Glossary

Unalloyed copper

Unalloyed copper

Unalloyed copper, commonly referred to as pure copper, is copper in its nearly purest form, typically with a copper content of ≥ 99.9%. It contains only minimal amounts of residual elements or impurities, without the addition of alloying constituents. Due to its exceptional electrical and thermal conductivity, it is one of the most important industrial metals—especially in electrical engineering and electronics.

Key properties

  • Very high electrical conductivity – Perfect for power transmission, busbars, and windings
  • Excellent thermal conductivity – Ideal for heat exchangers, cooling systems, and heat sinks
  • Good corrosion resistance – Stable in air, water, and many chemical environments
  • Outstanding formability – Suitable for drawing, bending, rolling, soldering, and brazing
  • Antimicrobial surface – Useful in hygiene-sensitive applications
  • Non-magnetic – Safe for use in sensitive electronic and magnetic environments

Common grades (EN / ASTM)

  • Cu-ETP (CW004A) – Electrolytic tough pitch copper; standard for electrical applications
  • Cu-OF / Cu-OFE (CW008A) – Oxygen-free copper; used in high-frequency and vacuum applications
  • Cu-HCP (CW021A) – High-conductivity phosphorus-deoxidized copper with low hydrogen embrittlement risk

Typical applications

  • Electrical engineering and power distribution – Wires, busbars, transformers, electric motors
  • Electronics – Printed circuit boards (PCBs), connectors, microcontacts
  • Cooling and HVAC systems – Heat exchangers, copper pipes, thermal conductors
  • Mechanical engineering – Bearings, earthing components, sliding contacts
  • High-frequency and vacuum technology – RF enclosures, waveguides, accelerator components

You will find all our alloys in our alloy finder

Berkenhoff GmbH (headquarters)

  • Kinzenbach plant
  • Berkenhoffstrasse 14
  • 35452 Heuchelheim
  • Germany

Berkenhoff GmbH

  • Merkenbach plant
  • Rehmühle 1
  • 35745 Herborn
  • Germany

bedra Vietnam Alloy Material Co., Ltd

  • Lot CN-06, Hoa Phu Industrial Park,
    Mai Dinh Commune,
    Hiep Hoa District, Bắc Ninh Province,
    Vietnam
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