | ~99.9 | ~0 (with P) | 85–90 | ~310 | Plumbing, heat exchangers, brazing |
🏁 Conclusion: Which Copper Grade is Right for You?
Choosing the right copper grade depends on the specific performance requirements of your project:
- Choose C10100 if you need ultra-high purity for scientific or semiconductor-grade applications.
- Select C10200 for oxygen-free performance in electronics and aerospace systems.
- Use C11000 when cost efficiency and high conductivity are priorities in standard electrical setups.
- Go with C12200 for plumbing, heat exchangers, or welding applications requiring strong corrosion resistance.
All listed copper materials are available at Shaanxi Nickel Titanium Copper Metal Co., Ltd, with full traceability, material certificates, and international shipping options.
📩 Contact Us
Company: Shaanxi Nickel Titanium Copper Metal Co., Ltd
Website: www.niticu.com
Email: sales@niticu.com
Phone / WeChat / WhatsApp: +86 13335373172
Factory Address: Baotai Road Industrial Park, High-tech Zone, Baoji City, Shaanxi Province, China
Email: sales@niticu.com
Phone / WeChat / WhatsApp: +86 13335373172
Factory Address: Baotai Road Industrial Park, High-tech Zone, Baoji City, Shaanxi Province, China
